Results 5,021-5,040 of 5,852 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I add my voice of welcome to the ambassador and Deputy Devlin, and thank them for visiting us in the Seanad. I wish all Lithuanians living here well on their national day. I have the opportunity of serving on the Council of Europe, along with my esteemed colleague, Senator Joe O'Reilly, and we work very well with the Lithuanian delegation. We look forward to welcoming them in the context...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the report of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Marine entitled Issues impacting the Forestry Sector in Ireland, to be taken at 1 p.m., the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours and in accordance with Standing Order 78, the Chairperson of the committee, being a Member of Dáil Éireann or another Member of...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank all Senators who engaged with today's Order of Business. There were a number of very positive comments regarding yesterday's event marking Seanad 100 and thanks expressed to the Cathaoirleach for his leadership in organising that as well as all of the officials. It was lovely to see Senator Norris and former President Mary Robinson engaging with us on the relevance and importance of...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I am making a point. There is no need to rehash the whole debate around the Together for Safety group or safe access zones because we had that debate in the House last week. The Minister has clearly indicated he is legislating for that and, in my view, rightly so. Senator Gavan highlighted the good news for Castleconnell regarding Nelson's Cross junction and sports funding. It is wonderful...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Our deepest sympathies go to Deputy Murphy on her mother's passing. Senator McGreehan spoke about improvements in services for victims of domestic abuse and referred to the details announced today for a new agency, an increase in the number of refuges in the country and the supports needed for those refuges. That is important. She highlighted the need for everybody to work together on...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Senator Lombard was correct in raising the point about the significant burden on our communities and volunteers who are, for the first time in three years, getting ready for St. Patrick's Day events. Insurance should be affordable. We will refer this to the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, and try to get some type of response. Senator Sherlock raised the issue of an interview on "Morning...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Senator Ward spoke about Liath restaurant in Blackrock getting two Michelin stars, which is fantastic. I know Blackrock well as I went to college there and have family living there. It is one of my life's ambitions to get to Liath. Chapter One also received two Michelin stars.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Numerous restaurants around the country received Michelin stars and awards yesterday, which is wonderful. We are encouraging visitors to come to our shores so having really high-quality food in restaurants is important. For those of us in the country, now that restaurants are open and back for business, it is wonderful to see the level of quality and high standards we have.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Senator Ward also mentioned the fact that we only have three pharmacy schools and we need a fourth. He asked for a debate with the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, but perhaps that debate should be with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris. In discussing the Cassells report and funding for higher level, we should include...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Solar Panels for Public Buildings, Schools, Homes and Other Premises) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Committee Stage (16 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: It is a great pleasure to speak again on this very worthy Bill. I spoke on Second Stage also. When we think of solar energy and the impact of having solar panels on our schools, what greater lesson and leadership can we give our young people, who are very often leaders in this area? It is a strong statement in any community when we see public buildings with solar panels, be they schools,...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Health Services (22 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State. We certainly echo that. It is wonderful to see such investment in women's health.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Environmental Schemes (22 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: That was a very short contribution. The Senator does not mince his words.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Environmental Schemes (22 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Yes. When the one-stop-shops are in place it will bring a lot of clarity. I have suggested that post offices in our communities would be very much involved both in helping with finance and in doing some of the one-stop-shop business as well.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I add my voice to the welcome for my esteemed colleague and friend, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Colm Kelleher, and his son. It is a great pleasure to have them in the Chamber for today's business. Stoyu z ukrayinoyu: stand with Ukraine. I was on the phone this morning to my esteemed friend and colleague, Yevheniya Kravchuk, who is a Ukrainian parliamentarian, speaking about the current...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Second Stage (22 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I welcome the Minister to the House. I thank the Minister for prioritising this important Bill and for all the work that she has put into it along with her officials. I thank also the Oireachtas committee for the work it has put in, in terms of examining it. I certainly appreciate the Minister's clarification on a number of issues at the start - it was very welcome - and her thorough...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Order of Business is No.1, address to Seanad Éireann by MEPs representing the European Parliament South constituency, to be taken at 2 p.m., in accordance with the arrangements set out in a motion passed by the House on 10 February 2022; No. 2, motion regarding the establishment of citizens' assemblies, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to conclude at 6.30 p.m., if not previously...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Before Senator Dolan's parents leave, I want to wish her mum a very happy birthday. It is wonderful to see all her family here. I know it was a very proud day for her when she was elected, as it was for all of us. I know that it is a proud day to have the opportunity to visit here and see the goings on. They are very welcome. Senator Malcolm Byrne welcomed Matthew McGrath and I add my...

Seanad: Citizens' Assemblies: Motion (23 Feb 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I want to acknowledge Senator Ruane’s commitment to and passion around this issue. I am listening and I hear her. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. The Minister of State is very welcome. We know that two of the key commitments in the programme for Government are to establish citizens’ assemblies on biodiversity and on the local government...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Equipment (1 Mar 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins. I speak on behalf of concerned and frustrated parents who have contacted me over the last months. They have struggled to access the assistive technology that their occupational therapists have absolutely, unequivocally confirmed was needed for their children. I have no doubt that that is reflected around the country. Assistive...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Equipment (1 Mar 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I acknowledge the significant spending by the Department of Education on special needs, and that is very much to be welcomed. I am still very concerned about the reply the Minister of State has given because while he talked about the rise in applications in 2021, both situations I have spoken about have been going on for years, one since 2018. Every year the pupil is told to reapply. In...