Results 1-20 of 37 for speaker:Aubrey McCarthy

Seanad: Cathaoirleach a Thoghadh - Election of Cathaoirleach (12 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I offer my own congratulations to the Cathaoirleach. I listened to Senator Bradley speaking about getting used to the Seanad but for me, this is my first day at school. I thank everybody, especially Martin Groves and his team, for making it so easy. It is an absolute privilege to stand here among Senators and I look forward to working with each one of them. I believe we can serve the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: Hear, hear.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I rise to highlight a grave incident that happened in County Kildare on 7 February. There was an arson attack in the Rathasker Stud in Naas, which burned down two large hay barns, 600 bales of hay and a horse box causing over €150,000 worth of damage. However, the attack also put 18 valuable thoroughbred mares in foal in danger but they were rescued by workers and neighbours who...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (25 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I rise today to echo what my colleague, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said, in calling on the Leader of the House to organise a debate on Ukraine as we mark three years since Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion - three years of war, suffering and absolute displacement of the Ukrainian people, but also extraordinary resilience from the Ukrainian people. From the start - I will echo...

Seanad: Community Safety: Statements (25 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State, and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, for being here and I wish them both well in their new roles. I also extend my gratitude to the Leader of the House for organising this important discussion, which allows us the opportunity to engage on a matter that affects every citizen in Ireland. It is fair to say that the issue of safety in Ireland is changing....

Seanad: Response to Storm Éowyn: Statements (26 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State for being here. It is concerning when I hear my colleagues talking about people only being reconnected today and yesterday even though the storm occurred on 21 January. That is concerning, but great thanks must go out to the emergency workers in the ESB, Irish Water and local councils who have been on the ground since the storm hit. Their work embodies the...

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (26 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State for coming in for this debate. I acknowledge that we have seen significant improvements in public transport and we want to focus on doing more. As we look to the future, there are several gaps in the public transport system in areas I am familiar with. One of the key areas I will highlight - Senator O'Loughlin will be familiar with it as it is also her area -...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Provision (27 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State and I congratulate him on his new role. I wish to address an urgent and pressing challenge facing us in Ireland today, which is the housing crisis and the unacceptable level of homelessness. The word "crisis" is often used in the media to address our housing issues, yet the responses we are showing do not resemble or reflect what a crisis it is. What we did...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Provision (27 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State. I am excited to hear about some of the interventions he outlined. In 2016, before I was a Member of the House, I spoke to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness about how, by coming together with a task force, we can make an absolute difference. The figure then was 6,200 people in emergency accommodation. The then Minister said that we hoped to...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I note it has already been mentioned by Senator Ahearn, but I wish to address the very real concerns facing Irish businesses with the news overnight regarding US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. If these tariffs are enacted, it would have severe consequences for Irish exports, Irish jobs and our economy as a whole. The United States is one of our...

Seanad: Care, Supports and Enhanced Provision of Services for Older People: Motion (5 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I extend my gratitude to the Minister of State for joining us for this crucial motion on care, support and enhanced provision of services for older people, which I am totally supportive of. Our ageing population presents challenges and opportunities, as has been outlined by many Members. It is a privilege to contribute to this important discussion. I highlight the extraordinary...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I commend the outstanding work of our embassy staff across the world. I know it has been mentioned by many of my colleagues. These dedicated men and women are the face of Ireland abroad. They work tirelessly to promote our culture, our economy and, of course, our global influence. I recently had the honour of meeting the team at the embassy in London when they celebrated St....

Seanad: Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (19 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister for being here and congratulate her on her new role. I thank Senator McDowell. I support this Bill. It is crucial legislation, which addresses the most pressing issue regarding what children are suffering. Listening to Senator Clonan and hearing what he has experienced have shocked me. I have heard that there are mild cases.I have also seen that timely intervention...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I want to address the issue of housing and the homeless crisis. I ask the Deputy Leader to call on the Minister for housing to come before the House and debate the ongoing housing crisis. Yesterday we saw a number of articles on CSO figures that paint a deeply concerning picture which demands immediate attention. We see that planning permissions for apartments plummeted by 39%, with a drop...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (25 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Acting Chairperson for the opportunity to raise this important and urgent matter, and the Minister of State for being here. The national planning framework, NPF, is a cornerstone of Ireland's efforts to plan for sustainable growth, address regional imbalances and, critically, respond to the housing crisis, which is gripping our nation and which I have mentioned here on many...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (25 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State for his response. It is good news we are nearly there with the NPF but I must express concerns regarding the timing and practical implications. As I mentioned, Ireland's population has continued to grow significantly and, since the last census in 2022, it has grown by 230,000. My worry is that the data that has been published is already outdated, which will...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (25 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I wish to express concern over the closure of another small or medium business, namely, Thunders Bakery in Dublin. It was a much loved Dublin institution that served our communities for more than five decades. Established in 1969, Thunders Bakery has been a cornerstone of local life, providing quality baked goods and deli items across its eight branches, including in Donaghmede,...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: Tomorrow is Daffodil Day and I will reflect on the stories of courage, resilience and hope that define this wonderful initiative led by the Irish Cancer Society, which was with us here yesterday. This day is more than an annual fundraiser. It is a symbol of unity and determination in the fight against cancer, as well as a celebration of the incredible human spirit. There are stories close...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: Yes, I have permission.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: It is a good news story. Today, James is a vibrant 20-year-old lad in Naas, pursuing his passions and dreams like any other young guy, and Kate has also thrived. She is a 16-year-old girl, plays rugby and has a passion for sports and enthusiasm for life. I also have a good friend who is well known and has given her permission to be named. She is Jess Colivet. Her breast cancer...