Results 1-20 of 1,878 for speaker:Sharon Keogan

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (30 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I rise to address a crisis that is eroding the very foundation of our education system, a crisis that this Government continues to ignore at the peril of our children’s futures. As schools reopened this year, more than 2,700 teaching posts remained unfilled across the country, with special schools and DEIS band 1 schools bearing the brunt of this shortage. In Dublin, Wicklow and...

Seanad: Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Bill 2024: Second Stage (30 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: The Minister of State is very welcome and I wish him every good luck in his new portfolio. I rise today in support of the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Bill 2024. This legislation is not merely timely; it is essential for safeguarding our economy, our communities and our national resilience. Recent events have underscored the fragility of our digital infrastructure....

Seanad: Diverting Young People from Criminal Activity: Statements (30 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House to talk about a topic that is very important to us. The diversion of young people from the path of criminal activity is not just a matter of crime statistics; it is about the future of our children and the health of our communities. Recent reports have highlighted the challenges we face, for instance, the overcrowding in Oberstown children's...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (29 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I want to be associated with the expressions of sympathy for Pope Francis. I welcome the one minute of silent prayer at the end of this session. Outside this Chamber there is a rising issue that is dominating Irish society. Inside this Chamber we hear nothing about it. Out there, in the bars, in the taxis and on the streets, it is all people are talking about. Yet, in here, on the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Prison Service (10 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I thank the Minister for coming in. I tabled this matter in order that he might provide a detailed plan and outline for the construction and delivery of the Thornton Hall prison. The overcrowding in prisons is nothing short of a crisis. The most recent figures show there are currently more than 730 prisoners in custody without bed space. The latter represents a 40% increase since January....

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Prison Service (10 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I thank the Minister. Basically, he is saying that lands at Thornton Hall will not be used for international protection accommodation and that he has revoked the order on that. Did he know a contract was signed this time last year with the provider on that site for the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants? I do not know how long the contract was signed for. I...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I call for the immediate reversal of the Government's decision to impose a new stand-alone labelling requirement on alcohol bottles sold in Ireland. Every Member supports the responsible consumption of alcohol and wants to reduce alcohol harm but this policy will do nothing to achieve that goal. It is a misguided solo run that puts Irish jobs and producers and our international reputation...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I raise the question of Ireland's current position on the Mercosur deal. While I was glad to see that the programme for Government contained commitments to fighting it, I was shocked and disappointed when the Irish Independent reported that Ireland did not turn up to a meeting of other EU nations, led by France, which are also committed to fighting the current deal. I call for the Taoiseach...

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (9 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I also congratulate the Minister of State on his position, which nobody deserves more. I know what he did for his town of Athlone when it came to flooding. I saw him in many a river pulling out who-knows-what. He certainly got stuck in. An unfortunate statement was made about our nation to the effect that if we put all of the Dutch people into Ireland it would become the garden of Europe...

Seanad: Prohibition of Advertising or Importuning Sex for Rent Bill 2025: Second Stage (9 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I thank our colleagues in the Labour Party and the technical group for tabling this legislation. I support the Bill. It is a crucial step in addressing a deeply troubling issue that has emerged in our society: the exploitation of vulnerable tenants by unscrupulous landlords who demand sexual favours in lieu of rent. The housing crisis has reached unprecedented levels. We are all acutely...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I rise to address the ongoing disruption caused by the Opposition parties in the Dáil. Last week, after weeks of obstruction over a question of eight minutes, the Opposition continued its childish behaviour by walking out during Deputy Nolan's speaking time. While they were doing this, Ireland along with most of the world was seeing the financial markets descend into chaos in the wake...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I am well aware of that.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I thank the Cathaoirleach. The tactics that have been used not only amount to obstruction but are also a blatant attempt to derail the legislative agenda and hinder progress on the critical issues that affect the lives of our citizens. It is also deeply concerning to witness how the Labour Party and other Opposition parties are allowing themselves to be led around by Sinn Féin in this...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I understand that, a Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I thank the Cathaoirleach. Last week, Members of the Oireachtas, including Members of this House, stated that members of Mothers Against Genocide protesting outside Leinster House were strip-searched by gardaí. That did not happen, according to the Minister, Jim O'Callaghan. It is important that Members of this House retract claims made against our country's police force.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: Yesterday, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children released its annual child death review. The document is harrowing and heartbreaking. It serves as a strong condemnation of the Government’s inaction and a serious call to action. When a child dies in tragic and unnatural circumstances, families are left in a state of uncertainty, grappling with grief and unanswered questions. In...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Apr 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I will speak on the threat of tariffs being imposed on Ireland by the United States, ahead of tomorrow’s announcement from Washington. While I hope for the best, it must be serious if the Taoiseach is publicly claiming that the effects could be disastrous. The Taoiseach said it is important "that we don't invite more damage in our response". I would like to know exactly how we could...

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

Sharon Keogan: I give my best wishes to Aisling Hart, who is retiring this week from the Seanad Office. She has been extremely helpful to all Senators over the number of years I have been here, and I wish her well. I want to address one of the most pressing issues in our country, which is housing. More important, I propose a solution. The debate on housing has been highly unproductive. It has...

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2025: Motion (27 Mar 2025)

Sharon Keogan: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2025: Motion (27 Mar 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I want to address a matter of great importance, which is the financial support and accommodation provided to Ukrainian refugees in our nation. As we extend our hands in solidarity to those fleeing the horrors of war, it is imperative we do so with a clear, sustainable plan that ensures the welfare of both the refugees and our own citizens. I express my unwavering support for humanitarian...