Results 341-360 of 5,572 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Seanad: Safe to Create Programme: Statements (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I will take the opportunity to welcome our guests to the Seanad this afternoon. We hope they find this interesting. I now move on to Senator Black, who has eight minutes.

Seanad: Safe to Create Programme: Statements (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister. We do not doubt her commitment and appreciate her work in the area very much, as doubtless do the artists to whom we are referring. I ask the Acting Leader to propose the suspension of the House until 2.30 p.m.

Seanad: Safe to Create Programme: Statements (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Transport: Motion (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I move: That Seanad Éireann: agrees that: - there is a need to deliver a fairer, more efficient, and more reliable public transport system for all; - it is necessary to incentivise greater use of public transport in order to meet climate targets as set out in the climate action plan; - it is important to make our public transport more affordable for everyone and not just for...

Seanad: Transport: Motion (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, for returning to the Seanad. She has had a long afternoon in the Chamber but we are always pleased to see her. I am pleased my Fianna Fáil colleagues in the Seanad agreed to use our Private Members' time for this important debate on public transport and on extending the short-hop zone to 50 km, which...

Seanad: Transport: Motion (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Seanad: Transport: Motion (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: If we are to meet our climate targets, we need to make public transport more reliable and useable but, crucially, more affordable. With the cost of living gone up so much, people need to see that it is considerably cheaper to use public transport than to drive, if we want to take cars off the road. The NTA will soon introduce a fairer fares initiative and in a meeting I had with its...

Seanad: Transport: Motion (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank my colleagues for their support for the motion. That support seems to be pretty much cross-party in nature. Other issues were raised during the debate, but, in framing this motion, I felt it was important to stick to one matter because public transport is so complex and there is so much we need to do, particularly in the context of connecting rural communities. I really believe...

Seanad: Transport: Motion (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak on this. I thank the Minister of State for joining us in the Seanad. I commend my colleague, Senator Malcolm Byrne, who has worked tirelessly in this area. He is very passionate about extending the franchise for the Seanad vote. Discussion on the need to reform the Seanad is not new. We could stack reports on Seanad reform a mile...

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: We should acknowledge the fact that the British Prime Minister has gone-----

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) (Certificate of Life) Bill 2022: Second Stage (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I find it very hard to follow that contribution. I acknowledge Senator Seery Kearney's honesty and bravery in telling us her story. I acknowledge that Stephen's life mattered and welcome his parents, Caroline and Martin. I have no doubt that the death of a baby is one of the most devastating experiences any parent will face and, sadly, many families have such an experience every year. I...

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) (Certificate of Life) Bill 2022: Second Stage (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) (Certificate of Life) Bill 2022: Second Stage (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Supporting People with Disabilities to Live in Communities: Discussion (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: It has been fascinating, heart-warming and inspirational to listen to the witnesses and learn about the work that can be done and how the lives of people with disabilities can be improved, although I appreciate we have a long way to go. It has been interesting to hear about the work of the Crann Centre and Genio. I must applaud Ms Jarvey for her incredible benevolence. I wish we had more...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I wish to congratulate Ms Noeline Blackwell on an international award she received last night. PILnet is a global non-profit organisation that connects the legal profession around the world to ensure law works for all and Ms Blackwell has done incredible work in the area of domestic violence. She works on a national level but I often hear her on my local radio station, Kildare FM, KFM, so I...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Domestic Violence (18 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for affording me the opportunity to address the need for a domestic violence register in the country. I appreciate the Minister's taking the time to come to the Chamber to respond to this important Commencement matter. Saturday, 1 October should have been Jennifer Poole's 26th birthday. She was a lovely, vivacious young woman with two young children. Very...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Domestic Violence (18 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Any time we are discussing domestic violence, it is important to say to those listening that if they recognise these signs in regard to somebody else or themselves, there is help and support out there. The helpline number is 1800 341 900. I thank the Minister for her response. It is important and it is clear that this is a priority for the Minister and the Government given that the...

Seanad: Summer Programme: Statements (18 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State for being in the House for this debate. This is not my first time speaking on the issue of summer provision and I have no doubt it will not be the last. It is really important to recognise progress when it happens. Education is hugely important to people on this side of the House. Senator Malcolm Byrne and I, as spokespersons on education, really value what...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Mental Health Supports in Schools and Tertiary Education: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Chairman and all our guests for their presentations and commitment in this area. I thank the schools, school communities and boards of management around the country. I have no doubt this is a complex and far-reaching issue on which so much needs to be done. I know all involved are doing their best to try to grapple with where we are. There is no doubt that pupils are...