Results 41-47 of 47 for speaker:Joanne Collins

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Pension Provisions (4 Mar 2025)

Joanne Collins: I thank the Minister. That is exactly what I was going to raise with him. The education piece is the most part. For so many women whom I have met over the past couple of months, their issue was more that, if they had had another couple of weeks or months adding to their pensions, they would have come away with full pensions. They just lacked those couple of contributions. Maybe a bit of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Pension Provisions (4 Mar 2025)

Joanne Collins: I welcome the Minister. The issue I am raising affects countless women across Ireland who dedicate their lives to raising families, caring for their loved ones or working tirelessly on family farms and who find themselves at a financial disadvantage when they reach pension age. These women who give so much to their families, communities and the economy are being penalised by a pension...

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

Joanne Collins: I welcome the Minister of State. I will highlight a couple of things, the first of which is that rural Ireland is always treated disproportionately when it comes to infrastructure. We tend to have more forestry where the trees will fall. County Limerick was not that badly affected - it sounds awful to say it - because in certain parts, we got our power back within five days. I know it was...

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (26 Feb 2025)

Joanne Collins: I am sharing time with Senator Tully. I welcome the Minister of State. I raise an issue of importance to the people of Limerick and Cork and all who travel between them, namely, the urgent need to address the dangers of the N20. For far too long, this road has been a death trap. It is one of the most dangerous routes in the country, with an appalling record of serious injuries and...

Seanad: Community Safety: Statements (25 Feb 2025)

Joanne Collins: I welcome the Minister of State. Being from County Limerick, I am sure he will agree with me it is a place of strong communities and hard-working families with a proud heritage, but too many people, whether in towns or rural areas, do not feel safe. Our gardaí are stretched beyond capacity. The reduction in Garda numbers, station closures and the lack of visible community policing are...

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

Joanne Collins: I raise an issue today that not only affects Country Limerick but every town, village and county in this country, and that is the pay disparity between section 39 workers and HSE workers, which is putting a massive rift between them. It can be very disheartening for those in the sector working on section 39 contracts when they are working beside someone on better pay, better conditions,...

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

Joanne Collins: I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his appointment. It is with great and immense pride and deep responsibility that I stand here to make my maiden speech in Seanad Éireann. I am honoured to have been elected to the agriculture panel. The sector is the backbone of our country. It sustains our rural communities, drives local economies and shapes our national identity. I am also...