Results 581-600 of 5,924 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Heritage Sites (9 May 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State. It is heartening to know this report should be ready in a few weeks and that the recommendations are currently being looked at. The national heritage status is absolutely key. While we may see this area being transferred to the OPW, which would be a good home, there are obviously a number of different Departments involved, including the Departments of...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 May 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I add my voice of welcome to our distinguished guests, particularly to Michael Chambers and Denis Kiely, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at lunchtime. I can assure them that Senator Chambers is a beacon of hope and light and I have no doubt but that they are all incredibly proud of her. I wish to raise a few issues today and will first refer to foster carers. I have been dealing with a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: General Scheme of the Research and Innovation Bill 2023: Discussion (9 May 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I apologise for being late. We had a number of conflicting sessions this morning, particularly in the Seanad, so I did not have the opportunity to listen to the opening statements, although I did have the opportunity to go through the statements. It is good to see Ms Dolan again and I wish her continued success. Given the area we are looking at, it was very helpful for the committee to...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Transport Costs (3 May 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chathaoirleach for selecting this Commencement matter. I believe the Minister of State will remain with us to take this matter. I appreciate this. Many Members of this House and of the Lower House, will be aware that public transport is a key issue for me in representing the needs, desires and wants of those I represent in south Kildare. This matter is in the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Transport Costs (3 May 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State. His reply is certainly signalling good news for commuters from Newbridge in Kildare and for those in the 23 km to 50 km zone. I accept that there has to be a budgetary cost for this but I certainly will not be shy in looking for it. It is incredibly important that we support our commuters for all sorts of reasons but particularly in respect of climate change...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 May 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I add my voice of welcome to the Polish ambassador and her team. I welcome Mary and Liam and friends. It is a great privilege and pleasure to have them here. This morning I hosted a tea party in Leinster House as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer's society. I thank everybody for supporting it, both Members and staff. We were particularly pleased to have such strong ambassadors and advocates...

Seanad: Reykjavik Summit of the Council of Europe: Statements (3 May 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State for his kind words. It is important that this House and the Lower House discuss the upcoming summit. As he stated, it is the fourth such summit in 73 years. There will be significant attendance by Heads of State, with more than 40 countries having indicated they will attend. It is an important day for Europe, the world and Ireland. In particular, I thank...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: As the Deputy Leader may recall, I raised the issue of the EU Commission's case against Hungary's anti-LGBT law in the House previously and called on Ireland to join the lawsuit in solidarity. I am really pleased that, under the stewardship of An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, Ireland has formally supported this particular case. It shows once...

Seanad: Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2023: Second Stage (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Yes.

Seanad: Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2023: Second Stage (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I really am delighted to be standing here today with my brave, open and courageous colleague, Senator Catherine Ardagh, who just laid bare her life over the last number of years. I really appreciate it. I have learned a lot from Catherine since we started on this journey with regard to drafting this Bill. I came to this Bill not from personal experience but from listening to and...

Seanad: Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2023: Second Stage (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I propose we adjourn this debate.

Seanad: Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2023: Second Stage (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: On Friday, 20 October 2023.

Seanad: Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2023: Second Stage (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Next Tuesday at 12.30 p.m.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: A Rights-Based Approach and Disability Legislation: National Disability Authority (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: My sincere apologies that I missed the earlier part of the meeting to other parliamentary duties but I have had the opportunity to read quickly through the witnesses' submissions, for which I thank them. I thank also the secretariat here for their excellent briefing on the roadmap as to where we are and where we need to go. I was going to confine my questions to three of the different...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: A Rights-Based Approach and Disability Legislation: National Disability Authority (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I will move on to Article 24 and the right to education in inclusive and accessible environments on an equal basis with others to help empower people with disabilities and ensure that they can be educated to the fullest of their own ability and potential. In the past the committee has raised concerns about the EPSEN Act and how it needs to be updated. What are the witnesses' views on the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: A Rights-Based Approach and Disability Legislation: National Disability Authority (20 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Yes, I agree. Dr. Tamming has correctly pointed out that a lot of investment has gone into special education, but there is no point in talking about it in monetary terms if we do not have the outcomes. We need to have the vision but we also need to be able to measure the outcomes and have better outcomes than just talk about the money that goes into it. Article 27, on work and...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I also welcome the boys and girls. We are really glad to have them here to see how democracy happens. The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims,...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: A number of matters were discussed on the Order of Business. Senator Kyne commenced with yesterday's good news regarding the State's financial surplus. Of course, a surplus did happen by accident. It came about as a result of prudent and careful planning by the current Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, and his predecessor, Deputy Paschal Donohoe. We all agree that there are...

Seanad: Preventing and Combatting Human Trafficking: Motion (19 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following...

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad (19 Apr 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I propose a suspension of the sitting for five minutes until 12.45 p.m.