Results 1-20 of 2,586 for speaker:Christopher O'Sullivan

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Overcrowding (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank the Senator for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I know how important University Hospital Limerick is to the people of the region. Clearly, it is a matter the Senator is passionate about and acutely aware of. She has presented her case well, especially her analysis of why there is a higher number of presentations...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Overcrowding (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I completely understand Senator Ryan's frustration and concern. This has gone on for too long in UHL. We have heard the stories and examples of long waiting times on trolleys. It is not good enough. There needs to be urgent action. I also mentioned the 100 extra beds due to come online in the coming year. I hope that will alleviate some of the pressure. The Senator mentioned the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Health Services (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank Senator Kennelly for raising this Commencement matter, which I am again taking on behalf of the Minister for Health. He is absolutely right. We have the same service in Cork South-West. I understand that reconfigurations have happened over recent years and that these have caused concern. Consolidation and reconfiguration happen, and this causes concern. I hope to allay some of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Health Services (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I will absolutely request such a review. The Senator is right. SouthDoc has its own management structures and board. The HSE has very little input into its day-to-day running but it does fund the service so it must expect an appropriate level of service. The Senator gave a good lesson on the geography of Kerry. I am familiar enough with north Kerry. It is very similar to west Cork in...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Renewable Energy Generation (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien. I am delighted to see this issue being raised in the Seanad because I see it as a key way for agriculture in particular to play its part in renewable energy provision. I always point to the example of the Timoleague anaerobic digester in my neck of the woods. It almost...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Renewable Energy Generation (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: Fair play to the Senator. He got to announce that instead of me. That is some going. The news is welcome. Farmers want to play their part in reducing emissions. The bulk of the input into an anaerobic digester is coming from farming and we are getting renewable gas and electricity to power thousands of homes, so I have always felt that those emissions reductions should be attributed to...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Childcare Services (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank Senator Boyhan for raising this issue. The way he describes Mountainside Montessori school sounds incredible. It sounds inclusive and open and is exactly the type of model we should have for our Montessori schools. There is clearly an urgency because September is looming and there needs to be a solution in place. I am not sure if my answer will provide much satisfaction in terms...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Childcare Services (12 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I again thank the Senator. I know he does not live in the constituency, but to be fair, he always represents his councillors and representatives in that area. He is doing so again today. My priority and concern are with the parents and the children who are all set up to avail of the Montessori school service in September. They must be anxious not knowing where they are going to be homed...

Housing: Statements (10 Jun 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I echo the Minister of State's sentiments. The Opposition has been calling for a debate on housing for a while and has accused the Government of avoiding and not having the debate. When we eventually have it, one Opposition Member graces the benches. Well done, Deputy Ó Broin. There is no one here from the Social Democrats or the Labour Party. That is disappointing. I thank the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Schemes (28 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank Deputy Brennan for raising this important issue. He is in an unusual position in that he is a TD who represents two different counties in a new constituency. I wish him the best of luck and congratulate him on his election. The Deputy highlighted an issue with regard to discrepancies between different counties. These schemes are constantly under review and we will certainly...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Schemes (28 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: It is a matter for each local authority to determine what level of support is appropriate for each HAP tenancy within its area, including whether and to what extent the application of a discretionary increase above rent limits is warranted. In doing so, it is the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that tenancies are sustainable. They are advised not to provide HAP support to...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Schemes (28 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank the Deputy for his kind words. I welcome the schoolchildren in the Gallery. I am not sure where they are from but they are welcome to the Seanad Chamber. I hope they are enjoying the day. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to the very serious matter Senator Duffy has raised. The tenant in situ scheme has benefited people in Mayo and the Senator has represented many...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Schemes (28 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank Senator Duffy. The Department obviously cannot get into the nitty-gritty of individual cases but from what he has described, the cost-rental tenant in situ scheme is the option in situations like these. Where someone is not in receipt of HAP or is not approved for social housing, the regular tenant in situ scheme does not allow for the local authority to purchase that house but the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (27 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: 162. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the timetable for the 239 morning bus service from Courtmacsherry to Cork city will be reviewed, to ensure that the service arrives in Cork depot to accommodate service users connections for work and college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26737/25]

Biodiversity Week: Statements (21 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: It is a privilege to address the House today to mark National Biodiversity Week, my first since being appointed Minister of State with responsibility for nature, heritage and biodiversity. This week continues to grow in reach and impact, with over 350 events happening nationwide. It is a time not just to celebrate Ireland's rich natural heritage, but also to reflect, take stock and recommit...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (21 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank Deputy O’Donoghue for raising this. I know it is frustrating. He has probably tabled parliamentary questions on this and got an answer saying that he cannot get detailed responses in parliamentary questions because it is a responsibility for Uisce Éireann. Therefore, this is a good opportunity to raise it in the Dáil and get a bit more detailed response from the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (21 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I will elaborate a bit more. Uisce Éireann has a customer service function through its water charges plan and customer charter, which outlines the standard of services customers should expect to receive. It is open to any member of the public to lodge a formal complaint with Uisce Éireann if they are not happy with the service provided. Details on how to do so are on its website....

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Schools Building Projects (21 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank the Deputy for raising this. I know it is a project he fought hard for. When he sought and got initial approval in 2021, I would say he did not think he would still be here in 2025 seeking stage 2a to be progressed and approved, but here we are. I accept that is a long time and 12 months for the stage 2a process is a long time as well. I will certainly bring that back to the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Schools Building Projects (21 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I did not know Senator Wilson was a former pupil. That is another testament to what a great education centre it is. In all seriousness, I thank the Deputy for bringing this up. I know how hard he fought for the project and that he would love to see it further progressed. I accept 12 months is a long time for the principal, staff, board and parents to be wondering where they stand on this....

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Local Government Reform (21 May 2025)

Christopher O'Sullivan: I thank Senators Boyhan and Ahearn for their kind words of condolence on the death of my sister. They are very much appreciated. In fairness to Senator Ahearn, he has always been an advocate for councillors' needs across Ireland. We know how challenging it is being a councillor. Many councillors are now full time because of the seriousness of the work and the amount of work they have to...