Results 1-20 of 1,874 for speaker:Sharon Keogan

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...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Commercial Rates (26 Mar 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I thank the Minister of State for taking this question today. I wish to address the significant importance of our local government and the equitable treatment of our elected representatives. Will the Minister of State clarify whether the exemptions from commercial rates which currently benefit TDs, Senators and MPs will be extended to the constituency offices of county councillors? As we...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Commercial Rates (26 Mar 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I thank the Minister of State. This House might look to amending paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 to the Act in this regard. While I have the Minister of State here, he might comment on whether the Department has discussed changes to the vouched system of expenses for county councillors. Currently, councillors receive €4,200 in vouched expenses and €960 in unvouched expenses....

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (26 Mar 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I wish to speak about recent information I have received on exploitation and the shortcomings of the new surrogacy legislation which was signed into law last year. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I have made repeated freedom of information requests to the Department of Foreign Affairs. After three years, I have finally learned that, from January 2022 until today, 98 emergency...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (25 Mar 2025)

Sharon Keogan: I also welcome our Cavan guests this afternoon. I would like to address two important issues: immigration and freedom of debate. Last week in this Chamber and in the Dáil, many of our colleagues lined up to denounce Conor McGregor and the speech he gave in the White House concerning our current immigration crisis. While there are criticisms to be made of McGregor, ultimately he was...