Results 1-20 of 27 for speaker:Aubrey McCarthy

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (9 Apr 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I renew my call for a debate in this House, as my colleague, Senator Craughwell, has talked about, on the growing impact of the escalating trade tensions that are going to affect the Irish economy. We have seen overnight that more than 60 countries have been impacted by the trade tariffs that have been applied. My colleague mentioned the tariffs of 104% on China. These developments were...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I welcome the news today that the national planning framework, NPF, which I spoke about last week, has been approved by Cabinet today. Now we just need to get it approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas without any delay so we can focus on housing and the need for housing, as we have outlined several times. The Chamber also needs to address, on a separate note, the inequalities, which...

Seanad: International Trade and International Relations: Statements (Resumed) (3 Apr 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State for taking the time to be here. I congratulate him and the Tánaiste on their new positions. He is stepping into this role at a time of serious economic and geopolitical challenges. The decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on jobs, trade and Ireland's place on the global stage. I know we are facing an issue, the growing trade...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Apr 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I have permission to mention a name, although I will not mention the full name. A good friend of mine is facing his last few months of life. Jason's case highlights a critical gap in Ireland's palliative care system, in particular for non-cancer terminal illnesses. His family are struggling to secure clear, co-ordinated care due to a lack of urgent out-of-hours and crisis response...

Seanad: Housing: Statements (2 Apr 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister for being here. Homelessness is very close to my heart. I have been involved in the homelessness sector since 2006, so I have seen it grow into a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention. Many people have quoted the recent figures from the Department of housing that show that more than 15,378 individuals are in emergency accommodation, including 4,653...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Apr 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I, too, wish Jeremy well as he departs. I hope he and George enjoy every success in their new roles. It is good to see the Government preparing for the potential impact of the US Administration's tariffs and trade war. These tariffs could have significant consequences for Ireland's economy, particularly our exports. They will directly affect our food and drink sector and significantly...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: Tomorrow is Daffodil Day and I will reflect on the stories of courage, resilience and hope that define this wonderful initiative led by the Irish Cancer Society, which was with us here yesterday. This day is more than an annual fundraiser. It is a symbol of unity and determination in the fight against cancer, as well as a celebration of the incredible human spirit. There are stories close...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: Yes, I have permission.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: It is a good news story. Today, James is a vibrant 20-year-old lad in Naas, pursuing his passions and dreams like any other young guy, and Kate has also thrived. She is a 16-year-old girl, plays rugby and has a passion for sports and enthusiasm for life. I also have a good friend who is well known and has given her permission to be named. She is Jess Colivet. Her breast cancer...

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2025: Motion (27 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate her on her new role. I welcome the opportunity to address the vital matter of the accommodation recognition payment, ARP. This initiative, launched in July 2022, has proven to be a powerful and effective mechanism for providing support to beneficiaries of temporary accommodation, particularly those fleeing the war in Ukraine, under the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (25 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Acting Chairperson for the opportunity to raise this important and urgent matter, and the Minister of State for being here. The national planning framework, NPF, is a cornerstone of Ireland's efforts to plan for sustainable growth, address regional imbalances and, critically, respond to the housing crisis, which is gripping our nation and which I have mentioned here on many...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (25 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State for his response. It is good news we are nearly there with the NPF but I must express concerns regarding the timing and practical implications. As I mentioned, Ireland's population has continued to grow significantly and, since the last census in 2022, it has grown by 230,000. My worry is that the data that has been published is already outdated, which will...

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

Aubrey McCarthy: I wish to express concern over the closure of another small or medium business, namely, Thunders Bakery in Dublin. It was a much loved Dublin institution that served our communities for more than five decades. Established in 1969, Thunders Bakery has been a cornerstone of local life, providing quality baked goods and deli items across its eight branches, including in Donaghmede,...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I want to address the issue of housing and the homeless crisis. I ask the Deputy Leader to call on the Minister for housing to come before the House and debate the ongoing housing crisis. Yesterday we saw a number of articles on CSO figures that paint a deeply concerning picture which demands immediate attention. We see that planning permissions for apartments plummeted by 39%, with a drop...

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

Aubrey McCarthy: I commend the outstanding work of our embassy staff across the world. I know it has been mentioned by many of my colleagues. These dedicated men and women are the face of Ireland abroad. They work tirelessly to promote our culture, our economy and, of course, our global influence. I recently had the honour of meeting the team at the embassy in London when they celebrated St....

Seanad: Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (19 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister for being here and congratulate her on her new role. I thank Senator McDowell. I support this Bill. It is crucial legislation, which addresses the most pressing issue regarding what children are suffering. Listening to Senator Clonan and hearing what he has experienced have shocked me. I have heard that there are mild cases.I have also seen that timely intervention...

Seanad: Care, Supports and Enhanced Provision of Services for Older People: Motion (5 Mar 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I extend my gratitude to the Minister of State for joining us for this crucial motion on care, support and enhanced provision of services for older people, which I am totally supportive of. Our ageing population presents challenges and opportunities, as has been outlined by many Members. It is a privilege to contribute to this important discussion. I highlight the extraordinary...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Provision (27 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State and I congratulate him on his new role. I wish to address an urgent and pressing challenge facing us in Ireland today, which is the housing crisis and the unacceptable level of homelessness. The word "crisis" is often used in the media to address our housing issues, yet the responses we are showing do not resemble or reflect what a crisis it is. What we did...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Provision (27 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I thank the Minister of State. I am excited to hear about some of the interventions he outlined. In 2016, before I was a Member of the House, I spoke to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness about how, by coming together with a task force, we can make an absolute difference. The figure then was 6,200 people in emergency accommodation. The then Minister said that we hoped to...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Feb 2025)

Aubrey McCarthy: I note it has already been mentioned by Senator Ahearn, but I wish to address the very real concerns facing Irish businesses with the news overnight regarding US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. If these tariffs are enacted, it would have severe consequences for Irish exports, Irish jobs and our economy as a whole. The United States is one of our...