Results 41-60 of 310 for long speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Feb 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, and ask her to contact TG4. At some stage, it can be shown on television. However, it is far too raw and close to the most dreadful tragedy that we have seen in such a long time in our country. Senator McGahon spoke about vacant and derelict homes and good practice that many local authorities could have that...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Feb 2023)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...of mine had to go to the emergency department and was admitted to Naas hospital. Although I was not there, I must say that the care and support given was incredible. It was second to none. There were no long delays. It might have just been a question of luck. I thank the staff at Naas hospital and other hospitals who give everything they have to ensure that all those coming through...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (16 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...they do. Many years ago, I was a volunteer in my local branch in Newbridge. The training we received, particularly relating to being non-judgmental and listening, was very appropriate and a lifelong lesson. I have always tried to apply it in my political life and in negotiations. I wish the Samaritans the best of luck. Today is world COPD day. For those who are not aware of it, COPD...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Apprenticeship Programmes (10 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...to all primary school pupils. We have a ten year literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy. We have widened and improved Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, which is something I have long advocated. We have expanded the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme, DEIS. One in four students is now availing of the programme. We have also reduced the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...that our voices are heard concerning this matter. I want to mention the judgment that came out yesterday concerning the young girl with Down's syndrome who was left outside of her classroom for long periods. Basically, she only spent 40 minutes in her classroom and her special needs assistant, SNA, effectively became her teacher. It is a very sad situation. I admire her parents for...

Seanad: Transport: Motion (9 Nov 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, for returning to the Seanad. She has had a long afternoon in the Chamber but we are always pleased to see her. I am pleased my Fianna Fáil colleagues in the Seanad agreed to use our Private Members' time for this important debate on public transport and on extending the short-hop zone to 50 km, which...

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...how we approach this. There were fears expressed that to do such a thing retrospectively would be an administrative pariah. However, the opt-in method deals with that point comprehensively. Reform of the Seanad is long overdue. As colleagues in the previous debate referenced, we have seen little or no action on the topic since the passing of the seventh amendment in 1979. There have...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Supporting People with Disabilities to Live in Communities: Discussion (20 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ..., heart-warming and inspirational to listen to the witnesses and learn about the work that can be done and how the lives of people with disabilities can be improved, although I appreciate we have a long way to go. It has been interesting to hear about the work of the Crann Centre and Genio. I must applaud Ms Jarvey for her incredible benevolence. I wish we had more people like her. ...

Seanad: Summer Programme: Statements (18 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: .... The fact that the earlier payment scheme has been implemented is important, because I know from speaking to teachers and teaching unions that that was a big issue previously in terms of how long it took for teachers and SNAs to be paid. The area of payment is important, as is the provision to recruit final-year student teachers and student teachers who are registered with the Teaching...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...3 October to facilitate people who were adopted. They can provide their information to try to ensure that they can trace their parents. More than 400 applications were made on Monday. It has been a long, difficult and emotional road for many people. I pay tribute to the tireless advocates and to the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, for delivering on this commitment. Since Monday, adopted...

Seanad: Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces: Statements (4 Oct 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...Defence Forces and our defence policy. We have to ensure that they are treated properly and appropriately. Pay restructuring is crucial as we go forward. How do we do this? The introduction of long-service increments needs to happen. The Army continues to lose recruits, especially at sergeant and corporal level. I understand there are 400 vacancies for sergeants and 300 for corporals...

Seanad: Budget 2023 (Public Expenditure and Reform): Statements (27 Sep 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...workers, families and small businesses. No budget could ever absorb every cost, but today's budget strikes a really good balance between what is possible within our financial powers and protecting our longer term financial stability. I commend the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, on putting his very clear stamp on this budget and ensuring it will...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (21 Sep 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...strong welcome to the Ukrainians. There is a pilot scheme of modular housing for Ukrainians in five counties. I am not opposed at all to modular housing. In fact, we should have been looking at them long ago for our own housing situation and for students. However, I really object to the manner in which they are happening. Two pilot sites have been chosen in Kildare. There will be no...

Seanad: School Transport: Motion (21 Sep 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Minister is very welcome. We had a long debate on school transport this morning at the meeting of the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. We certainly appreciate the Minister giving of her time to debate this very important issue, which is relevant and important to so many families, students and communities right across the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Accommodation (15 Sep 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...the matter directly with the Minister, Deputy Foley. I have raised it directly with her myself, and with staff in her office. Nevertheless, I am still hugely concerned. I understand that the long-term vision for the provision of additional school places is the relocation of Curragh Community College, where the principal, Nessa Doyle, is second to none, but she cannot magic places out of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Jul 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...is hugely important. As we all know, education can be transformative in terms of people’s lives, particularly for people with disability. I would like to ask about further education and lifelong learning, as opposed to that piece about going to third level. The work happening there about creating access is absolutely very important. However, there is a very large cohort of...

Seanad: Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Bill 2022: Second Stage (11 Jul 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...we learned, it was interesting that even though it was agreed that the provision be included in the Act a number of years ago, approximately 27 sections had to be dealt with. This is why there is such a long period of time between beginning and completing a section 37A process. I understand it can take up to 18 months. There would then there would be further delays to organise building...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Jul 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ..., was that a refugee agency would be established. Even taking those two key recommendations would be beneficial. We have only one more chance to try to get this right. It will be for the medium and long term. It will be important that message would go to the Taoiseach and the relevant Ministers.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Accommodation (28 Jun 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...the Minister of State may not have the level of detail I need and require, apart from the briefing he has been given. As we all know, education is the passport to the future because tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it. I am not suggesting that education only happens in schools. We obviously have informal education, which is very important, at home and within society, but...

Seanad: Sick Leave Bill 2022: Second Stage (15 Jun 2022)

Fiona O'Loughlin: ...xe1;il will, of course, be supporting this Bill. It is an important one because it gives all workers in Ireland the right to paid sick leave for the first time. This is something I firmly support. It is long overdue. Workers and their families deserve and need access to a level of paid sick leave. It is a fundamental right of workers and I am pleased my party can play its part in...