Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Cathaoirleach, Members and the entire staff of the House a happy and peaceful 2021. This year has already had a very rocky start internationally and nationally.It was a difficult start but it was also an emotional one considering the mother and baby homes report that was published last week, about which we will hear more later in our debate.

Since we last met, which was only a few short weeks ago, Covid numbers have risen. The vaccination programme has been rolled out, thankfully, and we are back in circumstances in which children are being schooled at home. "Homeschooling" is probably too strong a term. It is very difficult for parents, students and teachers to homeschool. Where the eventual reopening of our schools is concerned, we need to have teachers, special needs assistants and other school staff higher up the vaccine list. One of the cohorts that has very much been left behind includes those with special needs. While I am aware that unions and the Department are having ongoing conversations about this, I appeal to all to work together to ensure special needs children have the opportunities they so badly need. It is so important.

The events last Wednesday week at Capitol Hill, Washington, were appalling. Five lives were lost. Thankfully, we will see tomorrow the incoming US President, Mr. Joe Biden, take office. I wish him and his team, particularly those with Irish roots, well as they take on the huge task ahead. That is not to mention Russia and the treatment of the leader of the opposition.

The two main issues I would like to raise today concern the non-national front-line healthcare workers, who have done so much and sacrificed so much helping all those who need help in our hospitals and the rest of the health service. I must also mention those in retail. About 26% of our essential workers are front-line workers. In Europe and Canada, their contribution has been recognised with a commitment to fast-tracking their citizenship. We absolutely have to do that. If the Leader passes on that message, I will appreciate it.

The second item I want to raise concerns the great news we heard yesterday about Waterford Ladies Gaelic Football Association. It is to get its own grounds. This is exceedingly important. The Waterford women's county football team is the first to achieve that. In this regard, I am aware of the attempts made elsewhere, including in my county, Kildare, where there is a strong record of ladies football. The organisation in my county has to pay €11,000 per year for a place when it can. In early December, the location of the women's semi-final was changed at short notice. This sends out a very bad message about women's football and women's participation in sport. I would like the Leader to ask the Minister responsible for sport to address gender inequality in sport.