Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Houses of the Oireachtas on winning the advancing disability equality award for organisations in the workplace with the OWL programme. The award was made at the Irish Centre for Diversity national awards. It is wonderful to see the Houses of the Oireachtas being recognised for this. We are the first and only parliament to organise an internship for young people from KARE and WALK in Walkinstown. I congratulate everybody involved but I particularly thank the Members and staff of the Houses for their support of the OWL programme.

When I was elected a Member in 2016, having an involvement with KARE through my brother, who is a service user, I was asked by the CEO if this was something we could possibly bring in. We looked at it, we advanced it and the Ceann Comhairle supported it. It really is a terrific programme.

I particularly thank all the ushers and other staff who make sure everyone who participates has a very meaningful experience. As we know, many of them have gone on to get permanent jobs in the Civil Service, including here in the Houses of the Oireachtas.I have met many young people around Kildare who are aspiring to the OWL programme. It is a goal for them to be involved. Well done to everybody.

We all recognise that businesses are struggling. It is important that the Government does what it can. In budget 2024, the increased cost of business grant was introduced to help small and medium local businesses to deal with rising costs. Mainly, it supports them with the cost of commercial rates and the minimum wage increase. Having engaged with Kildare County Council, I am delighted to see that this scheme is being rolled out in March. It is important that we all do what we can to work with our local businesses - I am sure it will be March around the country as well – to make sure we support the SME sector.

The proposed citizens’ assembly on education is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to discuss a matter that is fundamental to our society. I have been engaging with Dr. Shane Bergin on the absolute necessity to have this. I note the Taoiseach recently stated that the Government will consider the question of further citizens’ assemblies in due course. However, there was a commitment that the citizens’ assembly on education would begin its work this year. As we are reaching the final furlong in this Government, I call for additional clarity in this regard. I hope we start the process sooner rather than later.