Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We started this morning with Senator Ardagh who spoke of attending the Family Carers Ireland conference. She rightly said that carers really form the backbone of our communities. She mentioned some of their asks particularly around getting rid of means testing as well as the need for more respite. I could not agree more. There has been progress in increasing the income disregard but there must be a basic income payment regardless of income. I totally agree. She made the point that people are feeling hurt that they are not valued or listened to.We in Leinster House must do better in terms of showing we are listening, that we do care and that we are determined to make a positive difference. As the House knows, last year the woman's caucus, which I chair, decided caring was the key issue we wanted to highlight in both Houses. We brought forward a motion in the Dáil and Seanad on supporting carers and updating the carers' strategy. We want every single party to make that part of their manifesto.

Senator Conway spoke about the huge concerns in respect of emergency care in the mid-west, that while HIQA is doing quite a lot of work, the report will not be completed until June, and given we are heading into an election, it is important the date does not slip, whoever is in government. The numbers will dictate what happens after the next election, but we need to ensure that, in the programme for Government that will need to be negotiated between whatever parties are elected, emergency care is looked at in depth and that that does not delay the report.

Senator Clonan spoke about Caitlin Hassan. I have been here when he has spoken about her before, about her mum, Louise, and the need for the report to be made available. He is correct to raise concerns about safeguards in private or State-run institutions for anyone who is vulnerable, no matter what age they are. This is genuinely one of the key priorities we need to address to ensure safeguarding is in place and we continually try to improve it at all times. I support his call for the report to be made available.

Senator Gavan spoke about issues in Limerick, including a lack of services, Limerick being in gridlock and the difficulties getting in and out of Limerick city. He said it has been quite some time since I have been in Limerick city. There needs to be a rejuvenation programme. I hope that having a directly elected mayor will help that process. I accept what he said. I have no doubt that whoever is elected to represent Limerick will take on that call. It is to be hoped the Senator will have an opportunity to raise the issue again.

Safety on public transport is a major issue, something on which Senator Mary Fitzpatrick has led in particular. Dublin Oireachtas Members, including Senators Ardagh and Fitzpatrick and Deputies McAuliffe and O'Callaghan, have taken a major lead and have changed our policy on this in Fianna Fáil. It is an important point.

Senator Paul Daly spoke about the Mercosur deal and concerns about traceability. He urged all incumbent Ministers, MEPs, etc. to keep a watchful eye on this. We support that.

Senator Paddy Burke called for the financial ombudsman to make a statement on a High Court decision from two months ago regarding failings in banking, and again we support that.

I agree with the comments of Senator Boyhan. It was wonderful to see Robbie Dolan from Kildare town riding the winner of the Melbourne Cup. I believe the odds were 90-1. I only saw that afterwards; I did not have a bet myself. I am delighted to see Robbie bring that home. The Melbourne Cup is of huge international significance and it is wonderful to see that happen. Senator Boyhan also thanked Deputy Duncan Smith for hosting a transport meeting and again emphasised the need for transport police.

Senator Malcolm Byrne quite rightly noted the sad and premature passing of David Davin-Power, who was incredibly insightful. We will all miss his commentary over the next few weeks when we finally have the election. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. I offer my deepest sympathy to his wife and children. We know there is great sadness among the press community as well as among the parliamentary community.

I congratulate Michael McGrath, who has been confirmed as the next EU Commissioner.I know he will make a huge difference in a very important and sensitive portfolio.

The Agriculture Commissioner, Mr. Hansen, is prioritising fair pricing and generational renewal but, in particular, the mental health of those within the agricultural industry. There was a large IFA conference at the Curragh last Friday, and this issue was touched on. It is right that we look at the mental health of those who are working in the many industries where people work alone. We need to be mindful of this across every industry but many of those in farming are working in isolation from others.

Senator Seery Kearney spoke about the need for the culture to change in the HSE. I certainly agree, as would many others in the House. The Senator spoke about a situation whereby there is a threat to remove a person from the care of a family and make them a ward of court. I am dealing with a family in respect of which a similar situation is ongoing at the moment. It has to be a major concern for all that if a family or a public representative criticises the way the HSE is doing business, straight away, all the legal constraints come in. Senator Clonan noted that €65 million has been spent on legal cases, which is simply not good enough and which takes away from accountability and transparency within the system.

Senator Keogan spoke about her cousin Paul Brady who is the handball champion at the age of 45. Congratulations to Paul. I wish to mention Christy Downey from Milltown, who I met when canvassing last week. At 77, he is the world champion for the underhand rings, although I do not even know what that means. It is amazing that he recently became world champion at 77 years of age.

Senator Keogan also mentioned the issue of crime and people feeling unsafe in their communities. This is one of the biggest issues that we need to concentrate on. We need to bring back a zero-tolerance approach. If people do not feel safe in their communities, on the streets, in their homes or on public transport, the system is failing them.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the need for special school places at secondary level and the lack of joined-up thinking with regard to knowing how many children are in special classes in mainstream schools or special schools. The lack of facilities available at secondary school level is shocking. We also need to look beyond the secondary school level because many young people aged 18 do not have opportunities. The OWL programme in the Oireachtas is fantastic and gives young people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to do an apprenticeship. Many go on to permanent jobs within the Oireachtas or in the various Departments. This needs to be a priority.

I am sure this is the last time I will be taking the Order of Business as deputy leader of the Fianna Fáil Party. I thank everybody for their courtesy any time I have had the opportunity to step in for the Leader, Senator Chambers. I am quite emotional thinking about it. I thank the officials in the Cathaoirleach's office and the Clerk, Martin Groves, and his team. I wish everybody well in the general election and the Seanad election. There has been great camaraderie. We have sometimes been on different sides of the issues, but we have all been on the side of the common good and on the side of trying to make this country a better place for all who need it.