Noel O'Donovan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As these are my maiden words in the Chamber, may I begin by wishing the Cathaoirleach well in his position as Chair. I also extend my well wishes to the Leader of the House and my party colleague, Senator Kyne. I look forward to working with them both and with all Members of this House for the collective and common good. I also put on record my appreciation to the leader of my party, the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, and the Taoiseach for affording me the opportunity to be here today. Finally, I thank the important people in my life, my family, friends and supporters, for their unending support and belief in me.

During last week's debate, many Senators, some of whom have vast experience, spoke about a politics of collaboration, a politics of working together for the common good, in the national interest and for the betterment of the people of Ireland. I appreciate that many here do not know me well but I assure Members that is also the politics that I do because it is the politics that best serves the people and the various constituencies that we represent.

As a former member of An Garda Síochána and now a public representative, serving the public has been my life's work. It is both an honour and a privilege to serve. I look forward in the coming years to being a strong voice for my former colleagues, the men and women of An Garda Síochána. Law and order, standing firm and knowing the difference between right and wrong both domestically and internationally, are fundamental to my beliefs and those of my party.

Turning to things domestic and, indeed, parochial, I am putting Members on notice at the beginning of this term that they will hear me mention my constituency of Cork South-West and west Cork in general frequently. Fishing, farming, tourism and small, family-run businesses are still the backbone of many of the rural communities that I represent.I am passionate about my home and I am determined to use the opportunity I now have to deliver an honest politics and a politics that delivers for west Cork.

We have many challenges in this country, in housing, health, infrastructure and improving disability services. Those of us who ran in the local and general elections this past year know well the work we must do. I ask the Leader to seek a debate on the topic of loneliness at a future point. Loneliness is a silent pandemic in our communities. It is a pandemic after a pandemic and one that affects every age demographic, young and old, urban and rural. A solution requires much more than funding. It requires a national conversation and a cross-departmental approach to the issue. We are a nation of good people, good communities, volunteerism, craic agus ceol. We now need to act to protect our communities, however, and prevent further isolation and loneliness. It is our duty.