Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I express our sadness on hearing of the passing of Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, who was rightly revered for her lifelong dedication to social justice, especially her work with the homeless, immigrants and marginalised communities in Ireland. She earned deep respect and admiration. We can look back at the organisations she co-founded: Focus Ireland, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, and the Sanctuary. I took one quote from her many wonderful sayings, that belonging is a basic human need. Without it, people feel isolated, invisible and powerless. It is a very strong statement about inclusion, something we should all reflect on. May she rest in peace. I also mention a former Fianna Fáil councillor who passed away last week. Councillor Noel Bourke served from 1991 to 2019 in Offaly. He was a Tipperary man but lived in Edenderry. I served as a councillor when he was a councillor, and with Kildare and Offaly sharing a border there was many a time we spoke to each other and co-operated on different things. He was an absolute gentleman who was dedicated to public service. He had a huge connection to the community in Edenderry. He was committed and approachable. He was full of integrity. I know he gave great help and support to those Fianna Fáil councillors who came after him, including Councillors Robert McDermott and Claire Murray. On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I give our deepest sympathies to his wife Carmel and his son Donny, and to the extended family.

Ar son Fhianna Fáil, déanaim comhghairdeas ó chroí le Catherine Connolly ar a togadh mar Uachtarán na hÉireann. Go raibh ráth agus bláth uirthi ina ról nua mar Cheann Stáit agus go leana sí ag spreagadh muintir na hÉireann le ceannaireacht, croí agus cumadh. I know we all look forward to celebrating her inauguration together this day next week.

There is another issue I wish to bring up to seek debate in the House on. I acknowledge that many from different parties have already raised this issue. Yet again coming through the gates, I saw the four survivors on hunger strike. Nothing happened during the recess, which is very saddening, disappointing and frustrating. It is absolutely wrong. The four are Miriam Moriarty Owens, Mary O'Donovan, Mary Dunleavy Greene and Maurice Patton O'Connell. They are basically looking for two things. These are the Health (Amendment) Act cards, which provide enhanced medical coverage and State contributory pensions. I know a meeting was called and scheduled with Kieran Mulvey as mediator but for some reason it was postponed. It needs to happen and this needs to be sorted. Every one of us here has compassion and has a heart. The Minister should come in and address us on this issue.