RTE at the Public Accounts Committee
Full Transcript to be posted when available.
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Ryan Tubridy and Noel Kelly at the Public Accounts Committee
Full Transcript: Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh: I thank the witnesses for attending and for their openingstatements. I know Mr. Tubridy is fond of a small quirky fact that tells a story. I am sure heknows as well that 79% of us listen to radio daily here in Ireland, despite everything else that isopen to us,…
Inland Fisheries Ireland at the Public Accounts Committee
Transcript to be posted here once available.
Progress on the National Parks and Wildlife Service: Dáil Statement
Full Transcript: I met recently with an ecologist I know who works very closely with developers as part of her role. She gave me a very simple message, and I think it is one the Minister of State will appreciate. We are just gone three years in government. We spend a lot of time up…
Matters Arising in RTÉ: Dáil Statement
Full Transcript: This had and still has all the ingredients of a good scandal. There are public personas, a public fall from grace, and some messy payments being made, which would be a generous description of how these transactions were conducted. It has dragged out over the course of weeks as we get the continual…
New grant scheme which will help businesses install solar panels
Great news for businesses with the unveiling of a new grant scheme for businesses of all sizes. There is good news for business today with the announcement of a new grant scheme which will help businesses install solar panels with grants ranging from €2,700 to €162,600. The Green Party secured cabinet approval today (July 4th)…
Urgent Climate Action needed as Ireland has experienced the hottest June on record
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh highlights the urgency of Climate Action as Met Éireann announce that Ireland has experienced the hottest June on record. Met Éireann, has announced that June 2023 will be recorded as the hottest June in history. With average temperatures surpassing 16+°C, this milestone breaks an 83-year-old record, signaling…
Protect Ireland’s Nature
Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Ireland’s Nature Following European Court of Justice Ruling Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh has called for urgent action to protect Ireland’s nature following a European Court of Justice ruling. His call follows the verdict which was passed on the position…
RTE at Public Accounts Committee
Transcript of Question Round 1 Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh It is an appalling vista we are facing. We have to acknowledge there has been huge damage done to public trust in a public broadcaster at a time when high-quality public broadcasting has arguably never been more important for countering the misinformation and disinformation that social…
Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board at Public Accounts Committee
Full Transcript: Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh I know Mr. O’Loughlin finds himself in a difficult situation on this. I wish to ask about the voluntary leave aspect, because this is, of course, analogous to some of the drip feed we heard concerning the matter we will be dealing with later this afternoon. Did Mr. O’Brien…
Apprenticeship and Further Education and Training
Full Transcript; We have had a number of opportunities to speak about skills and further and higher education recently in the context of the European Year of Skills. It is really welcome and shows a renewed focus on this area. It actually vindicates the idea of having a stand-alone Ministry to deal with further and…
Child Poverty
Transcript to be posted once available.
Delivery of Public and Active Travel
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the outputs from the climate delivery transport task force since its establishment, as indicated in the Climate Action Plan 2023 Annex of Actions; the specific areas and initiatives of climate delivery that are currently under its focus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30185/23] Deputy…
Rail Infrastructure for the Regions
Just as all roads lead to Dublin, all rail tracks lead to Dublin as well. We have come to have a rail system that is hub-and-spoke and what we need is the outside of the wheel. In that context, the mothballed connection between Rosslare and Waterford city and then from Waterford city on to Limerick…
Default 30kph in built-up areas
Question: Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Transport the status of the review of the framework for setting of speed limits, with specific consideration of the introduction of a 30 km/h default speed limit in urban areas to improve road safety and take-up of active travel, as outlined in the RSA Action Plan 2021–2024; and if…
Expansion of College Courses
Marc Ó Cathasaigh: The announcement from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, earlier today regarding Higher Education Authority plans to expand college courses in a range of areas was very welcome. It is very good news for the South East Technological University, which has been deemed to have…
Eduction Committee
Transcript to be posted here when available.
€305,836 for 181 local projects in Waterford under the Community Support Fund 2022
Green Party TD for Waterford welcomes €305,836 for 181 local projects in Waterford under the Community Support Fund 2022. Green Party TD for Waterford Marc Ó Cathasaigh has today welcomed €305,836 funding for 181 Waterford projects in Waterford under the Community Support Fund 2022. The funding, which was announced by Green Party Minister Joe O’Brien…
Sport Ireland at the Public Accounts Committee
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh: I thank Dr. May for her presentation this morning. A lot ofdiscussion has centred around governance, and Dr. May has outlined that there is tension between that development role and the governance role. I think it only makes sense for the personwho is paying over the money to have a responsibility…
Public Participation Networks
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the review of public participation networks to ensure they are fit for purpose for climate action, as laid out in appendix 1 of policy measures in Our Rural Future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [Ref: 28135/23] Full Transcript:…
Farm Plan Scheme for Biodiversity Conservation
** Applications Open for NPWS Farm Plan Scheme for Biodiversity Conservation** *Waterford, 9th June 2023* – Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, has welcomed news that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has opened applications to the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, urging interested farmers and landowners in Co. Waterford to consider applying.…
Solar PV Payments
Green Party TD Encourages Homeowners to Verify Proper Registration for Solar PV Payments Amidst ‘Rooftop Revolution’ Marc Ó Cathasaigh, Green Party TD for Waterford, is urging homeowners who have embraced solar PV technology to ensure they are properly registered to receive payments for electricity exports. With recent ground-breaking measures introduced by the government, the installation…
Wellbeing Framework 2023
Framework highlights problems as well as success, Green Party’s Ó Cathasaigh warns Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh has cautiously welcomed today’s publication of Ireland’s Wellbeing Framework for 2023 but warned the framework raises questions around the dangers of short-term economic gain at the expense of our environment and our health. The Government began work…
Review of Ash Dieback Scheme Supports
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh has welcomed the announcement by his colleague Min. Pippa Hackett of the establishment of an independent review of her Department’s ash dieback support scheme. The group will review the existing and previous supports available to landowners with ash plantations funded under the National Forestry Programme which are…
Parliamentary Question on the Irish language in the public service
To ask the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is forward planning to help fulfil the provisions set out in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2021, and in particular the objective that 20% of recruitment into the public service by 2030 will be proficient in the Irish language;…
Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage at the Public Accounts Committee
Transcript: Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh: I turn to something which was detailed in their opening statement. I want to change tack slightly and look at that heritage element of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in particular. The figure outlined of the 70% drop in funding…
EU Nature Restoration Law and Irish Agriculture
Marc Ó Cathasaigh: Before I turn to the topic at hand, I could not speak on matters relating to the natural world today without marking the sad loss of Michael Viney, who was one of the finest nature writers we have had the fortune to have in this country. The “Another Life” column was founded…
Census 2023 – Irish Language Figures
Green Party representatives Marc Ó Cathasaigh and Róisín Garvey have labelled Census 2022 figures around the use of the Irish language as ‘an opportunity to be grasped in the European Year of Skills.’ According to Census 2022, 10% of the 1,874,000 people who can speak Irish reported being able to do so ‘very well’, with…
Hedgerow Removal: Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department’s review of the EIA agriculture regulations will commence; if he will require screening of all hedgerow removal, land drainage and conversion of land to agricultural use, regardless of the scale of such operations, while such a review is ongoing; and if he…
Dáil Statement on Biodiversity Action
The Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss reported at the beginning of last month, having been convened in May 2022 in line with a programme for Government commitment. Over the course of seven months and under the direction of their chair, Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, the 99 citizens heard, weighed and considered the advice of experts,…
EU Nature Restoration Law
I spoke on Drivetime in relation to the EU Nature Restoration Law. Part 1 can be listened to above and Part 2 of the discussion below. Press Release, 24th May 2023 Disheartening to see FG MEPs vote against Nature Restoration Law – Ó Cathasaigh The European People’s Party and Fine Gael must justify to the…
Dáil Contribution on the Research and Innovation
Marc Ó Cathasaigh: The Minister will be aware of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the research and innovation Bill, which is before the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science at the moment. This Bill has been broadly welcomed across the sector. We in this country know the importance of research…
University of Limerick at Public Accounts Committee
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh: It has been an extraordinary meeting, and we started by talking about culture change and transparency. I am not sure I have seen that reflected in the someof the language which we have been using. I have some very quick questions regarding theOpera site. Was that proposed site acquisition discussed at…
€1,351,000 funding for key Waterford projects
Green Party TD announces €1,351,000 funding for key Waterford projects under the €50m Community Recognition Scheme which aims to support and recognise the communities hosting Ukrainians and and applicants for International Protection. The scheme will see funding for community facilities and infrastructure such as playgrounds, pocket parks and outdoor exercise equipment throughout the country with…
Open Government National Action Plan 2023-2025
We recently had a public call for submissions on Ireland’s fourth open government national action plan under four thematic areas: transparency and accountability in public office; citizen decision-making; public access to Government data; and strengthening public trust in Government. I want to ask about the follow-up steps we are taking, how we will implement those…
Wellbeing Framework
President Joe Biden, who visited us last month, is famous for saying, “Don’t tell me what you … [care about]. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you … [care about]”. That very much applies to the ongoing work on the Wellbeing Framework in the Department. It is an important piece work in…
European Year of Skills
Full Transcript: The Minister, Deputy Harris, informed me on my way into the Chamber that I might be at least partially to blame for this debate because I asked for it during oral questions in the Chamber earlier this year. If I am partially to blame, I am happy to bear that blame because this…
First ‘Baby Bundles’ to be delivered to expectant parents
Hundreds of expectant parents will receive a new ‘baby bundle’ in the coming days as part of a pilot announced by Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman. The scheme – a first of its kind in Ireland – will see a ‘Little Baby Bundle’ filled with a range of useful items, including play items to encourage…
EnergyCloud in Waterford City
Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh welcomes EnergyCloud to Waterford City as they install smart EnergyCloud devices in 99 Clúid Housing homes throughout the city this week. Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh welcomes EnergyCloud to Waterford City as they install smart EnergyCloud devices in 99 Clúid Housing homes throughout the city this week. The…
Zero VAT on Solar Panels
TD believes VAT reduction will bring the Rooftop Revolution to Waterford, with householders across the Southeast set to benefit from ‘our solar potential’. Green Party TD for Waterford Marc Ó Cathasaigh believes a VAT reduction will bring the Rooftop Revolution to Waterford, with householders across the Southeast set to benefit from ‘our solar potential’. He…
Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the Public Accounts Committee
Full Transcript:Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh: I want to get through a range of issues but I will start with the horse and greyhound racing fund. The 80:20 split is set in law as I understand it. Is there any flexibility in it?Let us say one of them is performing in a way the State is…
Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023
Full Transcript: For many of us, where we come from has been stitched into us, even from the perspective of placenames. I am from Butlerstown. It is no great surprise that Butlerstown Castle is one of the heritage sites that would sit in my mind’s eye. Knockeen Dolmen is less than a mile from my…
An Bord Pleanála at Public Accounts Committee
Full Transcript Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh: I welcome the witnesses and thank Ms Buckley and Mr. McCarthy for their opening statements. I do not presume to speak for everybody here but we allshare the same wish, which is to have a planning system that works and makes fair and robustdecisions in a timely manner. We…
Future Generations
It is very welcome that we have a body within the Taoiseach’s Department looking at the idea of strategic foresight. I believe, however, that there should be stronger role for the Oireachtas in this regard. Looking to international examples, Finland is one that jumps out immediately. The government there must make a statement on the…
€270,445 for Funding for Local Monuments and Historical Sites in Waterford
Green Party T.D. for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh warmly welcomes the funding announced to preserve and promote local monuments and historical sites under the Community Monuments Fund. Blackfriars Abbey and Molana Abbey will each receive €100,000 in funding with Stradbally Church receiving €50,359 and Dromana Tower House receiving €20,086 Dep. Ó Cathasaigh said “This funding…
VAT Changes on Solar to Accelerate ‘Rooftop Revolution’
Proposed changes in the VAT rates levied on solar panels will help ‘accelerate our Rooftop Revolution’, according to Green Party TD, Marc Ó Cathasaigh. Measures being brought to cabinet next week ahead of the Finance Bill could save households up to €1000 on installation costs, with proposals to cut VAT rates on solar panels to…
School Meals Programme
Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh has warmly welcomed Min. Heather Humphreys’ plans to expand the School Meals Programme to all schools by 2030 at the latest. The announcement came as the Minister published an independent evaluation of the School Meals Programme which sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of…
Childrens Disability Network Teams
I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for this opportunity. This is an issue that has been consistently raised at the committees on education and autism. The staffing issues are a big problem. Does the Minister have the pertinent statistics for CHO5 where I am? As Deputy McAuliffe said, it is not just per CHO. There are…
Irish Sheep Farming Sector
Full Transcript: I will begin by asking a straightforward and fundamental question: who is this sector currently working for? Who is it working for socially, economically or environmentally? It is difficult to answer that question. In considering the social aspect, people have pointed out the importance of sheep farming and upland farming within our communities.…
European Year of Skills, Apprenticeships and Skills
Transcript: Picking up on what the Minister said in his last contribution, it has been extremely valuable that a stand-alone Department was created for further and higher education due in particular to the emphasis it has allowed us to put on further education, apprenticeships and skills. We find ourselves in the European Year of Skills.…
80% Increase in Retrofits across Waterford
An 80% increase in numbers of properties across Waterford availing of energy upgrades is a sign of a retrofitting programme ramping up to meet need, according to Green Party Marc Ó Cathasaigh. According to figures released by the SEAI, the numbers of homes retrofitted in Waterford increased from 436 in 2021 to 785 last year,…
Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme 2023 Opens for Applications
Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh has urged eligible communities across Waterford to apply to the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme, announced yesterday by Min. Malcolm Noonan. The scheme aims to support community-led projects to restore and protect nature within their communities, with everything from ecological surveys, boardwalks, trails and bird boxes to education and awareness-raising…
SETU Expands, Acquires the Waterford Crystal Site
Response of Green Party TD, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, to the news that Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, has today confirmed approval has been given to the South East Technological University to expand its presence in Waterford. ‘This is a day that a number of us within government…
Seachtain na Gaeilge agus An Cailín Ciúin
Ní féidir liom an deis a ligean le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge gan gach rath a ghuí ar “An Cailín Ciúin” san Oscars níos déanaí an tseachtain seo. Is píosa scannánaíocht den chéad scoth é. Taispeánann an scannán álainn seo, a bhfuil gach moladh tuillte aige, conas is féidir le infheistíocht bheag inár n-earnáil scannán…
Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023
I want to join with other Deputies in acknowledging and condemning the attack on Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell of the PSNI last week. It throws into very sharp focus what we are discussing and the reality of what we ask our police forces to do on a daily basis. There are not many other…
Credit Union (Amendment) Bill 2022
Full Transcript: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I find myself in agreement with much of what Deputy Shortall has said. We have long been proponents in the Green Party of a public banking model. We have to realise that retail banking does a particular job and is structured in a particular…
Gorse Fires and Land Management
An Ceann Comhairle The final Topical Issue matter comes from Deputy Ó Cathasaigh, who wishes to discuss upland burning and land management practice, which are very topical issues. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, for being here to deal with the matter. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh As the Ceann Comhairle said, these are…
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide
D’fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán conas a thacófar le hathrú aeráide agus le hoiriúnú aeráide sna réigiúin Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8501/23] I have to mention that there is a Waterford film at the Oscars as well and not only one from Achill. Beidh a fhios…
Review of the Disability Act
Full Transcript: The Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children appeared before the Joint Committee on Autism this morning, as did representatives of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC. Among the many issues that were raised around the provision of services for autistic people, a recurring theme was the need to revisit the Disability…
Student Accommodation in Waterford
Full Transcript: The Minister will not be surprised to see me coming in on this. He rightly referenced that Waterford has built on-campus student accommodation. There has been welcome Government interventions on student accommodation, particularly in the case of technological universities, which will be allowed to borrow in order to fund student accommodation for the…
Youth Arts Report
Full Transcript: I wish to discuss the Youth Arts Now report commissioned by the local authority arts services of Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford, together with Creative Ireland Waterford, and facilitated by Waterford Youth Arts. It was launched this day last week in Smock Alley Theatre. It was fantastic to see so many young artists…
Commission for Future Generations 2023: Private Members Bill
Introduction of my Private Members Bill – the Commission for Future Generations 2023 – in the Dáil. Full transcript below: I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the establishment of a body, to be known in the Irish language as an Coimisiún um Ghlúnta sa Todhchaí…
Report on the Summer Programme 2023
Full transcript: I am delighted to have an opportunity to contribute to the debate. I thank the chair of the committee, Senator Carrigy, and I thank Deputy Buckley for moving the motion. The committee took the decision to issue an interim report because it was important that enough lead-in time be given for the recommendations…
Climate Action Plan 2023
The Climate Action Plan 2023 is launched today having been approved by Cabinet. ClimateActionPlan 2023 plan builds on the ambition of the 2022 plan outlining a series of measures that must be followed in each sector of the economy in order for Ireland to meet it’s binding target of cutting emissions by 51% by 2030…
Pre-EU Council Statements
Full Transcript; I echo Deputy Howlin’s comments regarding how interesting it is to reflect on the agenda of the EU Council meeting and how we could not have foreseen many of the items on it when we look back to the start of the Taoiseach’s tenure. It is interesting in the context of not just…
Households Across Waterford entitled to Fuel Allowance for the first time
Changes made to the qualifying criteria for the fuel allowance will make the payment available to hundreds of families across Waterford for the first time from January, a development welcomed by Green Party TD, Marc Ó Cathasaigh. Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist pensioners and other low-income households with their winter heating costs,…
Statements on COP27
I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for giving me the opportunity to get out of the Chair slightly early so that I could take a speaking slot. Although it might seem frivolous, when reflecting on the achievements and otherwise of COP 27, I think of the Sergio Leone film, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.…
Defence Forces: Recruitment and Retention
Full Transcript: Marc Ó Cathasaigh This issue has already been teased out in the discussion this morning. There is a well-acknowledged issue around recruitment and, in particular, retention in our Defence Forces. I ask about the progress made on fulfilling the Government commitment to increase recruitment in the Defence Forces by 2028. Deputy Simon Coveney…
Social Welfare Bill 2022
Full Transcript: Before I address my substantive points, I note that one of the benefits of sharing the duties of chairing the House with the Ceann Comhairle is that one gets to listen to debates in depth. Much of the debate on the Bill has been good. I do not know whether anybody has eulogised…
Science Week
There has never been a man like my father for answering a question with a question. Maybe it was his way of dealing with four inquisitive children when he was bringing us up, but I doubt it. I feel he probably came hard-wired that way. In any case, it was, and still is at times,…
‘Transformative Pathfinder Projects’ announced for Waterford
Transport Minister Ryan launches transformative Pathfinder Projects to bring more public transport, walking and cycling options to villages, towns, and cities by 2025 Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. today launched the Pathfinder Programme of 35 exemplar transport projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country within the next three years,…
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill
Gabhaim buíochas as an deis labhairt ar an mBille. De réir mar a thuigim, níl sé ar intinn ag an Aire Stáit cur ina choinne agus tacaím leis an seasamh sin. Níl an Bille gan locht agus aithním go bhfuil ceisteanna tromchúiseacha ardaithe ag an Aire Stáit ach cabhróidh an díospóireacht seo agus, má théann…
Dáil Contribution on Employment Permits Bill 2022
Full Transcript: I smiled wryly at Deputy Ó Ríordáin’s characterisation of the quips and one-liners because at the start we saw secondary school students in the Gallery and by God they came into a technical and dry discussion. They could have done with a few more quips and one-liners and fair play to them for…
Dáil Contribution on Electricity Costs Emergency Measure
Full Transcript: There seems to be a broad consensus that something needs to be done. I am hearing from Sinn Féin that they will be supporting the passage of the Bill through the House. I understand that there is a difference in the approach that Sinn Féin would take over the Government parties. I happen…
Progress on Plans to replace Suirway Bus Services
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh has welcomed confirmation from the National Transport Authority that there is a Public Service Obligation (PSO) to serve local transport demand from Portlaw, Dunmore East and Passage East into Waterford City. This follows on from the news of Suirway’s withdrawal from providing bus services from the 31st…
National Cultural Institutions Bill 2022
Full Transcript:I am relieved that Deputy Ó Murchú has left the Chamber because I was intimidated by the stellar heights of grade 5. I could manage the right hand and the left hand but playing two hands together at any given time always eluded me. Preparing for this debate I read through the Boaden report.…
The impact of the closure of a bus service on the people of Dunmore, Portlaw and Passage East
I spoke in the Dáil on the closure of Suirway Bus service and the impact it would have on the people of Dunmore, Portlaw and Passage East. Full Transcript: This Monday, commuters, public transport users and schoolkids in Dunmore East, Passage East and Portlaw heard the news that the operator they have relied upon for…
Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme: 33 grants for artists and creative arts workers in Waterford
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh has welcomed the announcement that 33 grants for artists and creative arts workers have been awarded in Waterford through the once-in-a-generation Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme. The pilot scheme will see 2,000 artists nationwide receive a basic income of €325 per week over 3 years…
Green Party TD welcomes AIB decision to reverse move on Cashless Branches
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, has welcomed the announcement that AIB is to reverse its decision to move to cashless branches at 70 locations across the country. The decision, which was set to have impacted services in Ardkeen, Lismore and Tramore, will not now go ahead after significant public and political pressure…
Irish wool – an important potential revenue stream for sheep farmers.
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, has welcomed moves by the Department of Agriculture to develop and promote Irish wool, an important potential revenue stream for sheep farmers. Responding to the launch of the Wool Feasibility Report earlier this month, Dep. Ó Cathasaigh outlined the steps being taken to develop and value an…
Plans to Improve Rural Transport across Co. Waterford Gathers Pace
The plan to increase and improve rural transport, a key Green Party led commitment in the Programme for Government, took another important step forward this week with the publication of the 2022 Implementation Schedule for the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which includes proposals for new bus routes across Co. Waterford. It signals the first…
Famine in the Horn of Africa: Dáil Statement on Post EU Council Meeting.
Full Transcript:I thank the Taoiseach for his comprehensive update on what was discussed at the European Council. None of us is surprised that the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the resulting outcomes dominated much of the meeting. It is striking to hear the language used and reiterated by the Taoiseach in describing some of the…
Dáil Contribution on the Voting Age
Full Transcript: I thank Deputy Pringle for bringing this Bill to the House. He may be disappointed at the Government’s approach. I accept that. However, I think it is useful for him to have sparked off the conversation and to have prompted a Government response on this. The Deputy will not be surprised to hear…
Tramore Educate Together National School
Dáil Contribution on LGBTI+ Equality
Full Transcript: I start this contribution by saying that I fully agree with the points raised by Deputy Ó Ríordáin on the need to tackle this issue within our schools and in respect of employment equality. I have known teaching colleagues during my career who have not felt that that they could be open about…
Well-being Indicator for Language and Culture
Full Transcript:Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh: The second report on Ireland’s well-being framework was published at the beginning of this month. It mirrors very closely the OECD Better Life Index, which is excellent in many respects but largely silent on questions of language and culture. Does the Minister see a role for a specific dimension within…
Pre-European Council Meeting: Statements: Food Crisis
The response to the war in Ukraine dominates the agenda of this European Council, and rightly so. We would fully expect that. I have just emerged from a Dóchas briefing in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, where it was spelled out in real and very stark terms how the impact of…
Statements on Further Education
A document on well-being measures is progressing through the Cabinet. It is based closely on the OECD Better Life Index. One of the factors measured is education. One of the other things measured in the OECD framework is the idea of different forms of capital and of human capital being one of them. Investing in…
Report on Urban Regeneration
Full Transcript: I thank Deputy Duffy for agreeing to share time with me. I will start with a nod to Waterford because it is mentioned throughout the report. The report is excellent and should be important if its recommendations are implemented. I hope it will become important. Waterford is rightly mentioned in that it has…
Statements on Just Transition
Full Transcript: I am glad to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate. It is a conversation we will need to rehearse over and again in the coming years and decades. A just transition has at its core the principle of solidarity so that, as we make changes to our economy and society in…
National Parks and Wildlife Service: New Strategic Action Plan
Full transcript: I am apt to quoting song lyrics in this house. Today, an obvious one leaps out as a good fit, which is Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”. It goes, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.” We cannot continue to make these lyrics true.…
Dáil Contribution on Statements on Agriculture
Full Transcript I recently said there is a phrase that should be written on the wall of every office in this Oireachtas. It reads: “Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a livable future.” This was said by Hans-Otto Pörtner, one of the Intergovernmental Panel…
Construction Technology Centre
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is working with Enterprise Ireland to establish a construction technology centre this year to bring together research, expertise and industry to look at innovation in the built environment. The urgency of this cannot be overstated. We very much need to move towards sustainable materials…
Community Engagement for Renewable Energy Projects
Full Transcript: The question relates to an issue affecting the constituencies of the Minister and the Ministers of State, Deputy Matthews’s constituency in Wicklow, as well as Wexford, my own constituency of Waterford and around the coast into Cork. I am referring to the large-scale development of offshore wind. What steps will the Minister take…
Carbon Budgets
Full Transcript will be available at: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2022-04-06/11/ I ran my first marathon in 2009, many years and indeed many kilos ago. That may not seem in any way germane to the issue being discussed. But I learned an important lesson that day about what happens when human excuses meet immutable, external realities. I had bargained…
€339,755 funding for 5 key heritage projects in Waterford.
Waterford Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh has today welcomed €339,755 funding for 5 key heritage projects in Waterford. The funding announced today by Minister Malcolm Noonan has been allocated to Waterford City & County Council under the Historic Structures Fund which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is…
Dáil Contribution on Overseas Development Aid in light of Global Food Shortages
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with regard to the resultant and expected global food shortages and the impact on Ireland’s overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter Transcript Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh The Minister referred to…
The planned response for meeting the educational needs of children coming to Ireland from Ukraine
My Dáil Contribution regarding the need for a planned response for meeting the education needs of children coming to Ireland from Ukraine. Transcript Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh If the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Minister of State remain lawyers despite their current occupation, then I remain a primary school teacher, and I am very much proud to…
Report on the Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community
Transcript of my Dáil Contribution on the Report on the Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community I very much welcome the opportunity to discuss the report. It is particularly timely and fitting that it is discussed in the week we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the declaration of Traveller ethnicity. It was extremely important, symbolically…
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Agus mé ag ullmhú do mo chuid cainte tráthnóna inniu, d’fhéach mé siar ar an óráid a rinne mé an bhliain seo caite ar an ábhar céanna. Dá mbeinn leisciúil agus mé ag ullmhú, d’fhéadfainn an óráid sin a phriontáil amach chun í a úsáid arís. Go deimhin, creideann na Glasaigh san athchúrsáil agus b’fhéidir…
Aontas Máistrí Poist na hÉireann
Ba mhaith liom aird an Taoisigh a tharraingt ar an bhfeachtas atá á reáchtáil ag Aontas Máistrí Poist na hÉireann, nó the Irish Postmasters’ Union. Bhuail mé le hionadaithe an cheardchumainn i bPort Láirge an tseachtain seo agus cé gur luaigh siad na fadhbanna atá acu, luaigh siad freisin na réitithe ar na fadhbanna sin.…
Dáíl Contribution on e-health and access to services
Transcript: I wanted to put a question to the Minister on the promotion and enabling of e-health. Over the course of the Covid pandemic, we have seen a considerable move towards working from home. We have also seen the ill-effects of the cyberattack. I wanted to ask him what steps have been taken by the…
Town Centres First Policy
Before I begin to talk about the town centre first policy, I wish to acknowledge the members of the Ukrainian community that are outside the gates today. Trying to relate the personal stories of the people at the gates to the large scale of the war on Europe is unthinkable. It does not touch on…
Social Justice Ireland’s new report Measuring Success: Sustainable Progress Index 2022
This is a welcome chance to discuss an important and substantial piece of work that issues every year from Social Justice Ireland, which tracks our attainment in terms of the sustainable progress index or sustainable development goals over of the year. I raised this issue this time last year and submitted a similar Topical Issue.…
Establishment of Citizens’ Assemblies
Transcript: I acknowledge the contribution of Deputy Gino Kenny. He has a strong record of campaigning in this regard, which deserves to be acknowledged. There are elements in this Government who will push this forward. It matters to us too. I respect his record on this issue in particular. This matters to the Green Party.…
The Trolley Problem, Autonomous Cars and the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021
Two seemingly innocuous sections in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which passed Second Stage late last year, are likely to have outsized impact on our roads and on the cars and drivers using them into the future. While they are an instance of the law trying to keep pace or catch up with…
Commission on Taxation and Welfare
Establishing a Commission on Taxation and Welfare was one of the little heralded but very important commitments set out in the Programme for Government. Ireland has what is, on the whole, quite a progressive and redistributive system, but there are issues that should be examined – for instance, are we over-reliant on Corporate Tax revenues,…
The Gorgias, American Carnage and Cambridge Analytica: Populist Messaging and Irish Political Discourse
It’s been a long while since I read any Plato, and over 20 years since I read his Dialogues and much water has passed under many bridges since then. But despite the passing of time and the enormous change in context, particularly the technological context, listening to Melvin Bragg’s ever informative In Our Time podcast…
Dungarvan is to receive almost €1.4m under the Government’s Rural Regeneration Fund
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, has welcomed this morning’s announcement that Dungarvan is to receive almost €1.4m under the Government’s Rural Regeneration Fund. The project, to develop a Digital Transformation Hub, providing 90 co-working spaces and an incubation, innovation and commercialisation hub, was one of 27 landmark regeneration projects selected under funding…
Greenway Funding
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, welcomes significant national funding to create and extend Greenways in Ireland. Two-thirds of a billion euro have been allocated to Local Authorities to advance the delivery and connection of Greenways in 2022, along with key National Road Projects. This will see connectivity between counties and will open…
Sub-standard wastewater situation in Bonmahon
I spoke in the Dáil in December on the subject of the sub-standard wastewater situation in Bonmahon. I raised the issue first with the Tánaiste and subsequently with my Green Party colleague, Malcolm Noonan, T.D. and invited him to visit Bonmahon with me to meet the local campaigners and see the issue on the ground.…
Dáil Contribution on COVID-19
I join other Deputies in extending my best Christmas wishes to people. Across society, we are exhausted. We have learned more about the Greek alphabet than any of us cared to learn and the sooner we forget it the better. People in the healthcare system are exhausted, as are those in the education system. I will stick…
Town Centre Planning for Portlaw
I spoke in the Dáil with regard to the Town Centre First approach. The town centre first approach is writ large across the programme for Government. It has since been put at the heart of the Our Rural Future document and Housing for All. Our towns and villages offer a serious quality of life proposition,…
250 New Jobs for Waterford City
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh welcomes a jobs boost for Waterford with the announcement by Infosys BPM of an expansion which will see 250 new jobs brought to the city. The new centre in Waterford will provide voice support, customer service and technical support operations for large global enterprises. The new roles…
Funding for Waterford Outdoor Recreation Projects
Green Party TD for Waterford Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD today welcomes the announcement of €562,141 funding for Waterford projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which was announced today by Minister Heather Humphries in partnership with Fáilte Ireland . The scheme which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development will see €15.5…
Funding for ChillOUT
Green Party TD for Waterford welcomes almost €40,000 funding for Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service ChillOUT-Reach programme which will work on building LGBTI+ inclusion in rural communities. The funding (€39,797 ) which was announced by Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will be used by the organisation to…
100 New Tech Jobs for Waterford.
Great news for Waterford this morning with the announcement of 100 new tech jobs over the next two years. The jobs were announced by Tegus, a provider of primary business and market intelligence who are setting up their European Headquarters in Waterford. They will open their initial base in Boxworks. With Waterford being voted ‘Best place…
Dáil Contribution: Farrelly Commission of Investigation Substantive Interim Reports
I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak on this second substantive interim report of the Farrelly commission of investigation. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, as well for her opening statement. These reports make for extremely difficult reading. They are long, detailed and harrowing in the extreme. Amid all this information,…
West Waterford Water Supply
Green Party TD welcomes significant improvements in water supply in west Waterford. Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh welcomes the announcement of a significant upgrade to the Ardmore water mains which will support the economic and social development of the area and provide a clean and reliable water supply to residents, visitors and…
Climate Action Plan launched today.
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh says that “We must take this opportunity to live up to the expectations of our young people”, as the Climate Action Plan is launched today. Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh says that “We must take this opportunity to live up to the expectations of…
Sports Capital Programme
Sports Capital Programme November 30, 2020 As we look forward to Waterford’s place in the upcoming Hurling All Ireland Final, sport is on the mind of everyone in the county! 2020 has been a year like no other for sport in Ireland but I’m happy to see that registration for the Sports Capital Programme opens…
TUSE Waterford
Since 2018, €56 million has been spent on Technical University projects throughout Ireland. Of that, the Technical University of the South East (TUSE) has only received €8.1 million, or 14% of the total budget. Much less than funds allocated to either Dublin, Cork or Galway, all of which are regions with existing universities. These figures…
Wellbeing Indicators
Wellbeing Indicators Dublin, November 17, 2020 My Green Party colleagues and I launched our Wellbeing Indicators Position Paper earlier today. We believe that GDP is not a way to measure the wellbeing and the quality of life of Irish Citizens; it’s time we looked to Wellbeing Indicators to measure the welfare of the Irish nation…
Flu Vaccine 2020
Child Flu Vaccine Nov 12, 2020 I spoke in the Dáil this week about the Flu Vaccine programme 2020. Our GPs and Pharmacists have been extremely busy rolling out an unprecedent number of Adult Flu Vaccines and also the Children’s Flu Vaccine. Unfortunately it seems we won’t receive more Adult #FluVaccine due to global supply…
Greens Call on EPA to Address Air Pollution in Waterford City
More monitoring needed to access the scale of the problem A motion calling for the EPA to address the Waterford Metropolitan District ‘as a matter of urgency to discuss air-quality monitoring throughout the metropolitan region’ received unanimous support in the chamber last Monday. The motion, put down by Green Party councillor Marc Ó Cathasaigh, came…
Concerns for Funding of National Biodiversity Data Centre
Precarious Funding Situation puts the Centre’s Ongoing Work at Risk Concerns have emerged about the future of the National Biodiversity Data Centre due to lack of clarity around the renewal of staff contracts for 2020. The agency, which is based out of WIT’s Carriganore Campus, is a national centre for the collection and analysis of…
SETU and the University-Enterprise Quarter
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on his engagements with the management at SETU in relation to the university-enterprise quarter planned for the Waterford Crystal site; when it can be expected to see detailed capital plans for the development of the site; and if he will…
Long COVID-19 Services
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the position regarding dedicated services to address Long COVID in each of the regions; the steps his Department is taking to provide services and supports for those affected by Long COVID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh Covid is still with…
Cath Lab and Cardiac Care at University Hospital Waterford
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health if, in light of the opening of the second cath lab in University Hospital Waterford, he will outline the anticipated timeline for moving to a cardiac care service operating 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Transcript:…
Employment in Gaeltacht areas and Plean Fáis
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh Conradh na Gaeilge, endorsed by a myriad of Irish language groups, today launched its Plean Fáis, which is an investment plan for the future of the Irish language out to 2030. Something that might be of particular interest to the Minister is an aspect of that plan that is designed to…
