New National Drugs Strategy
Minister for Drugs Jennifer Murnane O’Connor recently updated me in Seanad Eireann on the new national drugs strategy. Her new strategy is designed to respond to the significant changes in drug-use patterns in Ireland and to ensure equitable access to services across the country. The draft strategy proposes five strategic pillars and 30 actions, to […]
Teach An Saol
It is truly great news that Teach an Saol’s proposal for a dedicated National Neuro‑Rehabilitation Centre was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council 9 January 2026. This is a huge achievement. Well done to Padraig’s family and everyone who has contributed and supported this amazing project. The project received Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework approval […]
Scrambler Ban, Grace’s Law
As Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Dublin I am working with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to make Dublin safer. Following unanimous support for my motion, calling for an out-right ban of scramblers at the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, Government have announced Graces Law will be enacted. Graces Law will ban scramblers from use in all […]
Cabra Dart+
In the Seanad I asked the Minister for Transport to prioritise funding for the DART+ South West project to progress. I highlighted the strong case for a new station in Cabra noting that approximately 26,000 people living in the area will benefit from reduced car usage, better commuting time and more reliable public transport. I […]
Re‑Imagining Mountjoy Square Park
Dublin City Council has published its Part 8 proposal to restore and re‑imagine Mountjoy Square Park—one of our city’s most historic Georgian spaces. You can view the proposal here. Here are the key features of the proposal: 1. Restoring the Park’s Historic Layout The plan includes the re‑establishment of the original 18th‑century path network, creation […]
GPO Redevelopment-Dublin City Taskforce
The General Post Office on O’Connell Street is far more than its neoclassical façade—it’s a landmark embedded in Ireland’s political, cultural and social history. The GPO is designated a flagship redevelopment initiative of the Dublin City Taskforce for which I am Fianna Fáil spokesperson. The Dublin City Taskforce is working to make the city safer, […]
First Day of Seanad Spring Term
Spring 2026 session in the Seanad is going to be busy. As Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader in the Seanad and spokesperson for Dublin, Local Government and Heritage my focus will be on legislation that directly impacts Dublin and local democracy — the Local Government, the Planning and Development and the Residential Tenancies Bill all going […]
Acting Leader in Seanad
It was a real honour this week to be acting Fianna Fáil Leader in Seanad Eireann. It was great to secure unamaous agreement for the Order of Business on Thursday. Order of business is when the Leader of the Seanad proposes the business for that day, the order in which it is to be taken […]
Meeting President Zelenskyy
As acting Fianna Fáil Seanad Leader it was a real honour to welcome President Zelenskyy and thank him for his courage defending Europe’s freedom, democracy and sovereignty. His visit reminded us of the value of democratic institutions and international cooperation. When nations come together, hope becomes stronger than fear. We must never abandon our commitment […]
Japan
I was proud to represent the Oireachtas Committee for Enterprise, Tourism and employment on our recent delegation to Japan. For almost 70 years Ireland has enjoyed strong diplomatic relations with Japan. Ireland opened it’s first embassy in Tokyo in 1974 In 2025 Ireland renewed and strengthened its presence in Japan with the opening of Ireland […]