Mary on the Tonight Show

May 6, 2021

Mary was delighted to get the opportunity of explaining the new Affordable Housing Bill, and what it will mean to First Time Buyers on The Tonight Show recently.

The Affordable Housing Bill will include:

First scheme of direct state built affordable homes starting at €160k in over a decade
First ever national cost rental scheme, with rents at minimum 25% below market rents
Financial support for 1^st time buyers to buy new build homes with Government Shared Equity Loan
Doubling of Social and Affordable homes to a minimum 20% in every development

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

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

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

Post Office Network

Since the 1700’s Ireland’s Post Offices have continuously evolved to serve our communities. Mary welcomes the Minister of State reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting a sustainable future for our post office network. It is essential. The postmasters have acknowledged how important State intervention and Government support was to ensure