Today, in Seanad Éireann, Senators engaged in a debate on the Statute Law Revision Bill 2024, a significant piece of legislation aimed at updating and modernising Ireland’s legal framework. The bill seeks to revoke outdated statutes and streamline the legislative process, ensuring that Ireland’s laws are relevant and reflective of current societal needs.

The process of statute law revision is vital for maintaining a cohesive legal system. As laws evolve, it becomes necessary to identify and eliminate provisions that are no longer applicable, thereby enhancing clarity and accessibility within the legal framework. The 2024 revision bill highlights the commitment of the Irish government to refine and improve legislative instruments for the benefit of all citizens.

A key aspect of the discussion today was the mention of the Genealogy Office of the National Archives of Ireland. As genealogy plays an essential role in preserving cultural heritage and identity, the inclusion of provisions related to the genealogy office underscores the importance of accessible historical records for individuals seeking to trace their familial roots. The legislation aims to ensure that such genealogical resources are effectively managed.

During the deliberations, Senator John Boyhan emphasised the complexity of the bill, stating, “I think we need to get this right.” His remarks resonated with many Senators, who echoed the sentiment that careful consideration is critical to the modernisation of the statute law. Senator Boyhan suggested that the Seanad take the necessary time to reach a thorough and informed conclusion on the revision process, ensuring that all aspects of the bill, including those relating to genealogy, are thoroughly considered.

It is clear that the Statute Law Revision Bill 2024 represents a crucial step in refining Ireland’s legal landscape. The attention given to genealogy and historical records highlights the importance of understanding and preserving the past as part of shaping a more responsive legal framework for the future.

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Her comments follow the latest Daft.ie report, which shows that rents in Roscommon have increased by 8 per cent over the past year, bringing the average rent to €1,361 per month.

Deputy Kerrane warned that renters are being forced into an unsustainable private rental sector due to a failure to deliver social and affordable housing. She also criticised government discussions “to allow landlords to hack up rents even further to attract institutional investment,” calling such a move “a disaster for renters.”

She added: “Renting has never been more expensive or insecure,” while urging immediate action to increase housing supply and prevent further rent hikes.

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The campaign, which is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, seeks to empower individuals by increasing awareness of how local government works and how people can become actively involved.

Information seminars

Three information seminars will be held across the county, introducing participants to the workings of local government, the role of county councillors, and how citizens can engage with public participation networks (PPNs) and other committees. The free two-hour sessions will feature interactive discussions, video content, and a Q&A segment.

The first seminar takes place on Wednesday, March 12th in the Council Chamber in Roscommon town at 10 am. A second session will be held in King House, Boyle, on Wednesday, March 26th at 10.30 am, while the final seminar is scheduled for the Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland, on Tuesday, April 8th at 7.30 pm. A free shuttle bus service will be available for each seminar, subject to demand.

School roadshow

In addition to the public seminars, a school roadshow will take place in four secondary schools across the county throughout March and April.

Workshops will include interactive discussions, video content, and anonymous online engagement through Menti.com to encourage student participation.

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Senator Scahill criticised Bus Éireann’s proposed solution, which requires students to meet buses at roadside locations—often in hazardous or exposed spots like quarries. “Parents affected by this have come up with alternative solutions,” he noted, explaining that their plan would prevent buses from duplicating routes and ensure safer collection points.

The senator called for a system where parent associations can submit such proposals and have them reviewed promptly. “I’m asking can we look at solutions whereby parent associations can make cases like this and that they can be considered in a timely manner,” he said.

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HIQA commenced monitoring and inspecting permanent IPAS centres against national standards in January 2024, carrying out 60 inspections of 51 centres during the year.

HIQA found that many service providers ensured that their centres were of a good standard and that the services they were delivering were safe, of a high quality and promoted and protected the rights of residents. Most adults, children and young people reported generally positive experiences living in accommodation centres.

However, the report also highlights that considerable room for improvement remains across a range of areas including governance and management, risk management and safeguarding and protection.

HIQA’s Head of Programme for Monitoring International Protection Accommodation Service Centres, Bronagh Gibson, said: “Our inspections throughout 2024 showed that the current system of international protection accommodation is not adequately resourced to meet demand. This has had a notable impact on the quality of accommodation and services that are being provided to some people seeking protection in Ireland. For example, during our inspections we found that not all staff were appropriately vetted, and a significant number had not been vetted by An Garda Síochána. HIQA required urgent action on this issue and is currently assured that relevant staff members have now been appropriately vetted.

“Our findings show that while there are good levels of compliance, very clear challenges remain to ensure that asylum seekers, who are often a vulnerable population, are safe and protected from risk. Governance and management arrangements need to be strengthened in accommodation centres to ensure that high-quality, safe services are being provided. Many providers must place a greater focus on recognising and managing risks and putting effective safeguarding and protection procedures in place to ensure safe and person-centred services.”

HIQA’s report highlights overcrowding in the system, where limited access to housing in the community is reducing the availability of beds. The report outlines that 41% of residents living in accommodation centres inspected by HIQA had received refugee status or had valid permission to remain in Ireland but continued to live in accommodation centres due to a lack of alternatives.

Continuing, Ms Gibson, said: “We will continue to promote ongoing improvements in accommodation centres by focusing on standards around governance, risk management, safeguarding, vetting and accommodation to ensure the human rights of residents are upheld.

“We will also continue to consult with residents of accommodation centres to hear what they have to say about what is working well and what, in their view, needs to improve. We would like to thank all of the residents and stakeholders who have engaged with us over the last year, and we look forward to working with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration as it assumes responsibility for international protection accommodation and integration.”

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To mark Eating Disorders Awareness Week, MEP Walsh hosted an event in the European Parliament this week on eating disorders and mental health, and the role the EU can play in preventing and treating illnesses.

MEP Walsh welcomed two Irish speakers to present at the event; Clodagh Dowling, Director of Psychology at St. Patrick’s University Hospital, and Harriet Parsons, Interim CEO at Bodywhys, the Eating Disorder Association of Ireland.

MEP Maria Walsh is a founder of the European Parliament’s first ever Mental Health intergroup.

MEP Maria Walsh said: “Eating disorders are a plague on the lives of women and girls across Ireland, and the EU has a significant role to play in helping to combat the havoc they wreck on people’s physical and mental wellbeing. As many as one in four women in the EU will be impacted by anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, with the prevalence of these disorders sadly on the rise.

“Due to the nature of eating disorders, reliable statistics are difficult to find. However, it is estimated that over 188,000 people in Ireland experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

“During the event I hosted in the European Parliament this week on eating disorders, I was delighted to hear from two Irish experts, Clodagh Dowling and Harriet Parsons. They brought the lived experiences of Irish men and women directly to EU lawmakers, ensuring their voices were represented at the decision-making table.

“I have been working towards the creation of an EU Mental Health Strategy for several years, and today I am calling on the European Commission to ensure specific attention is given to eating disorders within this plan – including action on access to care, education, research, and funding. Caring for individuals with eating disorders must form a key component of the long-overdue Strategy.

“Crucially, supports for mental health and eating disorders must be prioritised in the EU budget. I am calling for dedicated funding for mental health initiatives to be included in the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Without adequate funding, we cannot expect anything to truly change for those suffering the most.

“I will be working with the Commission here in Brussels, as well as Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister of State Mary Butler in Ireland, to ensure that individuals struggling with an eating disorder are not silent victims. They have a voice, a voice which is being represented here in the heart of the European Union.”

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“The ambulance service in Roscommon is being downgraded.

“It started with the use of a Paramedic on the Advanced Paramedic roster despite a commitment for a Rapid Response Vehicle with 24/7 Advanced Paramedic cover in Roscommon following the closure of the A&E.

“Now the latest is the removal of the Rapid Response Vehicle on Thursdays, which removes this viral emergency service once a week in Roscommon.

“I want the 24/7 roster restored at Roscommon and this needs to be done urgently.

“We are seeing the downgrading of the emergency ambulance service where we have no A&E and we are further away from our next nearest A&E. We are also still without the same access to the Air Ambulance where the majority of calls for it come from County Roscommon. It was due to return in January, it is now March and we are still waiting.

“I am really concerned as to the wider policy in the National Ambulance Service which doesn’t seem to acknowledge or respect the role of Advanced Paramedics anymore. They have stopped training them and yet, Advanced Paramedics are the only Paramedics that provide advanced life support in emergency cases.

“On the one hand the Minister stated that patient demand continues to rise with nearly 430,000 urgent and emergency calls last year yet, the National Ambulance Service are not training Advanced Paramedics.

“The Minister acknowledged the role I played in establishing 24/7 ambulance cover in Loughglynn and I welcome that however, it is important to say that was achieved thanks to engagement with the previous Director of the National Ambulance Service, the current Director does not engage.”

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Speaking after the meeting, Michael Collins praised the engagement with MEP Hayer and highlighted the ongoing work of Independent Ireland to strengthen its presence in the European Parliament.

“I was delighted to welcome MEP Valérie Hayer to the Dáil today for a positive and productive discussion on issues that are vital to Ireland’s future. We reiterated our opposition to the Mercosur deal, which poses a serious threat to Irish agriculture. We discussed the need for a pragmatic and common sense approach to climate targets and that the green policies implemented over that course of the last government put serious pressure on farmers and those people struggling with the cost of living crisis.  Regional development, particularly in rural Ireland, remains a key focus for us as we work to ensure sustainable growth and fair opportunities for all.  I also raised concerns about the plight of Irish fishers and the serious concerns we had in relation to the ability for Irish fishermen to fish in Irish waters along with the need to get a better deal for our fishing industry” Collins said.

During the meeting, Collins also emphasised the crucial role played by Independent Ireland’s MEP, Ciaran Mullooly, in representing Irish interests in Brussels. Looking ahead to the next European elections, he set out the party’s ambitious goal of increasing its representation in the European Parliament.

“Our goal is clear: we are working towards electing three MEPs in the next European elections. The groundwork starts now, with our first priority being the re-election of Ciaran Mullooly in the Midlands-North West constituency. We are also targeting the election of Independent Ireland MEPs in both the Ireland South and Dublin constituencies. The people of Ireland deserve strong, common sense voices in Europe who will stand up for our values and fight for our communities,” Collins stated.

Ciaran Mulooly MEP speaking on the important meeting said: “As President of the Renew group in the European parliament Valerie Hayer holds a key strategic position in influencing of the parliament policy at a crucial time in our history – the geopolitical landscape is now very much on a knife edge and I welcome the fact that Valerie has come to Dublin to hear the views of our party at this critical time. I look forward to continued positive engagement with MEP Hayer and our other European colleagues as we navigate the weeks and months ahead”

Deputy Collins concluded by expressing his eagerness to welcome MEP Hayer back to Ireland in the near future, to continue working towards positive and practical solutions for the people of Ireland.

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Speaking at Ireland’s Voice in Europe: In Conversation with Midlands-North-West MEPs, held last night at The Hardiman Hotel in Galway, Mullooly revealed that he had directly questioned French President Emmanuel Macron during a recent meeting about the strategic considerations for such missions and their implications for Irish neutrality.

Mullooly expressed serious concern over any ceasefire deal that might emerge from the proposed US – Russia negotiations, its impact on the people of Ukraine and  asked President Macron to clarify any envisioned role of Irish troops in a potential peacekeeping operation, particularly in light of Ireland’s neutrality and its historical approach to international missions. While President Trump and President Macron later provided detailed insights into broader international peacekeeping strategies, Mullooly emphasised that his own conclusions were formed after further consultation with Cathal Berry TD, a former Army Ranger and military expert.

“After speaking directly with President Macron and consulting with Cathal Berry, I have formed a clear position: Irish troops must not be deployed to border regions or other danger zones in Ukraine. Our troops, if deployed towards peacekeeping efforts, will likely be placed inland and away from the borders but they must have proper equipment, resources, and supports to defend themselves if enforcing a UN peacekeeping mandate,” Mullooly stated.

Mullooly also expressed major concerns about the possibility of an EU defence force requesting Irish troops for such roles. “Ireland’s neutrality has served us well for many years, and any move towards an EU defence force raises serious questions about our sovereignty and our ability to make independent decisions regarding the deployment of our Defence Forces,” he said.

The MEP stressed that further debate is required on this issue, particularly given Ireland’s position as a neutral country. “We need an open and honest discussion on the future of the United Nations structures and about how Ireland can continue to contribute to global peacekeeping efforts while safeguarding our neutrality and ensuring that any involvement is consistent with our values,” he added.

Mullooly outlined what he believes to be the most likely scenario if a truce is reached in Ukraine: contested “occupied territories” would require an international peacekeeping presence, with Anglo-French forces likely taking the lead and Irish troops potentially being asked to play a supporting role under a UN mandate.

“Ireland has always played a constructive role in international peacekeeping efforts,” Mullooly said. “But we must ensure that our soldiers are protected, properly resourced, and deployed only in specific inland locations and if this scenario does play out we should not be rushing in as immediate boots on the ground. I am particularly pleased to hear from President Trump that the US are prepared to act as a backstop in a case where our troops might be under attack but I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that – for the sake of defence force members from barracks in Dundalk, Athlone, Galway , the Curragh camp and Finner camp who may well be asked to join the UN peacekeeping mission.

“We live in dangerous times “ MEP Mullooly said  , “but we must go into these situations with our eyes open and I believe our own government will face crucial decisions in this regard as soon as March 5th so they must be prepared.”

The Galway event featured MEPs Maria Walsh (Fine Gael), Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil), and Ciaran Mullooly (Independent Ireland) alongside Brendan Flynn, Lecturer and Head of Politics at the University of Galway, as well as Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, who moderated the discussion. Organised by the Institute for International & European Affairs (IIEA) in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, the event provided constituents with an opportunity to engage directly with their representatives on issues including agriculture, climate change, housing, transport, and international security.

Reflecting on the event, Mullooly remarked: “It was an evening of tough questions and honest answers. I am committed to ensuring that Ireland continues to play a constructive role internationally while safeguarding our neutrality and protecting the lives of our Defence Forces personnel.”

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Cllr Duffy succeeds the late Cllr John Naughten. Her co-option on to the Council was proposed by Cllr Domnick Connolly.

Monday’s meeting also heard warm tributes to the late Cllr Anthony Waldron, who passed away suddenly on the 9th of February, leaving a profound legacy in the community. All councillors present paid tribute to their former friend and colleague (RIP).

Described as a gentle and kind man, Anthony Waldron was deeply committed to improving the lives of those around him, championing both tourism and community development.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice said Anthony took the time to listen to the concerns of residents and was always ready to advocate for causes that addressed injustices. Cllr Tony Ward remarked on the personal loss he felt, having known the late Cllr Waldron for over 40 years, while Cllr Liam Callaghan reflected on the emotional weight of the day, noting the challenges of mourning a great colleague like Cllr Waldron alongside the impending co-option of a new member to fill the vacancy left by the late and lamented Cllr John Naughten.

Cllr Waldron’s legacy as a community leader who believed in harnessing people’s spirit rather than relying solely on funding, resonated deeply with all present, marking a poignant moment of remembrance for a man who dedicated his life to uplifting others.

A Day of remembrance

Cllr Domnick Connolly proposed Valerie Duffy to fill the Council seat that has been vacant since the untimely passing of Cllr John Naughten last October. In so doing, Cllr Connolly expressed his deep sorrow while acknowledging the necessity of fulfilling the late Cllr Naughten’s seat.

Cllr Connolly described Valerie Duffy as someone who has significantly contributed to local community efforts, mentioning her extensive volunteer work with Moore Community Council and on the Moore Community Playground project. He highlighted her role in securing funding for various local initiatives, including the refurbishment of Moore Hall and the development of the community playground. Cllr Duffy currently works as the Global Youth Work Programme Manager at the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Upon her official co-option, Cllr Duffy expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her nomination and selection process.

“It’s an absolute honour to be joining all of you today,” she said. “I am so thankful for the welcome and support from everyone attached to Roscommon County Council.”

Cllr Duffy acknowledged her friends and colleagues from Moore Community Council and Camcloon NS Board of Management, praising their contributions to local development. She expressed her intention to represent all citizens of Athlone Municipal District and the broader County Roscommon to the best of her ability over the next four years.

The new councillor also took a moment to honour John Naughten, reflecting on his remarkable service of over two decades.

“He worked closely with all of you to make Roscommon the best county it can be,” Cllr Duffy remarked, reinforcing her desire to continue his legacy of dedicated public service. She also remembered the late Cllr Naughten’s family, sending her condolences to his wife Breda, and their daughters Emma, Leah, and Orlaith, as well as to his mother, Mary, and his siblings.

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