Catherine Callaghan

121. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the role she envisages for the Defence Forces in international peacekeeping and peace support operations over the next decade; the likely contribution of Ireland to future United Nations and European Union missions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54553/26]

As a former UN peacekeeper, I am keenly aware of the proud role Ireland has played in international peacekeeping for almost 70 years. With the nature of conflict and traditional UN missions evolving, what does the Minister envisage Ireland's role in international peacekeeping will look like over the next decade?

I welcome the Minister's response. As someone who has served overseas, I recognise, as the Minister mentioned, that the future of peace support operations may look very different to those that have shaped previous peacekeepers, like me. Looking ahead, does the Minister see Ireland's overseas contribution remaining focused? She has already said that it will always be in accordance with Irish law an…

I thank the Minister and fully support that. Ireland's reputation overseas has been built not only on the professionalism of our peacekeepers but also on the confidence serving personnel and their families have had in the supports and protections associated with overseas UN service. Whether future deployments are UN-led missions in Africa, EU-led peace support operations or other international sta…

As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, can the Minister outline what formal defence and security arrangements are currently in place with EU member states and the UK to ensure the appropriate security resilience and defence mechanisms are available throughout the Presidency?

I agree that the maritime security strategy is a great document. One of the lessons of recent years is that threats to national security no longer come solely in conventional military forms. We have seen increasing concerns around cyberattacks, disinformation, threats to subsea cables, as referenced, attacks on critical infrastructure and vulnerabilities in our energy and communication networks. …

Quite rightly, as the Minister pointed out, the Presidency has highlighted both the importance of international co-operation and the reality that Ireland cannot currently provide every aspect of its own defence and security requirements. However, let us be fair about that. There is probably no European country that can completely defend itself alone against every conceivable major threat. We are n…

Councillor Pat Dunphy and I visited O'Shea Farms in Piltown, County Kilkenny recently, alongside the Minister, Deputy Heydon. On their behalf and following extensive conversations with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, I have a proposal to put forward to help address labour shortages that are affecting businesses such as O'Shea Farms and others across horticulture, manufacturing and hospitality during …

13. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans for the reduction or abolition of USC in budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48308/26]

I ask the Minister his plans for the reduction or abolition of USC in budget 2027, in particular, if there is scope to reduce the USC that is payable on occupational pensions for people aged over 66.

I acknowledge all the work that has been done to date. I am sure the Minister hears from his constituents as regularly as I do that the fact that the USC was first introduced in 2011 as a temporary measure but is still with us 15 years later has made this particular tax a point of contention. I absolutely acknowledge the reality that there are many major investments into public services and infras…

It is really hard to argue with that point of view. Above all, I know that the Government is dedicated to delivering on the commitments made in the programme for Government, which will work towards a fairer, more equal Ireland. One of the key components of the programme is a commitment to progressive changes to personal income tax, which I am glad the Minister has recognised will happen, and to en…

With between 4,500 and 5,000 Irish teachers now teaching abroad, it is really important that we facilitate any teachers who would like to return home to do so. I was recently contacted by a constituent who is teaching abroad and wants to return home but has raised serious concerns about how teaching experience is recognised on return which has a direct impact on their salary scales. There seems a …

On behalf of the cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Councillor Tommy Kinsella, I ask the Taoiseach about the funding that was promised to repair the rural roads around Carlow that were damaged by Storm Chandra. In south and east Carlow, many rural roads around Borris, Myshall, Clonmore and other areas were left in desperate conditions after the storm. Due to the delay in the receipt of the €4…

23. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the inclusion strategy to ensure that no one is left behind by the move to a digital society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40754/26]

6. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the level of support being offered by her Department to the ongoing situation in Sudan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38554/26]

Listening to the debate today it is very clear, even in the modern world, the one thing that remains is that man's inhumanity to man is quite staggering sometimes. I ask the Minister of State for an update on the level of support that is being delivered by his Department in response to the humanitarian crisis that is currently unfolding in Sudan.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit for that response. It is harrowing to hear that level of violence towards women and girls. I commend the principled and robust measures Ireland has undertaken in this conflict. The increasing used of armed drones in Sudan and the targeting of civilian infrastructure such as the health facilities and Khartoum's international airport, are indicative of a conflict …

That is very welcome news. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. Latest figures show that almost 7 million people have been displaced by fighting in Sudan; the largest number of internally displaced people globally. Neighbouring countries impacted by this emergency such as Chad, Egypt and South Sudan, are hosting large numbers of refugees and internally displaced people on insufficient levels of hu…

35. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the status of the EU-Israel association agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38376/26]

This week, in Carlow, we received the news that Carlow College will wind down operation as a third level institution over the course of the next two years. This came as a tremendous shock to the 87 members of staff who went into work on Tuesday only to find out that they are losing their jobs. While consultation is under way, staff need clarity and they need it now. One staff member said to me tha…

I stand in this Chamber today as the only person in the Thirty-fourth Dáil who has served in Óglaigh na hÉireann and the only current Deputy who has signed the oath of allegiance, the same oath of allegiance that all members of the Defence Forces sign. When we sign, we say we will only obey lawful orders. Lawful orders are orders that are fully and wholly in alignment and accordance with internati…

93. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on her actions to date to ensure cadet pay is increased to bring cadets in line with other entrants into the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33214/26]

I am asking for increased State funding for supported care homes in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. Supported care homes like Mount Carmel Supported Care Home, Callan, St. Fiacc's House, Graiguecullen and St. Lazerian's House, Bagenalstown, to name just three across the constituency that I have visited, provide a vital service to their communities, helping to prevent social isolation in elder …

13. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will increase his departmental budget allocation in budget 2027 to those in receipt of the State pension, in response to the increased cost of living as a result of the conflict in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31283/26]