Michael Collins

Yes. I wrote to the Central Bank two weeks ago and I have heard nothing back since. There are legal cases being taken at the moment. The fraud squad is also involved. When I raised this question in the Dáil the last time, the fraud squad contacted people immediately afterwards. I sent the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance two sample cases this morning. I respect that the Taoiseach needs to lo…

We are here today to discuss the final draft of the revised national planning framework, a crucial step towards Ireland's sustainable future. It is imperative that we address the acute infrastructure challenges in the areas of housing and transport. West Cork suffers from inadequate sewerage systems, particularly in areas like Dunmanway, Goleen, Shannonvale, Rosscarbery and Ballydehob. This makes …

I have been asking for the last number of weeks at Business Committee meetings for a debate on a farming issue. There are 9,000 farmers without ACRES payments - 2023 payments and 2024 payments. These farmers need to pay their bills urgently. Tomorrow morning, with a carbon tax up on people's backs again, it is becoming impossible to live. We need a debate here to see where these payments are and w…

Another carbon tax increase will hit people hard in the pocket tomorrow morning. Last October, carbon tax increases hit motorists in the pocket as petrol and diesel increased from €56 per tonne to €63.50 per tonne. Tomorrow's increase will hit people using gas, home heating oil, coal and briquettes. Household gas bills will rise by €17. The cost of home heating oil will rise by €19 per 900 l. It n…

A wrong that has been done to a child is a wrong we should all be ashamed of. Today, we gather in the shadow of not one scandal but a series of failures that stretch across the institution entrusted with the care of our youngest and most vulnerable children's health. First, there was the horror of the Temple Street spinal surgery scandal, where children already burdened with illness were subject t…

Following on from my question two weeks ago in the Dáil about Ireland retaining our fishing rights off Rockall, in recent years the population of bluefin tuna has significantly increased. Denmark and Norway have successfully applied to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and received quotas, while the Japanese fleet is fishing along the 200-mile international limit …

I am delighted to get the opportunity to speak on this debate today. I sit on the Business Committee, and I have been seeking this debate for five weeks. It has taken a hell of a long time to get here. I mean absolutely no disrespect to the Minister of State, but the senior Minister should be here. The huge issue of wastewater and Uisce Éireann - whatever aspect of it we want to talk about - is a …

The role played by some financial advisers in this State needs to be investigated immediately. The issue of financial advisers taking people's money for investments and the client getting no return for that same investment is both a local and national one. The issue has been aired on RTÉ on more than one occasion, most recently in March on RTÉ's "The Complaints Bureau", which reported on how loan …

This scheme by the financial adviser seems similar to the Dolphin Trust, now known as German Property Group, which promised high interest payments on original investors' capital before collapsing, owing £1 billion and catching 1,800 Irish investors for €100 million. I raised this issue briefly last week in the Dáil and received an email last night from another investor who has now realised he has …

Last week, a staggering 9,300 farmers were waiting since early 2024 on delayed ACRES payments. Some 2,302 of these farmers are waiting for their 2023 payment. We also have a tariff crisis facing Irish agriculture. Farmers also want to discuss – I met the IFA on this – Ireland’s derogation scheme. It is now about pointing the direction for Ireland and we need to have a discussion on agriculture thi…

Cancer Connect, the hugely successful cancer transport service, is available throughout County Cork and is delivered on the ground by a team of 430 volunteer drivers of several vehicles. The years 2023 and 2024 alone saw between 6,000 and 7,000 passenger journeys recorded. The impact this transport has on the lives of those on a cancer journey and the extended community is extensive. Cancer Connec…

As this is my first time addressing the Minister of State, I welcome her to her position and look forward to working with her in the time ahead. The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 aims to help employees who are forced to retire before the State pension age of 66. It allows employees to choose not to retire at the contractual age if it is below 66 unless the employer has a valid…

I am talking about this gentleman who is beyond the retirement age.

Will the Ceann Comhairle let me talk and let me finish my bit of time?

It is very relevant. In fairness to a person who has the pension and is trying to enjoy life at 75 years of age, that is unfair. That needs to be looked at as part of this Bill going forward. We certainly should look at that. We should look at Bus Éireann as well. Up until 2008 CIÉ pensioners were awarded increases to their pensions in line with pay increases to active staff.

No increase in pensions has been approved by the CIÉ board since 2008. The whole point I am trying to make is that this could also be brought in under this Bill. These are people who have not had a pension increase. They are in the Ceann Comhairle's constituency and in my constituency. Since 2008, for 16 years, despite repeated requests and representations the majority of CIÉ pensioners who are me…

I am totally opposed to water charges. I was one of the people who protested very strongly against water charges at the time. The problem we have is that very little is recognised in this House regarding people who do pay for water. In agriculture, the farmers pay for water. I paid for three connections. My son is paying for it now because he is running the farm. It is a huge burden to farmers and…

Last October, the former Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, announced that hormone replacement therapy, HRT, would be made free, which was widely welcomed. However, despite the scheme being scheduled to roll out in January, it has yet to be implemented, leaving women to continue paying for their medication. The Irish Pharmacy Union has highlighted several issues, including insufficient communi…

I thank the Tánaiste. Last October, the women of this country were promised free HRT, with implementation set for January. We are now into April but nowhere nearer a start date. It is incorrect for the Minister for Health to place the blame on the Irish Pharmacy Union. The delays are on the side of the Department of Health. Many people are contacting pharmacists expecting prescribed medication to …

The people of Union Hall, Glandore and surrounding areas are rightly frustrated with the progress on promised improvements to their local pier. These promises are going on for years, and in that time, they have had visits from the Taoiseach and the former Minister for agriculture and the marine, looking at what needs to be done and raising the hopes of local fishermen and the tourism sector that f…

The foundation of my political career lies in my beginnings within the voluntary community sector. I firmly believe everybody should engage with their communities in some capacity. Recently, I addressed the pressing issue of the lack of gardaí in rural Ireland. We have witnessed the closure of Garda stations without replacements. This has led to a decline in the sense of safety that once prevailed…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I agree with the previous speakers, but there are other issues of serious concern too. Today we need time to debate farmers' payments and the delay in same, up to months for some people. A staggering 9,300 farmers are waiting since early 2024 on delayed agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, payments, 2,300 of whom are waiting for their payments since 2023. The…

This weekend's CSO figures on visitors to this country have cast a serious doubt over our once glorious tourism sector. The figures show a drop of 20% in the number of visitors in January and 30% in February. Visitor spending has dropped 31% in those two months compared to last year and overnight bed bookings are down 33%. This is a concern for cities like Dublin, Galway, Cork, Waterford and other…

We are talking about a vote of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle. While circumstances have led us to this incredible situation, it is unfair that the Ceann Comhairle should share all the blame. I attended every business and Dáil reform meeting of the new Dáil. The antics of some leave a lot to be desired and it leaves a bad taste in this Dáil that will not be forgotten for a long time. The bottom …

I congratulate the Minister. This is my first time speaking with him from the opposite side. I wish him the very best and look forward to working with him on numerous issues.