Cathal Crowe

Last November, I brought the Taoiseach to the University of Limerick, where he visited the centre for robotic and intelligence systems, better known as CRIS. The CRIS laboratory is led by Professor Dan Toal. When we were there, he saw the huge array of cutting-edge and cost-effective technology, including submersibles, drones and all sorts of equipment. On the day we were there, from that laborato…

I am glad to be able to participate in this debate. We have all been in community halls across the country and in our constituencies talking about road traffic issues when someone at the back of the hall pipes up and asks, "Does it take someone to die?" Unfortunately, when it comes to cancer care, there have been far too many deaths. In particular, several very high-profile women were on the nati…

-----but I will bring this up in a future debate.

I want to raise the issue of the suspended gardaí in the Limerick Garda division, which straddles some of County Clare, who were recently acquitted of wrongdoing. That was the right decision, but I am conscious that quite a number of more junior ranking gardaí are still under a veil of suspicion. Over the years, they have had laptops, mobile phones and other devices confiscated. It is important. T…

I thank the Minister of State for taking this debate today. Like other speakers, I commend our local post office network in County Clare and the huge number of postmen and postwomen around this country, one of whom is my brother-in-law, Gearóid. They do an incredible job. You would want to see Gearóid's phone at times and the text messages that come in with appreciation or asking how he is doing. …

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this. Stopping the cut to SNAs in schools was the right thing to do and I think it has given some people reprieve. I have been out to visit several schools this week, sat in staff rooms and helped schools with their appeals. I met parents and some students who benefit from SNA support. SNA support is a key enabler in Irish education. It allows people t…

Where are the best nightclubs?

I raise the issue of SNA cutbacks. While I am delighted to see the Minister hit the pause button on that, many schools such as Feakle National School, Flagmount Central National School in my own county and many more lie on tenterhooks, not knowing what is going to happen. I have had some very heartfelt letters from children who have benefited from SNA support in their school. It is an enabler for …

We are not discussing that amendment. Can the Deputy speak to the amendment before the House?

21. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on children and education will next meet. [74523/25]

I want to speak about Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg in Ennis, County Clare. It is a fabulous school with 451 pupils.

Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg. Michael Cusack primary school. It is a scoil lánGhaelach. There were 452 pupils enrolled last September and 480 are projected for next year. This school was designed for eight teachers. It has prefabs. It is a fabulous school with lovely education going on. I was there yesterday and got a tour of the school. Curtains have to be pulled so that one class can be taught along…

----for the next few years.

I ask that this be put back on the agenda because the current status quo cannot continue.

You speak about 30 times a week; would you go away out of that.

Respect the Ceann Comhairle.

You have five times more speaking time than we do.

Show respect for the Ceann Comhairle.

167. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether any engagement has occurred with the insurance sector following recent severe weather events, including Storm Bram and Storm Chandra; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9545/26]

I join others in sympathising with the family of Grace Lynch. It is an unbelievable tragedy. It is right that the Taoiseach has moved quickly to close out some of the legislation. Well done. I will be glad to read about what that will entail today. Those same legal principles need to be extended to urban ponies and horses. We must be one of the only countries in the world that has strict laws whe…

I raise the issue of the five gardaí who were acquitted in Limerick Circuit Court this week. They all deserve apologies from the Garda Commissioner, and I sincerely hope this will happen. The Garda division of Limerick encompasses quite a large area of County Clare. I have spoken on this issue many times over the years. In my opinion, this was a witch hunt that was wasteful of the time of our Judi…

-----that we see in other jurisdictions how brutal policing can be.

We have a very proud history of policing by consent in Ireland.

We must always protect our gardaí and stand with them.

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak in this debate. This time last week, I was in Finland with the Oireachtas education committee. We were there to talk about all things educational but naturally the conversation drifted. We got chatting about their elections and our elections. We finally asked the deputy mayor of Helsinki - we had drifted way off topic - if there were any public projects i…