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Bunclody Community College’s long-delayed redevelopment, still at stage 2b with most classrooms in prefabs and a split campus, drew calls for urgent action, but the Minister offered no timeline beyond ongoing review and future prioritisation.
Deputy Nolan linked the killing of Jamey Carney to wider violence against women and asked that international protection rules never hinder Garda action. The Tánaiste expressed sympathy and said Gardaí would pursue justice, with the investigation already under way.
Deputy Keogh highlighted the humiliation and practical difficulties faced by girls who lack easy access to period products in schools. The Tánaiste said access should not depend on asking an authority figure and promised further engagement with the relevant Ministers.
Deputy Stanley urged urgent capital funding to open an eight-unit refuge, citing escalating domestic abuse and multiple women killed. The Tánaiste backed the need for action and said domestic, sexual and gender-based violence must have full attention.
Witnesses said Traveller accommodation in Wexford is undermined by poor reporting, weak consultation and a largely ineffective LTACC. They called for stronger national oversight, an independent or longer-term chair, mandatory regular meetings, proper agendas and minutes, and real accountability for delivery and spending. Personal testimony highlighted homelessness, overcrowding, cultural needs around family living and mobility, and the failure of choice-based letting to work for many Travellers, especially older people and those with literacy or digital access difficulties. Members broadly accepted that the current system is too fragmented and that the LTACC needs structural reform rather than more empty consultation.
The Bill will allow pharmacists to prescribe short-acting contraception in defined circumstances, free for women aged 17 to 35 under the free contraception scheme and privately for others, while requiring an initial GP assessment and clinical safeguards. Senators across parties backed the measure as a practical way to improve access, cut costs and free up GP capacity, though several urged extension of the scheme’s age range and attention to pharmacist resourcing. The Seanad agreed to proceed to Committee and subsequent Stages immediately.
Deputy Coppinger challenged secretive Defence Forces handling of abuse allegations and victims’ rights, while Minister McEntee said she is seeking legislative change, greater oversight, and improved complaints mechanisms but cannot yet extend the 2017 Act.
Concerns were raised that Women of Honour giving evidence to the Defence Forces tribunal lack adequate trauma-informed support, and the Minister committed to urgent re-engagement with the HSE to strengthen tailored counselling and access.
Senator Harmon urged action on Bessborough in Cork, including possible negotiation, compulsory purchase, publication of burial records and an inquest. Senators Higgins and O'Reilly voiced support.
Aimed at child protection, the proposal would make websites, app stores and online services that host or generate pornographic content block access in Ireland unless the user first passes an age check. It also lets the Minister set acceptable ID documents, allows age checks to be done by approved third parties, and creates offences and penalties for non-compliance, including fines and prison terms.