Results 1-20 of 7,696 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

An Bille um an Aonú Leasú is Daichead ar an mBunreacht (An Aois Vótála a Laghdú go Sé Bliana Déag), 2025: An Dara Céim [Comhaltaí Príobháideacha] - Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025: Second Stage [Private Members] (13 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I thank the Social Democrats for tabling it. Votes for 16- and 17-year-olds is a matter of fairness. In my opinion and that of my party, it is a matter of the future vitality of our democracy. For too long, we have clung to the arbitrary line in the sand drawn at 18. We tell our young people that on the eve of their 18th birthday, they are...

Science Week: Statements (13 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I welcome the opportunity to speak on statements on Science Week, the annual celebration that highlights the important role that science, technology, engineering and maths play in our lives. This week is more than just a showcase of innovation. It is a vital spark, igniting curiosity in the next generation and reminding us all of the power of evidence and inquiry. From the smartphones in...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 23. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on disability will next meet. [53072/25]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: This is a really important area of focus. I am based in the Meath East constituency. We have a really young population there. In the context of absolutely every measure, we have a huge inadequacy of services for young people. I will be going into the House later to talk to the Taoiseach about disability services for young people and about general practice. It is across the board. I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Is Foróige's perspective the same?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I am conscious of time. I have not heard from everybody. I made a general point at the outset, which was kind of a sideswipe, but when we talk about the education system, we look at Finland. In the youth sector, is there a place the witnesses look towards and say that is where we need to be?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: It is Finland.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Can I ask something in relation to that in my last 20 seconds? I assume strong municipalities, strong local government, is a feature in those places.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I do not mean in the sense of delivering youth services or youth work, but strong local government in terms of-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: In terms of space, raising moneys and having budgets themselves to resource this. I thank the witnesses.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Implementation of National Youth Strategy: Discussion (12 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: It is a case of "Show me your budget and I'll show you your priorities." We are talking about really small money in the scheme of a multibillion-euro budget. It is incredible and that needs to be heard loud and clear here today. On the staff piece, the witnesses have touched on the challenges with recruitment and retention. The vast majority of this work is led and delivered by...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss this matter despite the relevant Minister or Minister of State not being here. I ask that anything we discuss be relayed to the Minister and the NCSE. This is incredibly important to all concerned, to the school community, staff, parents and most of all to the children who will not be able to avail of SNA support because a review has indicated...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the Minister of State for his response. I hope we can take this as a point for raising this case and for follow-through. I know there is a plan to submit for a focused review. The timeline is very short in relation to that. I hope when it goes in that it will be considered favourably. Regarding the interim review, which I mentioned earlier, it is deeply concerning. As I said,...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: It can be resolved with the stroke of a pen.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: It is very straightforward. We-----

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Hear, hear.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Four survivors of residential abuse remain on hunger strike outside these buildings. Miriam Moriarty Owens, Mary Donavan, Mary Dunlevy Greene and Maurice Patton O'Connell are now on day 47 of their hunger strike. Their health continues to deteriorate. This is a very serious situation. It is dire. They are absolutely determined and, after a meeting yesterday, cautiously hopeful but they...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Mental Health Supports in Schools: Discussion (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the witnesses. I mainly want to give the time to them. My question is for all of them. What is the profile of the demand experienced on a daily basis? Covid was mentioned and we all understand this was a major shock. Is social media a big factor? Is there anxiety or depression? What do the witnesses see? Are there new or emerging trends in this? My next question is on...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Mental Health Supports in Schools: Discussion (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I might interrupt Ms McHugh in the interests of time. I have a fair sense of it from the Department's presentation. I want to ask about the capacity issue. It is an issue we hear about repeatedly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth: Mental Health Supports in Schools: Discussion (6 Nov 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Is there a plan to expand this to the other counties that do not have these services? What is the timeline for this, if there is one?