WATCH: Reform of Education on Sexual Consent Needed.

Full transcript: The numbers outlined in this survey have been spoken about a lot so I will not necessarily start quoting the figures again. We are better served by focusing on the grim reality of the picture they paint. As a previous speaker said, these figures are shocking but not surprising. It is important to…

WATCH: Access to Justice and Courts.

Full transcript: Our courts and justice system face many challenges arising from increasing levels of demand, the increasing complexity of the work and the consequences of underinvestment over the years. I agree wholeheartedly with the Minister that an independent, impartial and efficient Judiciary and courts are critical to our democracy. In many ways, we are…

WATCH: EU Directive on Human Trafficking.

Full transcript: I welcome this initiative. Anything we can do about the horrendous crime of human trafficking is welcome, particularly because the simple reality is that in Ireland, for a long time, we have not been doing enough on human trafficking. Most victims of human trafficking remain unidentified and unknown. Even when victims come forward…

STATEMENT: Costello calls for child protection review of voluntary first-aid sector following release of the Shannon Report.

Deputy Patrick Costello, vice-chair of the Oireachtas Children’s Committee, was today speaking following the release of the Geoffrey Shannon report into historical sexual abuse at St John’s Ambulance. He began, “Today is a huge milestone in the search for truth and transparency. This would not have been possible without the tireless work of Mick Finnegan…

WATCH: BusConnects G-Spine Issues.

Full transcript: Patrick Costello TD – The National Transport Authority, NTA’s roll-out of BusConnects has been, to be blunt, a bit of a mess. In my constituency, residents are losing the services they like without any clarity as to when the improved infrastructure to make the bus service run effectively will be in place. The…