My contribution on the Triple Lock Debate in the Dáil yesterday evening. My firm belief is that Ireland should decide where Irish Peacekeepers are deployed. This Debate is not a Debate on neutrality, it’s a Debate on sovereignty. #triplelock #Sovereignty

I was honoured to welcome @PresidentIRL Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian to the newly opened Thomastown library yesterday. Her visit highlighted the meaningful role libraries play in our communities, not only through learning but by bringing people together. Thomastown library has already had 24,000 visitors since opening in May. Well done to everyone in @KilkennyNotices executive, Kilkenny Library Service and Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Malone on his óráid as Gaeilge 👏

My press release today - The proposed EU mission in Lebanon and Ireland’s participation in peace-enforcement operations must not be used for fear mongering purposes by the Opposition, a Fine Gael TD has said. Fine Gael TD and Defence Spokesperson, Catherine Callaghan pointed out that the EU’s published plans describe a mission focused on training and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, strengthening border security and helping Lebanon provide security for its own people. The mission’s final operational arrangements have yet to be agreed, and any Irish participation would require the appropriate legal approvals. “Any suggestion otherwise or what this could lead to is only seeking to stoke fear and division,” she said Deputy Callaghan also addressed suggestions that peace enforcement represents a new departure for Ireland. Peace enforcement is not new to the Irish Defence Forces. Our personnel have participated in UN-authorised operations with peace-enforcement powers for decades, including East Timor in 1999, Kosovo from 1999 and Chad in 2008. In Chad, approximately 400 Irish soldiers served on an EU-led, UN-authorised mission protecting vulnerable civilians, refugees and humanitarian workers. We were participating in peace enforcement almost 20 years ago, while maintaining our traditional policy of military neutrality. Peace enforcement can involve significant risks, but it does not automatically mean sending Irish soldiers to fight somebody else’s war. The proposed Triple Lock reform would remove the UN authorisation requirement for certain overseas deployments. It would not amend the Nice or Lisbon Treaties or change Ireland’s long-standing tradition of military neutrality. Government approval, Dáil approval where required, and compliance with international law would remain essential. Our Defence Forces personnel and their families deserve an honest, factual debate about what overseas missions involve – and any speculation not rooted in certainty only ignites fear, which is irresponsible finegael.ie/peace-enforcemen…

✅ As always it was good to sit down with @IFAmedia Chairs from Carlow, Michael Purcell and Kilkenny, Brendan Hickey as well as Tom & @gormanifa to discuss the future of CAP post-2027. Farmers cannot be expected to do more with less. It is vital that CAP funding is protected to support family farms, safeguard farm incomes and secure the future of our rural communities. I will continue to advocate for a strong, properly funded CAP that recognises the vital contribution our farmers make. #IFA #farming #agriculture #rurallife #carlow #kilkenny

€𝟒𝟔.𝟐 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 The scheme is designed to support farmers facing higher fertiliser costs arising from international market disruption linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Key points Payments of €𝟒𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞 of eligible chemical fertiliser purchased. Minimum eligible quantity: 2.5 tonnes. Maximum quantity eligible for support: 100 tonnes. Minimum payment: €100. 𝐍𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝. Payments will be made automatically using information already held on the National Fertiliser Database and BISS records. Payments are expected to issue before the end of 2026. To qualify, farmers must have: ✅ Submitted a valid 2026 BISS application ✅ Registered as a Fertiliser End User on the National Fertiliser Database ✅ Recorded eligible fertiliser purchases during the 2025 fertiliser year (15 September 2024 to 14 September 2025) Young farmers, new entrants and eligible horticultural producers are also being catered for under the scheme. Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Catherine Callaghan said: "This funding will provide a valuable financial boost for farmers across Carlow and Kilkenny who have faced sustained pressure from rising input costs. Importantly, the scheme is designed to minimise paperwork and ensure payments reach farmers as quickly as possible. I would encourage all eligible farmers to ensure their fertiliser records are up to date ahead of the October 23rd deadline." #farming #support #fertilizer

✨️ World Mental Health Day ✨️ Well done to everyone in Carlow Mental Health Association on their bright and beautiful day today in conjunction with Carlow Garda Síochána and KCLR96FM for the unveiling of Luna The Elephant in The Room in her permanent home on the corner outside the Garda Station and Carlow County Council. A reminder to us all that we need to mind ourselves and mind each other. Mental Health is Health full stop, let's continue to lift any residual stigma and shine a light on the Elephant in the room ✨️ #mentalhealth #worldmentalhealthday #carlowmentalhealthassociation @carlowMHA @GardaTraffic @kclr96fm @Carlowcountyco1

Today as part of my work on the Justice Committee I joined colleagues for the launch of our important report on the Supports and Experiences of Victims of Crime. The report contains 47 recommendations, shaped by what we heard directly from victims, bereaved families and those who support them. Two recommendations I particularly welcome are the proposed reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme — making it simpler, more accessible and putting it on a statutory footing — and the proposal for an independent Victims’ Commissioner or Ombudsman. For me, the central message is simple: people who have already suffered because of crime should not have to struggle with a complicated system to get information, support or compensation. Thank you especially to the victims and families who shared their experiences with the Committee. Their voices are at the heart of this report. Read the report here: oir.ie/4db26be

Today I asked the Taoiseach about the ongoing establishment of Ireland's National Security Authority. This Authority is required in order to process Security clearances for personnel and facilities. This is particularly important in the research & industry space where access to EU Research Funding can be contingent on obtaining the relevant Security clearance from a national body. #research #nationalsecurity #EU #SETU #security

What a night in @Carlow_GAA HQ at @JJKavanaghBuses Senior Hurling Final between @NaomhMoling & @MLRangers Comhghairdeas to MLR on a fine win - it was nail biting down to the last few mins as Naomh Moling never gave up 👏 Fantastic to have it live on @SportTG4 but as we all know nothing beats being there. Looking forward to a day of camogie & hurling tomorrow too. Oiche maith.

Míle Buíochas to Flag Officer Darragh Kirwan and everyone in Irish Naval Service for hosting the Defence and National Security Committee in Haulbowline today. A most informative series of briefings was provided to all members who travelled. Commander Roberta O’Brien provided us with an excellent understanding of the work being done in the National Maritime College of Ireland of which she is the Associate Head of college. We had a very warm welcome at stand easy from Chief/ERA Tom McCarthy and Senior Chief PO Gordon Kinsella and at lunch I had the opportunity to speak with some new entrants into the Navy. I know there are challenges with retention in the Naval Service and some outstanding allowances to be paid which I am assured are being worked on and I will continue to push for - it was an overwhelmingly positive and highly impressive experience.

My thanks to @ILFA_Ireland for inviting me to speak at their patient summit 2026. In memory of my Mam & Martin 💙 You have my full support

Thank you to Kilkenny Macra for inviting me to their lobbying event this evening in The Orchard House where we discussed Macra's top priorities for Budget 2027 together with Macra President and Kilkenny woman Josephine O Neill. Thank you to all the members who attended and represented the challenges that exist currently for rural youth. We had a very engaging conversation about what practical, targeted measures could make a real difference. Amongst their priorities are - Support for succession through the introduction of a succession scheme, young farmer capital investment scheme & properly funded land mobility service. A review of tax relief measures for young people. More funding for mental health & physical health supports for farm families. Well done to everyone involved 👏 👏 👏 #macra #macrakilkenny #farmers #budget2027 #kilkenny @MacranaFeirme

Enjoy #EP everyone. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend. #electricpicnic #Stradbally

My thoughts following today’s announcement from the HSE on funding for Skyclarys.