Sharon Keogan criticises opposition obstruction amid market turmoil
Sharon Keogan spoke in the Dáil about obstruction by opposition parties and criticised a walkout during Deputy Nolan's speaking time, saying such tactics derail business. She warned that financial markets had descended into chaos after tariff announcements and argued the opposition is prioritising political manoeuvres over pressing national crises.
Accusation of obstruction
She described the opposition's behaviour as childish, citing walking out during Deputy Nolan's time, endless debates, procedural objections and motions of no confidence - actions she said are a blatant attempt to derail the legislative agenda and hinder progress on issues that affect citizens.
Market turmoil and national priorities
Keogan highlighted recent financial market instability in the wake of tariff announcements and said that when international markets, housing, migration and health are in crisis, 'eight minutes is simply not worth it' compared with addressing these real and severe problems.
Appeal to the opposition
She urged opposition members to rise to the occasion and be worthy of their constituents, questioning whether disruptions serve the people of Ireland or further the ambitions of a few. She specifically criticised Labour and other parties for allowing themselves to be led by Sinn Féin in the obstruction.
Procedure and parliamentary remarks
Keogan reminded colleagues that what happens in the Dáil is a matter for the Dáil and said arrangements for speaking time are not a matter for Shannon. She offered additional time to a Senator, thanked the Chair for their words and said members have ample opportunity to raise concerns in the House.
Clarification on protest and Gardaí
She addressed claims about Mothers Against Genocide protesters being strip-searched by the Gardaí, noting that the minister said this did not happen and urging members to retract claims made against the police force.
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I rise today to address the ongoing disruptions caused by the opposition parties in the Dáil. Last week, after weeks of obstruction over a question of eight minutes, the opposition continued to its childish behaviour by walking out during Deputy Nolan's speaking time. While they were doing this, Ireland, along with most of the world, has seen the financial markets descend into chaos in the wake of Trump's tariff announcements. We're in a bad situation when the government doesn't want to face the crisis looming over us. We're in a dire one when the opposition is also more concerned with tilting after windmills rather than dealing with these very real and very severe problems. When we have these crises in the international markets, in housing, in migration and in health, eight minutes is simply not worth it. The recent tactics employed by the opposition, including endless debates, procedural objections and motions of no confidence... Senator, what happens in the Dáil is a matter for the Dáil. I'm well aware of that. The arrangements for the Dáil speaking time is not a matter for the Shannon. Thank you very much. And not only obstruction, but are also a blatant attempt to derail the legislative agenda and hinder progress on the critical issues that affect the lives of our citizens. It's also deepening concerning to witness how Labour and other opposition parties are allowing themselves to be led around by Sinn Féin in this obstruction. We must ask ourselves, what is the true motive behind these disruptions? Is it to serve the people of Ireland or is it to further the political ambitions of the few? The answer is clear. So I call on the opposition members to rise to the occasion, to show ourselves to be worthy of our constituents. We must hold the government's feet to the fire on the real concrete issues that concern the nation. Senator, I just want to remind you, and I'll give you more time. Thank you. I think everyone here has an opportunity to raise issues themselves, and what they do in the other chamber is a matter for the other chamber. We have all the ample time in the world to raise whatever concerns you have here. So I afford you the opportunity, but like their arrangements are their issues. Thank you, Chair, for your words. Last week, the members of this Oireachtas and members of this House stated that members of the Mothers Against Genocide protesting outside the Dáil were stripped search by the Gardaí. This did not happen, according to Minister Jim O'Callaghan. It's important that members of this House retract claims made against our police force in this country. Thank you.
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