Anybody Can be a Child in Care

Anybody Can be a Child in Care

In this episode of Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words, Deputy John Connolly sits down with Clodagh, Jacqui, and John from Tusla's Fostering Service to discuss what it means to be a foster carer.  The three were in Leinster House speaking to representatives for National Fostering Awareness Month in June and to encourage people to consider becoming a foster carer.  Jacqui Smith is the National Fostering Lead for Tusla. Jacqui spoke about the image people may have of children in care but said that those children grow up to be our partners, friends, and colleagues.  Clodagh Downes was in relative foster care as a child and since then she has been on a journey through education in social care, working in disability services and now working with Tusla. Clodagh said the most important thing to a child in care is being told that the situation at hand is not your fault.  John Moriarty was a foster carer for over 20 years years and working as a Foster Peer Support with Tusla. John spoke about the joy in seeing a child in care hit milestones such as attending their first swimming lessons or receiving a good grade in an exam.  Their message is simple: Ireland is recognised as a global leader in foster care; however, the need for new foster carers remains urgent.

Ireland's EU Presidency: Priorities, Progress and Partnership

As Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, what are the priorities that will shape the next six months? In this episode of Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words, Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD joins Senator Alison Comyn to discuss Ireland's vision for its EU Presidency. They explore the key issues on the agenda, including strengthening Europe's competitiveness, supporting Ukraine, enhancing security and defence cooperation, tackling migration, driving climate action, and ensuring the EU delivers for citizens across Ireland and Europe. Tune in for an insight into Ireland's leadership role at a pivotal moment for the European Union and what the Presidency means for communities, businesses, and Ireland's place on the European stage.

Metrolink

Fianna Fáil – In Our Own Words In this episode Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien TD, Deputy Paul McAuliffe and Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee discuss MetroLink,  the transformative public transport project set to connect Swords, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. 🚇 MetroLink will be Ireland's first fully segregated metro system, improving connectivity, supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes, boosting economic competitiveness and creating lasting benefits for generations to come. It will be capable of carrying up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Metrolink is now moving forward decisively into procurement stage. The panel discusses the latest progress on the project, including major procurement milestones and the steps being taken to ensure MetroLink is delivered for the people of Dublin and Ireland. 🎧 Listen now to Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words.

The Campaign to Bring Givinostat to children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

In this episode of Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words Senator Teresa Costello sits down with Úna Ennis from Tallaght, whose 8 year-old son was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to discuss their hard fought campaign for access to Givinostat. Senator Teresa Costello has said working with families impacted by a rare muscular disease has given her an insight into “real pain and suffering”. The Fianna Fáil Senator has been campaigning with families of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to access the drug Givinostat, which slows the progression of the disease that gradually causes weakness and loss of muscle function. They are welcoming the recent decision by the HSE drugs group to recommend the approval of the drug for reimbursement and they want to keep the pressure on so that this happens soon. Úna has said said this has has changed the trajectory for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and urged the HSE to make the life-changing drug available as soon as possible. In this episode we hear about the fight for Givinostat, the stark reality of living with DMD and the hope that access to Givinostat will bring. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, advocacy and the determination of families who refused to give up.  Their message is simple: the treatment exists, and now it must be made available as quickly as possible to the children who need it. 🎧 Listen now to hear the story of Archie and his family and Senator Costello's determination to drive change for families living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Sepsis Awareness: Survivors, Families and the Fight for Better Support

On Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words this week Minister Niamh Smyth, TD for Cavan-Monaghan is shining a spotlight on sepsis awareness. Minister Smyth is joined by sepsis survivor Sophie Lanigan, her father Keith, and Cathriona Flanagan and Hannah Tormey from North East Sepsis Awareness, Minister Smyth hears first-hand accounts of the devastating impact sepsis can have on individuals and families. The discussion explores the realities of surviving sepsis, the challenges of recovery, the need for greater public awareness, and the campaign for formal recognition of post-sepsis syndrome and structured follow-up care in Ireland. From Sophie's experience of losing her limbs to Hannah's account of her daughter's battle with sepsis during her Leaving Cert year, this episode highlights the importance of early detection, survivor support, and ensuring that no one faces recovery alone. A moving conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the urgent need for change. 🎧 Listen now on Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words.