“I can’t give the excuse of war to a parent who comes into my constituency office looking for a school place for their child.”
Those were the stark words of first-time TD Eoghan Kenny as he delivered a pointed critique of Government performance during a debate on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show, where newly elected TDs examined the successes and shortfalls of the current administration.
Kenny said that while global uncertainty and international crises are often cited by Government as justification for slow progress, they offer little comfort to families facing everyday pressures at home. Drawing on his own constituency experience, he highlighted the growing strain on parents trying to secure school places, affordable childcare and basic supports.
He pointed to the ongoing delay of the Occupied Territories Bill, legislation that was included in the Programme for Government but has yet to be passed, as an example of what he described as the Government’s failure to follow through on commitments.
Childcare costs were another major focus of his criticism. Kenny noted that while fees of €200 per child had been previously referenced in policy discussions, the reality for many families is vastly different. Parents across the country, he said, are now paying well in excess of €1,000 per child, placing huge pressure on working households.
Kenny argued that progress on key social issues is happening far too slowly, particularly at a time when workers and vulnerable families are being “constantly affected”.
“Making significant steps isn’t happening,” he said. “It’s just not happening, and that’s what I’m seeing as a first-time TD.”
He concluded by pointing to the record of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, noting that the two parties have been in Government for most of the past decade, and insisting that responsibility now lies squarely with them to deliver real, measurable change rather than explanations.
