During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I have long argued that if we are going to create jobs, they will not be created by Government. Governments do not create long-lasting jobs. What must happen is that we must encourage industry and business to create jobs...

"Noel Toolan works with the newly created Tourism Task Force to come up with a brand to attract visitors to Drogheda, and everyone gets involved in the Boyneside Samhain Festival."

To watch the second episode of 'Local Heroes - A Town Fights Back', please click here to go to RTE player.

During the Second Stage Seanad debate on the Social Welfare Bill 2011, I said: People going on stage are advised never to share a stage with animals or children, because they cannot win against them. One should never stand up to speak after Senator Norris because one cannot win, as he speaks with such emphasis and clarity. I had planned to speak about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Barnados and Focus Ireland, because we have been approached by all three and they have made a clear case for recognition of the problems they face and the great work they are doing...

EPISODE1

"Senator Feargal Quinn assembles a team of business experts to help residents of Drogheda, Co Louth, as they try to find solutions to the community's economic problems."

To watch the first episode of 'Local Heroes - A Town Fights Back', Please click here to go to RTE player.

By Senator Feargal Quinn

Ireland will chair the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2012 and it will be a fantastic opportunity for Irish businesses to co-operate with new partners and stimulate economic growth...

During a Seanad debate on the Community and Voluntary Sector, I said: I welcome the Minister to the House. I appreciate all he has said and is doing, in particular in regard to the forum on philanthropy and fund-raising referred to by Senator Zappone. In regard to the philanthropy problem, it appears to me that the reason we do not have a high target is the use by wealthy people of tax breaks to avoid paying tax...

During a Seand debate on reform of the Junior Certificate, I said: I am delighted to see the Minister here, not just because we have a blood relationship but because he is a breath of fresh air, not only in the House but in that seat. He has hit the ground running and come in with enthusiasm and with a question in his mind, not just about the junior certificate but also about everything else. I wish him well and I hope everything works out well for him...

During the Second Stage debate on the Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011, I said: We did not get much notice of this Bill and, as Senator Keane said, we had to burn the midnight oil to get some details on it. There is little doubt that all new taxes are unwelcome and hard to stomach, especially when it is a tax that affects so many people...

I was a guest on The Late Late Show, 28th October 2011 (Interview starts at 6m45s). I spoke on RTE's Local Heroes Drogheda project. 

'Local Heroes - A Town Fights Back' starts on RTE One, Wednesday 9th November at 8:30pm.

To watch The Late Late Show show again, please click here.

During a Seanad motion on Gender-Based Violence, I said:  I enjoy doing The Irish Times crossword every day because I am interested in vocabulary. Many of the new words I have heard in the past year are not very pleasant. I did not hear the word “gendercide” until last year but as Senator Mullen pointed out, it was used in a book title as far back as 1985. It really is a nasty word...