Cathal Byrne
Cultural and Educational Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I join other Senators in urging the Government, including the Minister for local government, to produce the action plan on local democracy and make it a key priority to work on it over the summer so that the hard-working councillors up and down Ireland can have clarity about what exactly the changes will be as they face into another round…”
“I join colleagues in thanking so many of the staff here who make it possible for us to do our day-to-day work. That includes not only Martin Hughes and the team here in the Seanad, but also the ushers and all those who make the day-to-day life of Leinster House possible, including those who work in the restaurant, the canteen and behind t…”
“The Senator also raised the situation of the artist Emily Conway from County Mayo, who received an Arts Council bursary in recognition of her important contribution as an artist but which has created a scenario whereby her application for a blind pension has run into difficulty. I encourage him to put that down as a Commencement matter.”
“I feel there is also a responsibility on Dublin City Council to allow for that and to support local residents in the area. In fairness to Senator Andrews, he has spoken about this before in the House. I am happy to take it up with the Leader.”
“However, because the consultation with the consultant took place initially in Monaghan, the HSE refused that application. I encourage Senator Tully to perhaps raise this as a Commencement matter. There is an appeal mechanism through the HSE and the ombudsman. Perhaps that is an avenue for her constituent to pursue.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (resumed) and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m., with the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion at 3.45 p.m.”
The complete record
Every one of 555 lines we hold for Cathal Byrne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 12 of 12.
“I raise the issue of flooding in the town of Enniscorthy. It was flooded in 1924, 1947, 1965, 2000, 2002, 2009, 2014, 2016 and most recently in 2020. Approximately 159 houses and 169 businesses are currently within the flood zone area in Enniscorthy. Since 2014, approximately €51 million has been allocated by the Government to deliver a flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy. To date, however, this has not come to pass. I ask that we invite into this Chamber the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to get an urgent statement on this matter. The reality here is that people in Enniscorthy are living within the flood zone in fear every time that there comes a warning for heavy rain. This is the situation these people are facing daily during their day-to-day business.”
“As a young Senator I am very conscious of the fact that is an issue that disproportionately affects young families and that is something that I want to prioritise in this Chamber. I am very much looking forward to working with everyone here.”
“I am thinking particularly of Wexford General Hospital and ensuring it is resourced with staff, that the long-promised 97-bed unit extension gets delivered and that we have all of the supports necessary for our accident and emergency department, which covers not only County Wexford but the south-east region. I hope this is something we can work on and that our new leader will ensure we have a debate on that issue. I congratulate our new leader, Senator Kyne, who was elected, like me, on the cultural and educational panel. I very much look forward to working with him. I also thank my partner, Sarah, and my two young children, Aoife and Eoin. Aoife will soon be four and Eoin just recently turned one. Childcare is a big issue for me.”
“When I started out on Wexford County Council, I never expected that I would end up as a Member of Seanad Éireann. It is a particular honour to be here and I very much look forward to the time ahead. I am conscious that I am, and am proud to be, from Wexford. To the best of my knowledge, I am the only Member of the House from Wexford and that will be very important for me with regard to the issues I prioritise in the Chamber. We have challenges in County Wexford, and I am thinking in particular of the need for the Oilgate to Rosslare motorway to be developed and finished.”
“Congratulations to all who have been elected or nominated to the Chamber. It is a particular honour for me to give what is my maiden speech. I begin by congratulating the Cathaoirleach on his appointment to the role and wish him the very best of luck. From what people have said, I have no doubt he will leave a very strong legacy and I look forward to working with him. I also thank the Clerk, Martin Groves, and his team for the work done during the count. I look forward to working with the Seanad staff and colleagues across all parties. I am conscious that I am joined here by my parents, Peter and Theresa Byrne. It is a particularly honourable moment for me given the fact I started out in public life when I was elected at 27 to Wexford County Council. Similar to Senator Duffy, I contested three elections in the last year.”