Diarmuid Wilson
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“While the President is not available on all occasions to present those commissions to the graduating cadet classes, a Minister normally presides over such an event.”
“I congratulate the new Leader of this House on his appointment by the Government as its representative in the House. I know he will do an excellent job and be balanced and fair at all times.”
“In a moment, I will put on the record a few points that Senator Blaney wanted to make about Deputy Dooley’s work since he became Minister of State. Before doing so, it is important to note that I have been in contact with a number of individuals in relation to this particular difficulty within the fishing industry.”
“I welcome the Minister of State back to the House on this very important issue. Like my colleague, Senator O’Donovan, I have to apologise on behalf of our spokesperson, Senator Niall Blaney, who is at another political event and cannot be here. He asked me to put a few points on the record, which I will do to the best of my ability.”
“I hope there will be no delay in the payments being made to these people who very much need them. I ask the Minister of State to say something about the paperwork involved, which can be off-putting sometimes. He mentioned it would be based on last year’s consumption. How will that be proven by the applicant?”
“Senator Blaney went on to list many of Deputy Dooley's other achievements since becoming Minister of State but I know he is a modest man and we will have another day to acknowledge that. The other thing he is anxious to put on record is the importance of the inshore fisheries, as my colleague outlined.”
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“While the President is not available on all occasions to present those commissions to the graduating cadet classes, a Minister normally presides over such an event. While I appreciate the fact that the Minister, Deputy McEntee, may not have been available to take part in this very important ceremony for these cadets and their families, and for the Defence Forces because the graduation ceremony is a day of pride, it should have been ensured that some Minister or Minister of State was available. These were not certificates of attendance; they were hard-earned commissions. These cadets should have been afforded the courtesy of a representative of the Government being present for their graduation rather than the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, who is a civil servant.”
“I congratulate the new Leader of this House on his appointment by the Government as its representative in the House. I know he will do an excellent job and be balanced and fair at all times. I had the pleasure of meeting his family last week and I could see that his father, his wife and their two beautiful children were bursting with pride on his appointment. It is a great honour not only for him but for them and his supporters throughout the country. I wish him very well. Senator Craughwell raised a very important issue that should not be ignored in relation to the 64th naval cadet class that graduated last Thursday, 25 June. Colleagues in this House are aware that all Defence Forces officers have their commissions signed by the President of this country.”
“Senator Blaney went on to list many of Deputy Dooley's other achievements since becoming Minister of State but I know he is a modest man and we will have another day to acknowledge that. The other thing he is anxious to put on record is the importance of the inshore fisheries, as my colleague outlined. They are just as much a priority and that needs to be maintained. I very much welcome the Minister of State to the House. I thank him for the work he has done to date for this particular sector but also the work he has done in relation to the €750 million overall package that has been put in place.”
“I hope there will be no delay in the payments being made to these people who very much need them. I ask the Minister of State to say something about the paperwork involved, which can be off-putting sometimes. He mentioned it would be based on last year’s consumption. How will that be proven by the applicant? Senator Blaney is anxious to put on the record his thanks to the Minister of State for his work on the mackerel quota, which secured an additional 8,000 tonnes of mackerel for this country. It is a very important result for Ireland’s fishing sector at a time when it is very much needed. It means a significant increase in fishing opportunities worth over €30 million that will directly support our pelagic fleet, our processing sector and the many coastal communities that depend on them.”
“In a moment, I will put on the record a few points that Senator Blaney wanted to make about Deputy Dooley’s work since he became Minister of State. Before doing so, it is important to note that I have been in contact with a number of individuals in relation to this particular difficulty within the fishing industry. They are happy so far with the negotiations even though a final announcement has not yet been made. I understand they are happy with the direction in which the negotiations are going. I want to point out that this the first time there has been a targeted fuel rebate for fishermen and fisherwomen, something that should be acknowledged and appreciated by us here in this House. The Minister of State anticipates that the scheme will commence in May. He is talking about covering a period from now until September or October.”
“I welcome the Minister of State back to the House on this very important issue. Like my colleague, Senator O’Donovan, I have to apologise on behalf of our spokesperson, Senator Niall Blaney, who is at another political event and cannot be here. He asked me to put a few points on the record, which I will do to the best of my ability. First, he wants to welcome the fact that the Government has put in place a €100 million fuel support scheme to assist farmers, agriculture contractors and fishers who are facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. The scheme, as the Minister of State outlined in his contribution, has been tailored to the specific needs of the fisheries and aquaculture sector and will be operated by Bord Iascaigh Mhara on behalf of the Minister of State and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.”
“We have made a commitment that there will be 8,000 members of the Defence Forces by the end of this year. Is that going to happen? There is a commitment under level of ambition, LOA, 2 to have 11,500 personnel in uniform as members of the Defence Forces by 2028. It is now time for us to recognise the fact that we are not going to achieve that. Like the Minister, I would very much hope we would but we are not going to achieve that number and we should be realistic about it. I understand that our capability is to train in the region of 900 to 1,000 recruits per year. We need to increase that dramatically if we are to achieve our goal of 11,500.”
“Has any attempt been made to negotiate with the various private entities who actually own the undersea cables that pass through our waters to make a contribution towards their protection? I understand the technology is out there but it is very expensive. It is incumbent upon them to pay some contribution towards the protection of those cables. That is not taking away from our responsibility to protect our own national and economic waters. I will concentrate on the recruitment and retention policy of the Defence Forces. My colleague, Senator Gallagher, will deal with other matters. I welcome the fact that there was a net increase of 200 in the numbers of people serving in our Defence Forces. However, we have a long way to go. My understanding is that our strength at present should be 9,500 and the actual numbers are 7,700.”
“It was great to see them recognised, acknowledge and rewarded for their actions. I was glad to meet the chief chaplain of the Defence Forces who happens to be a former school mate of mine, Fr. Paschal Hanrahan. I had not met him in many, many years and I was delighted to meet him there. It is one aspect of the excellent work our Defence Forces do. I welcome the publication of the national maritime security strategy this morning. I welcome the fact the French Government will work along with the Irish Government in developing the protection of our seas in the economic zone and our undersea cables. I have a question on the undersea cables that the Minister probably will not be able to answer today.”
“I welcome the Minister back to the House. This is her second time here in three weeks, which is a great start. That is more time in the Seanad than some of her predecessors spent in an entire session of this House. She is very welcome. She has definitely hit the ground running and I congratulate her on that. Like Senators Kyne and Craughwell and other colleagues, I was delighted to be in Galway two weeks ago to witness the presentation by the Minister and the Chief of Staff of distinguished service medals to Fr. Paul Murphy and three members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Private Dylan Geraghty, Corporal Daniel Padden and Private Ciara Shanahan. It was a great occasion. These three young soldiers came to the aid of the chaplain when he was under attack in Galway barracks two years ago.”
“On Senator McDowell's remark on having a Minister for Defence, we have a Minister for Defence, and that is Deputy McEntee. We do not have a Minister for Defence who holds that position alone but we have a Minister for Defence. I wished her well. She is newly appointed, as we know, and I wish her well in what we know, given all the comments made on the worldwide challenges that face us as a small democratic island, is a crucial role. I pay tribute to the women and men of our Defence Forces and the representative organisations that represent them daily and communicate with each Member of the Oireachtas. Defence is integral to national resilience, economic security and, increasingly, the protection of our democratic institutions. That is worth bearing in mind. I thank everybody for their contributions this afternoon.”
“It is vital to the development of our Defence Forces. I pay tribute to the members of the Reserve Defence Force. Senator Joe O'Reilly mentioned Commandant Kiernan, who was recently promoted. The commandant, whom Senator Tully also knows, is a prominent member of the Defence Forces and plays an active role. Very relevant points have been made on the Reserve Defence Force. It is a vital cog in our defence and should be promoted throughout our communities. As has been pointed out here today, it is not just about appearing in uniform and providing cover for the Permanent Defence Force. There are other roles that Reserve Defence Force members can assume. These are crucial, particularly in cybersecurity. This should be considered and progress should be made on it.”
“I found it hard to believe that he would be that stern. He played a vital role in the military police of the Reserve Defence Force, on which I congratulate him. Without repeating everything said, there has been a welcome for the progress made on pay and conditions, recruitment and retention. There has been universal acknowledgment of the dedication and commitment of the women and men of our Army, Navy and Air Corps at home and abroad. We make no secret of the fact that there are challenges ahead. These have been addressed in our motion and mentioned by colleagues today. As members of the Government party, it is our intention to see those concerns addressed as quickly as possible. I agree with Senators McDowell and Craughwell and others that we must get to level of ambition 3 immediately.”
“I started off the debate by saying to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, that defence debates in this place are rational, informed and grounded in the realities of today's world and that I had no doubt but that this would be the case again today. I am glad to report that this has been an excellent debate on defence matters. I thank each and every one of my colleagues who contributed to it. I acknowledge that we benefit here from the expertise of people who have practical experience of membership of the Defence Forces, at different ranks, and in one case membership of two armies. That is very helpful in this discussion. I acknowledge those who have experience of the Defence Forces through service in the Reserve Defence Force, including Senator McDowell. I understand the Senator was a very rigid and stern member of the military police.”
“I welcome my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Timmy Dooley, to the House, which will be very familiar to him as he started off here. You could call this place the reserve space for Deputy Dooley before he became a permanent Member of the other place.”
“The world of 2026 demands secure communications, resilient data systems and surveillance capacity that matches our maritime responsibilities, which extend over 1 million sq. km of ocean. To put it simply, our approach to our national defence must be rooted in sustainable investment, better governance and a culture of respect from the Cabinet table to operational command. Our generation must ensure Ireland's defence posture matches the realities of our time. It must be grounded in our values, but realistic about the threats we face. Members of the Defence Forces do their duty daily. They do it without fanfare and with the utmost professionalism and courage. It is our duty as legislators to give them the resources, respect and clarity of vision they deserve.”
“An expanded Defence Forces that numbers more than 11,500 personnel deserves the best facilities and accommodation. We must look seriously at expanding our barracks facilities today to accommodate further expansion of the Defence Forces. We should develop new facilities and re-open some closed ones, not least Dún Uí Néill, the former army barracks in Cavan town, which was closed in 2012. Dún Uí Néill was the only purpose-built army barracks ever built in the history of the State. It was closed in 2012 and that was a desperately short-sighted decision. It should be reopened immediately. I will deal with that in this House at a later date. A credible defence policy is built not only on personnel, but also on technology.”
“I could list several other glaring anomalies, from the unevenness of the service commitment scheme, which still does not cover all air traffic controllers, to the outrageous situation where local bargaining payments under the current pay agreement are now six months overdue in some cases. The fact progress is so slow on these and other issues sends the wrong message entirely to serving personnel. We need a lot more action from the Department and this action must be politically driven from across the Cabinet. The men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann serve with distinction at home and on UN missions abroad. They deserve a 21st century organisation worthy of their commitment. We have done much and that has to be acknowledged, but we have a lot more to do. The motion before us today makes note of this important fact.”
“While we often hear the figures of €45,000 or €51,000 being bandied about as an impressive rate of pay for cadets, that is only paid after completion of training. The cadet in actual training earns around €25,000 in year one and €28,000 in year two. These are people in their early and mid-20s. They potentially have mortgages and a family, and they definitely have responsibilities. How many of us could commit to two years on that income? The situation is no better among general service recruits. On retention, we have a major issue with the post-2013 pension terms. This is across all services, but it has to be addressed urgently.”
“With these caveats, I think we can say we are, for the first time in a decade, on the pathway to credible capability growth. Recruitment, pay reform, modernisation of infrastructure and investment in new maritime, cyber and air assets are not luxuries; they are obligations. However, we must also be honest with ourselves that the Defence Forces are still under enormous strain. Although there is a willing pool of available talent, recruitment remains below target, retention is fragile and morale has been tested. The good intentions of successive Ministers must be translated into clear measurable improvements. These include better remuneration, structured career paths and tangible respect for service. We must also be careful about how some pay rates are presented, for example, the rates of cadet and recruit pay.”
“Defence is integral to national resilience, economic security and, increasingly, the protection of our democratic institutions. In recent years, Ireland has experienced cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and interference with undersea cables that carry the digital lifeblood of our economy. We have seen Irish airspace and waters regularly transited by foreign military activity. We have witnessed how hybrid tactics, economic and informational, are used to test the will of small states like ours. Against that backdrop, I again acknowledge the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Government's decision to move to level of ambition 2. Many of us in this House would like to see us move further and faster to level of ambition 3.”
“At its heart, defence is about our responsibility as a nation to safeguard our people, protect our democracy and contribute credibly to peace and security at home and abroad. Let us be clear, Ireland's security environment has changed profoundly. The world we face in 2026 is more complex and unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War. We see it in Russia's continued aggression in eastern Europe, the bloodshed and horrors in Gaza and the West Bank, instability in north Africa, the growth in hybrid warfare, cyber threats and mass disinformation. The recent threats to Greenland from those in the current US Administration serve to add to a growing and alarming number of challenges to small open democracies like ours.”
“I welcome the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to the House. This is the first opportunity I have had to do so in her new capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence. I wish her well in the years ahead in that position. I welcome the opportunity to speak on an issue that goes to the very foundation of our sovereignty and security. It is a topic we do not debate sufficiently, but we can be proud in this Chamber that we speak about it more often than most. We do so with the benefit of extensive experience and considerable knowledge from Seanad colleagues who have served in the Defence Forces at various ranks and in one case in more than one defence force. Defence debates in this place are rational, informed and grounded in the realities of today's world. I have no doubt that this will be the case again today.”
“I move: “That Seanad Éireann: recognises that: - Irish people take great pride in our Defence Forces and the contribution made by the Permanent Defence Force, the Reserve Defence Force and by Civil Defence; - the single greatest asset the Defence Forces has is its personnel; and welcomes: - significant progress on pay for the Defence Forces with the most recent increase awarded in August 2025; - payment of recruits on completion of training of €41,880 in Year 1, a 51 per cent increase since 2019; - payment of a Cadet on commissioning is €45,795, a 48 per cent increase from 2019; - payment for a graduate entrant on commissioning beginning at €51,184; - the extension of private medical care to all ranks in the Defence Forces; - the extension of the Service Commitment Scheme for Air Corps pilots to Air Traffic Controllers; - provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations; - a doubling of the Patrol Duty allowance; - the extension of the Naval Service tax credit for a further five years; - the implementation of a payment to Officer Instructors in the Defence Forces; - the increase in the maximum age of retirement to 62 and the age of recruitment for General Service/Cadets to 39, and to 50 for Direct Entry specialists; - the commencement of the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January 2025; - the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston which, when fully operational, will enable training to be provided to 900 recruits per annum; - the establishment of a Retention Team in the Defence Forces to start building a clear pathway to reduce overall attrition; - the development of a Defence Forces Strategic Workforce Plan; and further welcomes: - the appointment of the first female Minister for Defence; - the significant increase in the Defence Budget in recent years; and acknowledges: - the ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces; - that, as of 30th November, 2025, total numbers in the Defence Forces stood at 7,715 personnel or 79 per cent of an agreed establishment strength of 9,739; - the challenge of meeting the Commission on Defence Forces recommended target of 11,500 personnel by 2028; and calls for: - an evaluation of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 with regard to its impact on retention in the Defence Forces; - the disparity in pension entitlements for personnel who enlisted post 1994 and pre 2024 to be addressed; - the appointment of an adjudicator to the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Permanent Defence Forces; - Defence Forces Chaplains and the Director of Military Prosecutions to be allowed to avail of membership of a representative association; - the commencement of adjustments to pay and allowances as agreed under the local bargaining arrangements of the Public Service Pay Agreement 2024-2026; - the establishment of a Specialist Pay Review Body, outside of local bargaining provisions, to consider the appropriateness of current rates of technical pay to specialists; - improvements in initial Cadet pay; - a review of the current duty pay system; - implementation of the third strand of the Working Time Directive; - examination of the introduction of Long Service Increments; and - the introduction of the rank of Lance Corporal.” I will be sharing time with Senator Gallagher.”
“It is also a day to honour the courage of patients, survivors, families and caregivers. I think today of Bernie, the mother of Aislinn Swanick and the mother-in-law of a good friend of mine and former colleague in this House, Dr. Keith Swanick, who died three weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her symptoms, which included indigestion, pain on the left side and fatigue, sounded ordinary but they were not. The Swanick family is turning the GP surgery in Belmullet purple today in her memory and Aislinn continues to fundraise for Pancreatic Cancer Ireland, a voluntary organisation unapologetically demanding better survival rates and better care. On 8 December, 11-year-old Julian Swanick will release a Christmas carol in honour of his nanny, Bernie, to help raise awareness.”
“That gap costs people precious time. A specialised referral pathway could speed up diagnosis and determine far sooner whether surgery, which is the best chance of survival, is possible. Right now, families are losing weeks navigating a system that simply is not built for a fast-moving disease. Professor Gráinne O'Kane, who was part of the presentation team in the audiovisual room, recently spoke of the psychological trauma of not being able to offer Irish patients every possible option. We can change that. With organisation, investment and political will, we can build the kind of rapid-access service that patients deserve. Today is about awareness and awareness can save lives. When people know the symptoms, understand the risks and push for early evaluation, we improve the odds.”
“I have just come from a presentation on pancreatic cancer in the audiovisual room, which the Leader and other colleagues, including Senator Boyhan, also attended. It was hosted by our colleague, Senator Mark Duffy. Today, we mark World Pancreatic Cancer Day, a day to shed light on one of the most aggressive and least understood cancers. Pancreatic cancer is often called the silent disease because symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue can be mistaken for something minor. That silence is deadly. Most patients are diagnosed far too late and Ireland's outcomes reflect that. Only about 10% of patients here survive for five years compared with more than 80% to 90% for breast and prostate cancer, respectively. Unlike for those cancers, though, Ireland still has no rapid diagnostic clinic for pancreatic cancer.”
“Will the motion do anything to stop that happening? I understand from the contribution of the Minister of State that the motion involves putting into law what is happening at the moment. Perhaps he could clarify the points I have raised. I would be very grateful if he did so. I again thank the Minister of State.”
“I will be brief. I am representing my colleague, Senator Gallagher, who is on his way here but may not make it in time. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Collins, to the House and thank him for his comprehensive contribution on the motion. Fianna Fáil fully supports the motion. I agree with Senator Kelleher on the difficulties with putting in place CCTV systems to, for instance, find out who is dumping illegally. There is also difficulty in providing CCTV footage coverage in many towns. Data protection or GDPR is used as an excuse. Will the motion have any significant effect on alleviating that difficulty? As public representatives, we all know GDPR is often used by Departments not to answer questions that we ask on behalf of our constituents. I want to put that on the record of the House.”
“The education aspect is vital. I am aware of some of the programmes conducted by the local fire services. An excellent programme is conducted in Cavan for third class pupils. I would like to see that extended to secondary schools as a refresher course, if possible. The main message I want to get across, however, is that without smoke alarms, if there is a fire in your house, there is a 90% chance that you or your family will not wake up. The anomaly is that before the new regulations were introduced in 1997, houses were not required to have smoke alarms in permanent locations. We need an education programme, especially aimed at the owners of those houses, telling them to get fire alarms for every part of their homes. A fire alarm is not a nuisance. Someday, it could save a life.”
“It is vitally important people are aware of the fire safety regulations, how to try to put the fire out with the proper equipment and, more importantly, how to escape from the house if fire breaks out. I ask the Minister of State to please consider a public awareness campaign. I know a campaign is carried out for one week during the year but I think it should be continuously carried out throughout the year on our televisions, radios and social media outlets. It is vitally important that people are aware. Believe it or not, there are people who have no smoke alarms in their houses. I spoke to a man recently who told me he considered it a nuisance because every time he was cooking it went off so he threw it out. It is very important that this matter is addressed.”
“In the case of houses built prior to the regulations being introduced in 1997, the owners should be contacted by the local authorities in relation to fire safety to encourage them to ensure adequate fire alarms are in their homes. Between 2019 and 2024, there were 124 deaths caused by fire. Any fire chiefs or firefighters will say it is not the fire that kills but the smoke. In my experience, only for the smoke alarms we would be dead. Each year the fire safety authorities carry out a fire safety awareness week. In 2024, they concentrated in particular on fire safety in the home. As we are aware, due to the new hybrid way of working now many people work during the day in their own homes, at least for most of the week. Fires can start at any time.”
“I commend Cavan and Belturbet fire brigades. They were on the scene in 20 minutes and saved the house but, more importantly, saved us as a family, myself and my two young twin girls. The reason I raise this today is that the building regulations that were introduced in 1997 covering fire safety and smoke alarms do not cover houses that were built prior to that. From 1997, a grade D smoke alarm was required in the hallway, landing and kitchen. From 2006, a grade D smoke alarm was required in the hallway, landing, kitchen and principal living room of a dwelling. From 2017, new minimum requirements were introduced which included those but also added to them attics, the audibility of alarms, the requirement to test them and various electrical specifications.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the House. As context for this Commencement matter, on Easter Sunday morning just past, 20 April, I was awakened in my house by what I thought was a car alarm. However, I quickly realised it was the sound of a number of smoke alarms going off. While there was no indication of any smoke in the house at the time, because the alarms were going off, I went around the bedrooms first, then downstairs to the living room and kitchen. It was only as I was making my way back upstairs I got the smell of smoke. I went back down into the kitchen, opened the utility room door and, as I did so, it burst open. I then realised we were in trouble. The utility room was totally ablaze with toxic fumes flying out. I had the presence of mind to close the door, roar upstairs to my family to get out and ring the fire brigade.”
“He has a particular interest in this area as our justice spokesperson but, unfortunately, he is detained in his constituency on another matter. He is on his way up, though, and I hope he will get to contribute before we are finished this evening. Once again, I congratulate all of our colleagues on tabling this legislation. I acknowledge that Deputies Cian O'Callaghan and Ó Broin brought similar legislation to the Lower House. I love using the term "the Lower House". Working collectively, we can, through the Minister, put copper-fastened legislation together that will cut out this heinous and horrific crime.”
“I would like clarification on the fines that are in place up to €50,000 with regard to anyone convicted of this particular heinous crime. I note that there is not a provision for imprisonment within this particular legislation. Why not? I believe that anybody who is convicted of this heinous, horrific act should not only be fined, but also face a term of imprisonment. I also believe it is important that the Bill would cover the targeting of all vulnerable people regardless of their sexual orientation. That is why I said in my initial comments that the landlord, be they male or female, should be covered by this legislation. I very much look forward to the Minister's detailed contribution and I wish him well. I am taking this matter on behalf of my colleague Senator Gallagher, who wanted to be here.”
“However, it is worth noting that, while a specific offence criminalising sex for rent is under consideration, section 9 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 already provides for the offence of coercion to compel a person to commit an act through violence or intimidation. In addition, the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 extended the scope of the existing harassment offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 to cover persistent conduct causing alarm, distress or harm. Section 10(3)of the 1997 Act, as amended, now sets out a non-exhaustive list of the types of conduct that constitute harassment. I acknowledge the work Ms Ann Murphy of the Irish Examiner has carried out in this regard.”
“I am glad that, through his good offices as our spokesperson on justice, the Minister ensured that this would be contained within the programme for Government. I know that he and his officials are working hard to put copper-fastened legislation together in this regard. The Bill tabled by our colleagues seeks to create two offences, the first of which is advertising sex for rent and the second of which is importuning sex for rent. Any behaviour from accommodation providers, be they male or female, seeking to use their position to prey on vulnerable people is unacceptable and the Government is seeking to address this exploitative behaviour by making the offering or advertising of accommodation for sex in lieu of rent a specific criminal offence.”
“I welcome the Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, to the Chamber. It is my first opportunity to have the honour of welcoming him as Minister for Justice. I wish him well in the four and a half years or more, hopefully, ahead. I also welcome visitors to the Public Gallery who have an interest in this particular subject. I congratulate Senators Harmon, Cosgrove, Noonan and Stephenson on tabling this important legislation. It is profoundly regrettable that we have to lay this type of legislation before the Oireachtas. Unfortunately, it is necessary. I want to put on the record of the House that Fianna Fáil will be supporting this legislation this afternoon. Combating the scourge of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key focus for the Fianna Fáil Party.”
“The order of the House is that we debate Committee Stage of this Bill today, and if is not concluded within two hours, it will be adjourned. That is quite clear. My hands are tied on that. I am merely pointing out the facts of the situation.”
“I wish to offer a clarification. Committee Stage has been ordered for two hours this evening. We may finish Committee Stage today, depending on the progress we make within those two hours. This evening's debate must conclude one way or the other by 7.32 p.m. As Senator Craughwell and other colleagues are well aware, if the Committee Stage debate concludes, we move on in due course to Report Stage. There will be an opportunity on Report Stage to put forward amendments not already debated and that are accepted by the Cathaoirleach, if colleagues so wish. That is just by way of clarification. I ask that all speakers be given the opportunity to make their contributions without interruption. If that happens, we may finish Committee Stage this evening, which I am sure is what everybody wants.”
“I refer to the clerks, everyone who works in the Seanad Office, the ushers and all the other staff. We should acknowledge that. Aisling is taking a few weeks off on holidays but I would like the Deputy Leader to invite her back so that we can pay proper tribute to her on a full sitting of this House. I wish her well. She will have more time now to spend with her father, her sister, who she is devoted to, and the other members of her family.”
“I join Senators Keogan and Flynn in acknowledging that today is the final day at work in this House of Aisling Hart. Aisling Hart is well known to all of us for her dedication and commitment to this House. It is important we acknowledge today her 45 years of public service, 38 years of which were spent in Leinster House. Aisling worked in various areas of these Houses, from the committees and human resource management to interparliamentary matters and most especially as private secretary to six Seanad Cathaoirligh, namely, Rory Kiely, Pat Moylan, Paddy Burke, Denis O'Donvan, Jerry Buttimer and Mark Daly. That is a unique achievement for any person. She served with dedication and commitment and, like all her colleagues here, this House could not function without her.”
“It would be remiss of me not to mention the historic building in which we sit and how lucky we are to serve our country in the former home of the great Irish family of the patriot Lord Edward FitzGerald. I congratulate all Senators on their membership of this great House, one of the most important Houses of our Oireachtas. I wish them well for what I hope will be our five-year period. I will now accept a proposer and seconder for any motion in relation to the election of Cathaoirleach. I call Senator O'Loughlin.”
“It is at its best as a questioning and revising Chamber that provides a vital independent voice. I take this opportunity to thank my family for their support. Without their assistance, I would not be able to be in politics and to have served in this House for 23 years. I thank all members of the staff of this House, including the Clerk and his assistants, the official reporters, the ushers, and the catering and bar staff, and my friends across the political parties for their guidance, help and assistance over that period of time. Today, I remember those who have served with me since 2002, including those who have gone to their eternal reward. The new Members of the Seanad will find that we are generally a happy and constructive bunch of people. However, that changes from time to time depending on the circumstances.”
“He eventually returned here and then took a short spell in the other place, which is known as the Lower House. I am delighted that I may have the title of father of the House for the longest continuous service here, but I acknowledge that Senator O'Reilly is here the longest of us all. It is good to salute him. This House is a place where individuals can show courage and be outspoken. Since its foundation, things have been said and governments have listened and been held to account. Having had the honour and privilege of being a Member of this House since 2002, not a day has passed when I have not felt thankful to those who have placed their trust in me. I thank them most sincerely for their support. I believe that the Seanad's true role is to be a check and balance on the Dáil.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, you are all very welcome for the first meeting of our new Seanad. I congratulate everybody who has been elected or selected to serve in this House. I also remember those who were, unfortunately, unsuccessful in their attempt to be re-elected to this House. It is important to remember them here today as well. I will say a few words. First, as a Cavan man, I am delighted to be joined by four other Senators from County Cavan. I think it is the first time that has ever happened, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the years ahead. I wish to especially mention Senator Joseph O’Reilly. Senator O’Reilly came to this House many years before I did, in 1989, and served here for one period before taking a sabbatical to return to his teaching profession.”