Garret Ahearn
Administrative Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025 (Revocation) Order 2026, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No.”
“I am very conscious that No. 10 is to be taken at 11.30 a.m. and it is now 11.30 a.m. I will be brief. I will make a note of any contributions relating to debates for when we come back in September. There were a lot of calls for debates.”
“We have been here for a number of years and she is correct; a lot of it has come through in July. Technically, it is for the Leader to set out the timeline of debates but I understand the frustration when it comes late or when there is little scope for debate. The motions, in fairness, were referred to committee for debate.”
“9, whichever is later, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 75 minutes by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government, the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister at th…”
“5, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 4) Regulations 2026, back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 4 without debate; No. 6, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.”
“We will have a busy time coming back in September with an expected by-election to this House, which will create more work for them. To all colleagues across the House, on a personal level, I thank them for the last number of weeks since I took over as Leader of the Seanad. It has been a busy number of weeks for all of us.”
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“does not arrive until 8.30 p.m., as it is to then find out that it is an administration issue, not even a problem but just an issue in terms of administration. It is utterly unacceptable that this can impact someone who is in a category one emergency when, as the Senator said, the ambulance should be there within 19 minutes. I canvassed in Galway for the by-election, and I came to the door of a young guy who worked in the ambulance service. He talked to me about issues like this; simple issues that can be solved. I know there have been discussions between the Minister and the ambulance service on pay, remuneration and service, but common sense also needs to be applied. Thankfully, the Senator's father is fine and healthy, but that might not be the case for someone else.”
“It would be very unusual, I suspect. I do not remember it happening when I was working with the former Minister Coveney. It is a proud day and as the Senator said himself, it is something the President signs off on. On behalf of the President, a member of Government needs to be there. I know it is a difficult time at the moment with us taking over the EU Presidency but, that said, we have a lot of Ministers. I will try to find out what happened. Senator Joanne Collins spoke in relation to a very personal event that happened at the weekend, and she spoke so well on it. One could be emotional speaking about it but she held back fairly well. It is unacceptable if an ambulance that is called at 6.10 p.m.”
“You would think this time of year would be the right time to do it before school starts again in September. Those traffic-calming measures are really important, particularly in rural areas. I see it in Tipperary. Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, needs to step up and we, as the Senator does, need to highlight it more to make sure it does that. Senator Gerard Craughwell spoke about the 64th naval cadet class. Senators Diarmuid Wilson and Robbie Gallagher also spoke in relation to it. It does seem unacceptable that there was not a Minister there, to be perfectly honest. I remember when I worked for Simon Coveney, the former Minister for Defence, that he was at almost every one of those graduations of navy officers. It is a really proud day for them and their families. I will try to find out the reason that happened.”
“The Senator also spoke about Alzheimer's and the long waiting list for support, particularly for families who have a member with Alzheimer's, and more support for carers. There is a lot more we could do on that because whether it impacts family members or people close to us, we all know someone or some family dealing with that impact. I thank Senator Manus Boyle for his congratulations. I thank him for his father's well wishes as well. They talk about the Boyle machine up in Donegal. They think it is the Senator and Michael but it is really John Boyle who is running that machine in Donegal. He was a real friend to my mother when she was a TD and that friendship has moved down another generation, which I am really delighted with. The Senator spoke about Dunkineely National School and traffic-calming measures.”
“I thank the Senators for their contributions. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin spoke about the Pride event last weekend. It was a very positive event that has garnered support through the years in increased numbers, which is very good to see. She also spoke about primary schools and the fact that the class size of 80% of our classrooms across this country is higher than the EU average. I know that something the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, did when she was Minister for Education was reduce the numbers. We need to do more on that and it is a good opportunity to have a debate on it because the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, is doing an awful lot of work. There are huge challenges for principals, year on year, that keep increasing. We will try to have a debate on that in the future.”
“70, motion 3, Private Members' business, regarding electricity supply, to be taken at 4 p.m., with the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours; and No. 4, Guardianship of Infants and Childcare (Amendment) Bill 2026 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 3, or at 6 p.m., whichever is the later.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Data Protection Act 2018 (section 51(3)) and (section 60(6)) (Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Regulations 2026, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the opt-in to Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 under Article 4 of Protocol 21 TFEU, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Order for Committee, Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 2.45 p.m., to adjourn at 4 p.m. and to resume at 6 p.m., if not previously concluded; No.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 (No. 32 of 2009) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2026 and ending on 29th June, 2027.””
“She is probably right that it is not just a justice issue and the Department of rural affairs can play a role in terms of working with local communities. We obviously need more gardaí, particularly in rural areas, but we cannot just rely on that. The communities that need support need to play their part as well. They want to do so, and that is what we will do. I will ask for a debate with the Minister for justice on that. We will see if it will be possible to have such a debate.”
“I am sure the Senator is talking about himself, not me. The facility is wonderful. It would be great for the Senators to go and see what has been done out in Sandyford. Senator Victor Boyhan spoke about the Fianna Fáil Private Members' motion. The local government task force has been brought up a number of times by Senators Davitt and Boyhan. I have contacted the Minister's office to make sure that the task force's final report is published. When it is, it is important that the House has a debate on it. We speak to councillors quite regularly and they are concerned. They want it published and they want to know what is going to be in it so we will make sure that is done. Senator Eileen Lynch raised the issue of rural crime, which is a real challenge and which has increased in recent years.”
“If the Senator wants a debate on the matter, I am sure everyone in this House, particularly on the Government side, would be more than happy to have it. Senator Aubrey McCarthy referred to Explorium in Sandyford. I have been looking to bring my kids to it but have not done so yet. It looks amazing. When talking about the national science centre, this is exactly what they have been talking about. I know what he is saying about not doubling up. I am hoping to bring my kids up during the summer months. It is a great facility that opens up the minds of young kids into science and the world of wonder.”
“I think most people on this side of the House would welcome a debate on that. We immediately brought in a package of €750 million when the war in Iran started. That has been hugely beneficial to people right across the country. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have always said that these measures are flexible in terms of decisions that can be made. We know the winter has the potential to be difficult and we need to keep money aside for that. That is what a reasonable Government would do. When we see that a deal has not been agreed on Iran, even though it was promised last Friday, we know that there will be challenges for us later in the year. As a result of decisions made in recent years, the Government has funding in place to allow it to support our people through the winter period. That is what we will do.”
“We always say that is why that club's players wear the blue and yellow of Tipperary. It is important especially when it will celebrate the 250th anniversary next year. I suggest the Senator should work with the embassy. It should be possible to get some high-level government people to come over to celebrate that. Mayo is used to welcoming high-level government people. I have no doubt that Senator Duffy can bring a high-level person from Argentina to Mayo. Senator Lynn Ruane also referred to the final report of the drugs committee. I acknowledge her powerful and emotional contribution. She has an awful lot of qualities, and certainly knows and is passionate about this matter in particular. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the excise duty on petrol and diesel. I would be more than happy to have a debate on that.”
“That does not take away from the fact that we still have people, including families with young kids, who are homeless. Those families need to be prioritised. I respect the Senator's view that. We can always have a debate on the matter in the House if needs be. Senator Mark Duffy spoke about events in Foxford and the celebrations relating to the 249th anniversary of Admiral Brown's birth. He acknowledged the work of Margaret Reilly, chair of the committee. It is important to connect various towns to other areas across the world. In Tipperary, we have a connection with Argentina. In the 1900s, Paddy McCarthy from Cashel went over and started a small football team with a few people who were living there. That club became Boca Juniors. Cashel has a huge connection with the Boca Juniors club.”
“Because of the increase in the number of cases in that Navan and in other areas across the country, there is a need for them to be prioritised. I will write to the Minister on the Senator's behalf. I know she will work on it herself, as she always does for services in Navan. Senator Chris Andrews spoke about the report of the drugs committee. He also referred to James Browne and the homeless figures. Obviously, those figures are not where we wanted them to be. We have taken a lot of measures in housing which have been successful. We can only solve this problem by building more houses and the figures have been good for 2025. The figures for the first quarter of 2026 are exceptionally good and we need that to continue. That is because of measures introduced by this Government and because of increased funding brought in by this Government.”
“They go to other countries first, and sometimes Ireland has to reach out to these drug companies to tell them to submit applications. Sometimes that takes longer than people might think. Once an application is in, the HSE tries to make a decision as quickly as possible. If it has committed to the end of June or the first week in July, that commitment needs to be followed through on for these families. Senator Linda Nelson Murray raised the issue of Alzheimer's disease and the capacity in daycare centres. Most people here would have some family connection in that regard. I know someone who suffered with Alzheimer's. I have a number of aunts and uncles who were affected by it. Daycare centres provide a major service for those suffering with the disease. Senator Nelson Murray particularly asked about Navan daycare centre.”
“The Senator's area in west Cork is a very popular destination during the summer months. There are awful lot of wet pubs there that do extremely well in summertime but that need supports for the rest of the year. Like Senator Dee Ryan, Senator Pauline Tully referred to dental services. Senator Tully outlined some of the challenges involved. Senator Ryan made a very good proposal. It would be good to a debate on the matter. I will try to contact the Minister to see if that would be possible. Senator Anne Rabbitte referred to Rory Coady's birthday. The wait for approval for the medication relating to Friedreich's ataxia is very frustrating for families. The Minister has outlined the challenges with getting approval. Sometimes the drug companies do not contact the Government to get approval.”
“I know the Senator has done an awful lot of work in highlighting this matter. Sometimes when you highlight things, you get a stay of execution. That is a win, but you have to make sure that stay of execution becomes permanent. The first win is actually stopping those beds being taken away. It is one of the hurdles crossed, and I know the Senator will continue to work hard to ensure that those beds are retained, particularly as they are vital for towns such as Drogheda. Senator Noel O'Donovan also spoke about the report of the drugs committee. The Senator raised the issue of rural pubs. Senator Mike Kennelly spoke about that as well. It is hugely important that those pubs are supported. Yesterday, the vintners made a submission outlining the kinds of supports they need and the challenges they face.”
“Sinn Féin Members have a Private Members' slot before the end of term. If they want to do so, they could table a motion. It is not for me to tell them what to do. Senator Nessa Cosgrove spoke about the really good work that community training centres do. She spoke about the challenge of going from level 3 to level 5 and the drop in financial support. I suspect that a Commencement matter is the best way for the Senator to go on that one. It is important to acknowledge that they do incredible work. Senator Frances Black spoke about the final report of the drugs committee. We will try to get an opportunity to speak about it in this House. Senator Alison Comyn spoke about the 14 step-down beds in Drogheda. It is very welcome that there has been a stay of execution in that regard.”
“Even though it is an incredibly important issue, I am not sure it is credible to go to the Minister to say that we need to have another debate within three or four weeks of having had a debate. I will look at doing something on it, perhaps some time in the future, because it is a very serious issue. The Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, has done a lot of work on it. I know the Minister, Deputy McEntee, has been criticised by the other side of the House for a lot of things but certainly, I refer to the issue of domestic violence. On foot of the spike in domestic violence, particularly during and after Covid, the funding for community groups that deal with the consequences of such violence increased dramatically, but the number of people seeking support has also increased dramatically. We will see if we can have a debate on the matter.”
“It is not something that I am aware has happened to anyone I know, but if it happens to one, it gets talked about and it puts fear into other public representatives about what they can and cannot do for fear of a financial impact on them. It is worth having that discussion on it. I do not know if a Commencement matter is the best way to approach it with the Minister. Certainly we need to make sure, if we want to encourage people, especially local representatives, to get in politics and play a role, that they need not be fearful of repercussions when they are simply trying to work with, as the Senator said, complex issues. I will talk to the Minister on that. Senator McCormack spoke about the Women's Aid report. Senator Comyn raised it as well. We had a debate on this last month.”
“We have seen successes in other countries where a health-led approach has been beneficial, and not taking away from the fact that we certainly need to invest more in the Garda, resources and education on that, this report starts that conversation. It it is to be hoped it will come to this House to be fully debated. I commend the Members on that committee, as Senator Black said, on the work they have done. Senator Scahill also called for a debate in the House. I will write to the Minister to see if we can have a debate on that in the House. I suspect it will come anyway but I will write to the Minister to see if that is possible. Senator Keogan spoke about legal costs for public representatives. It would be a huge barrier for people to being able to do their jobs if they feared that the costs would come back on them.”
“This is one of the reasons it is positive we set up a drugs committee for people who have very different political views but who can come together to a consensus on what needs to be done. Taking all the contributions into account today, obviously, if we knew it was that easy to get Senator Ruane out of this Chamber, she has strengthened the case for doing it - I am only joking. On a serious note, people come with experience and have different perspectives on it. We all respect that. We obviously respect the Senator's view that this needs to be a health-led approach, but also we have people, such as Senator O'Donovan, who comes from the other side of it in terms of gardaí and the lack of resources they have. There are different perspectives on it.”
“When you are talking about targeted costs for cost of living, dental care is key to someone's health for life and particularly at an early stage. The Senator also spoke about the new acute model for beds but, obviously, an increase in consultants across the mid-west is something that has been called for for quite some time by the Senator and many others. It is one of the reasons healthcare in the mid-west has been on the news and has been criticised or people in this Chamber and the Lower Chamber have been critical of it. I will ask the Minister to respond to that. Senators Scahill, O'Donovan, Black, Andrews and Ruane spoke about the report from the drugs committee.”
“I thank the 18 Senators for their contributions. Senator Dee Ryan spoke about the dental scheme and simplifying it. As well as outlining an issue with dental care and access for children needing dental care, the Senator outlined a solution or a measure that could possibly help, which is the €200 tax credit. Obviously, we have a budget in September. I know the Senator will use her powers of persuasion within her own party - I am sure we will too - to try to convince the Minister. We have done a lot in the health service, particularly for children and young children under the age of eight, especially, but dental care is critical. It is not something we have done as much as we have done in other areas.”
“4, the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 - Committee Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 3 and to adjourn at 6 p.m. if not previously concluded; No. 5, Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude at 7.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, all Senators not to exceed six minutes each and the Minister to be given no less than six minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 67, motion 3, Private Member's motion re visitor levy on paid overnight accommodation, to be taken at 7.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours.”
“1, whichever is earlier, and to be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 3, motion re the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, instruction to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 2, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed four minutes, all Senators not to exceed four minutes each and the Minister to be given no less than four minutes to reply to the debate; No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, changed from, Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Bill 2026 – Second Stage, to be taken at 2.15 p.m. or on the conclusion of No.”
“I know the Senator does an awful lot of work with Tiglin so he knows it well. The Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Deputy Butler, introduced a Bill a number of months ago. She is very passionate on the subject and wants to improve the area and get more funding for it. I will see if she can come into this House for a debate. I know about healthcare in the mid-west, which Senator Martin Conway spoke about, because Tipperary is connected to that. There has been the very positive announcement of a new hospital as part of UHL. There has, however, been some disappointment regarding Ennis. If Ennis is looking for an air ambulance, we certainly could call in the Minister. I suspect that tabling a Commencement matter might be the best option for Senator Conway. I am more than happy to support him on it.”
“Many companies in my local area are small to medium-sized companies. We need to be able to make sure they can focus on and improve their services online. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Burke, for a debate on that. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about Cavan hospital. During the past couple of weeks, while I have been here, Senator Tully has raised a number of examples in respect of Cavan hospital. All of those examples can be very distressing for the families. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, about the services of some hospitals around the country. Cavan has come up in this Chamber quite a lot so I will ask if we can have a debate on that. Senator McCarthy spoke about the connection between alcohol, mental health and suicide. Essentially, dual diagnosis has always been the challenge here.”
“Senator Brady spoke about the plastic collection points, which are there to encourage farmers to bring their waste plastic back so it is not just left on a farm, left idle or disposed of independently. It is about recycling and reusing that plastic. Those sites need to be close to farmers so they can avail of them. Obviously that is very important. Senator Lynch raised the digital decade report and said that, predominantly, people think it is about big firms and big companies but small businesses need to start to move with the times as well. That is a real challenge. We brought in a number of initiatives during Covid to try to encourage people to go online for simple things like online shopping or online promotion of their businesses. The world has changed and how people interact with businesses and firms is changing.”
“On a serious note, transport is a critical part of how a city can develop. If a city is increasing its population by 50% or 60% by 2040, we need to have the means to be able to support that. There will be challenges with the Luas development across the city, which was welcome news when she raised it two or three months ago, and it will take some time but that needs to progress as quickly as possible. There are always difficulties in it. The greater scheme is to connect both sides of the city. If that can happen, it will be really positive for the area. I am familiar with one or two of the bus routes where buses used to be late. I will write to the Minister to see if we can have a debate on transport around Cork city.”
“One of the real challenges for all of these organisations is that they are fighting for money every single year and, as the Senator said, there is no multi-annual funding. I know the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, is very focused on getting multi-annual funding at HSE level for the future. There are organisations that need such funding. I know that because it is not just organisations like this one that are affected. My brother Scott, who works in the mental health sector, is very familiar with trying to fight for funding every single year in order to support people. If there was multi-annual funding, it would give certainty to people who work in that sector. Senator Harmon called for a debate on Cork, basically. I am in support of that. I lived in Cork for ten years, as she knows.”
“I will write to the Minister's office to ask what the Minister is doing. As the Senator said, it is not just about having gardaí on the street because they are dealing with an awful lot - it is also about senior gardaí in terms of policy and what they are doing in the area. Senator Nelson Murray told the House that the Navan Midsummer Festival was a huge success. Those things always have a massive impact on a town. The knock-on financial benefit to businesses right across the area is hugely important. The Senator also spoke about her meeting with representatives of FirstLight - I did not realise it has been renamed from the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association - which deals with many tragic cases.”
“The Oireachtas joint committee on defence will go through pre-legislative scrutiny of it. It will come to this House and I have no doubt we will have a detailed debate on it. When that happens, we can speak about it in more detail. Senator Ní Chuilinn spoke about something awful and the fact it was not even mentioned that this happened. It was the new general manager of St. Ultans school who was attacked, essentially. I suspect a Garda investigation is happening at the moment and these people need to be dealt with at the highest level. I hope that is happening. I am sure the Senator knows whether it is. It is just not acceptable that someone who has come into this country and is giving incredible service by supporting vulnerable people - children - here is attacked like that by thugs, essentially.”
“As the Senator said, the interaction between colleges and companies can improve an area or town. That is happening with the University of Limerick, the Technological University of the Shannon, TUS, and Mary Immaculate College. The Shannon Estuary task force report was published and it would be good to have a debate here. We have a lot of representatives from the region and just outside it, which could benefit massively. I will contact the Minister's office to see if we can have a debate. The Minister, Deputy Burke, will get a lot of requests from me from today. Senator Clonan spoke about the triple lock. He is passionate about it. There are differing views on all sides of the House but he is knowledgeable about the Defence Forces and defence protocol.”
“One of the requests I might have as Leader, particularly for this year, is that people do not talk about the GAA. Tipperary is out of it. People come to the Seanad giving out they cannot watch their teams play. My team is not even playing. They are small issues. On a serious note, I can see why, when there are many games at the start of the season, all of them cannot be shown on RTÉ. However, certainly when we get to the latter end, when there are three or four matches per weekend, I do not see any reason RTÉ cannot show them all, particularly as it is an organisation founded on volunteerism. Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the Limerick Post interview with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke and how we want to do more to promote big businesses coming to rural Ireland. A lot of that has been done in recent years.”
“The more people who raise it, the better. As was said, we should all be striving for it. We spoke about it this morning with President Metsola, about using our Presidency to promote the vision we all have for a united Ireland. Senator Andrews spoke about the sad passing of Gary Ward a number of years ago. What is sadder is that there is no closure for families. For someone to wait three years to get some sort of facts or findings about what happened from the coroner's office is not acceptable. Families have enough to deal with in the tragedy itself, without having to try to get answers. I will write to the Minister to see if he will come in to debate this, because that is hardly the only example. I suspect people around the country have been waiting more than the time they should be. Senator Duffy raised GAA coverage and GAA+.”
“I am not sure what the dates are, but I encourage people to engage in that consultation process, because the GPO plays a vital role in the city centre of Dublin. We have had many debates here about how much more funding needs to go into promoting the city centre. It is a tourist attraction. People judge the whole country based on how they see the city centre and the GPO plays a vital role in that. Senator Cathal Byrne spoke about the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798. He has educated me many times in his office on that historic event. As he said, he is a true republican. We all strive for a united Ireland. That is why the Tánaiste raised it two weeks ago although there is sometimes criticism of that, but then there is criticism if people do not raise it. Senator Murphy has spoken about it numerous times.”
“If what the Senator is saying is the case - I have no reason to doubt it - it just seems terrible that the supports are not there for the victims, their families and people who are struggling on the back of one of the worst atrocities that ever happened in Ireland. Ten people died, including three kids, in a tiny village on the northern tip of our island. It was a terrible thing to happen. As Leader of the Seanad, I will write to the Tánaiste to outline the Senator’s concerns, which are genuine. You would like to think that sort of support would be in place for those people still. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the GPO and the transfer of ownership to the OPW, which is significant because it opens up the opportunity to re-open it for the public good. A consultation period will happen or will open soon.”
“It is a great honour for him, and I have no doubt that he will do a good job. He is replacing Councillor Liam Callaghan who did a fantastic job and we wish them both well. We have spoken numerous times in the Seanad about safe routes to school and what we can do in relation to rural schools in particular and making them safer. I know that myself. We have kids the same age, so we know the dangers that are there in rural communities. It is more about getting funding in the next budget as well, not necessarily for big projects, but small things that can reduce speed on roads. Senator Sharon Keogan spoke in relation to the Creeslough tragedy.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove spoke about the HRT scheme. It is a good thing to raise, as it is a free scheme but there is no point in having a free scheme if it is not available or in low supply. When the Senator talks about women’s health, it is almost like the Government or the two Houses of the Oireachtas are catching up on women’s health. One of the reasons is probably because in years gone by, people in either Chamber did not speak up about it. When 40% of the representatives in the Seanad are women, it just shows that these important issues can be highlighted, and things can be changed for the better. I will ask the Minister for a debate on that. Senator Gareth Scahill spoke in relation to the appointment of Councillor Domnick Connolly to the role of Cathaoirleach.”
“We have to continue that engagement because it has improved since Keir Starmer took office. It is important that it continues and develops even further. Senator Comyn spoke about the 30th anniversary of Veronica Guerin’s murder. It is amazing that it is 30 years. Most people were shocked and outraged by what happened on that day. To think that someone would be killed in broad daylight in front of people but as the Senator said, positive things have happened from it. The establishment of CAB has had a huge impact on criminal organisations in this country and that would not have happened only for Veronica Guerin. There are, as the Senator said, many journalists across the world who go into danger and sadly lose their lives. We do a lot of work on the media committee on this, but we need to highlight this more and we can in this Chamber.”
“We spoke about that this morning as well with President Metsola and if there is ever an example how one decision can change how politics works in a country, it is certainly Brexit. It looks like the UK is going to have its seventh Prime Minister in ten years, which is incredibly frustrating. Senator Murphy talked about how the Good Friday Agreement was hardly discussed during Brexit. I remember that James O’Brien used to do a radio interview every day on LBC Radio, and I think that he was only reporter who used to talk about the implications it would have on Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement. Ten years later, we still have the same issues to deal with. However, as the Senator said, it is a good opportunity to have a serious engagement with the new Prime Minister when he or she takes office in September.”
“Decisions made have had an impact on staffing whether it is the higher rate of the minimum wage, increased holidays, sick leave or auto-enrolment. There are so many elements that have put a lot of costs on businesses. Although we are bringing in the 9% VAT, which is hugely welcome, we need to make sure to prioritise pubs in rural Ireland, as the Senator said, and the role they play for local communities. Senator Boyhan spoke in relation to the guardianship legislation and acknowledged the Minister, Deputy Foley’s, work on that. He noted that it will be independent and that it always has supporting children at the heart of it. That was welcomed by the Minister this morning. Senator Murphy spoke in relation to the ten-year anniversary of Brexit, which happened today.”
“A lot of other countries take so much pride in their defence forces and retired defence forces, and sometimes we do not do so as much as we probably should. Therefore, there is a good opportunity to have a debate here. Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about Cuan Mhuire, the voluntary addiction service. All such providers need extra funding. We will have a budget in a number of months, but this is a very good opportunity to highlight the work the providers do. Senator Kennelly spoke about wet bars in traditional pubs. They are vital to our communities, whether in Kerry or Tipperary. We are, unfortunately, seeing a change in society and in how people live their lives. People want to support their local pubs but there are real challenges in terms of high costs, as the Senator said, and in terms of energy and water.”
“Most people here understand that when you get elected to any office or position, local or national, it is a huge day for your family. It is a real privilege to have mine here. My two boys were here for about 40 or 45 minutes and did not say a word, which is amazing. I believe they will go into politics in the future because that is not how they act in private at all. They are my pride and joy and I was delighted to have them here. I thank the 20 Senators who contributed on the Order of Business today. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin spoke about the ONE study, which relates to the 140,000 veterans of the Defence Forces. It presents a good opportunity to have a debate on the matter, particularly when we are talking about changes in defence, and to acknowledge the work and service the veterans provided over many years.”
“I had the privilege of growing up in a family where there were two passions in life. One was farming and the other was public service. Both my parents were public servants - councillors and a TD. I did not get the grá for the farming but I certainly got the grá for public service. It is a real privilege to have my family here. I acknowledge the presence of the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy John Cummins, because in politics, as we all know, you need one or two friends you can rely on through the good times and particularly through the bad. When I came into this House six years ago, I sat beside Deputy Cummins. We have been very good friends since. I also acknowledge my wife – my patient wife – and thank her for being here because it is an important day for our family.”
“I thank everyone for the lovely comments today. I have definitely got a big head after the past hour of kind words. I am not sure they were all true, but they were really appreciated. I am very grateful. I thank in particular my Fine Gael colleagues for their support over the last number of weeks and in general. We have a great bunch here in the Seanad and it is a privilege to work with all of them. I also thank the Opposition Members for their comments, but particularly for their restraint before I was appointed. I am aware that one or two struggled with that, and I was very fearful that it would have an impact on the decision-making by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, but thankfully it worked out. It is a real honour today. A number of Senators mentioned my family.”
“3, Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 2, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7.45 p.m. by putting one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; and No. 4, Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 8 p.m.”