Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Labour Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“The next card is the “Just a Minute” card and is used by people with hidden disabilities who may need just a minute longer than other people to get their stuff together or maybe realise what they are being asked. It is particularly used in banks, post offices and shops and means the person does not have to say they do not understand.”
“I wish to raise awareness of two cards that people who have a lot going on in their lives use. The first one is called a "No Wait" card and it is used by people who need access to a toilet, often very often, but always very quickly. They show this card to business so that they can get access to toilets.”
“No one goes out on a pitch to lose and the commentary, particularly on social media, is just shocking. In a world where you can be anything, be kind. These lads and lassies are feeling it already without people rubbing it in.”
“I dtosach báire, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Seanadóir Garret Ahearn mar Threoraí nua an tSeanaid agus leis an Seanadóir Cathal Byrne mar Príomh-Aoire an tSeanaid. Tá súil agam go mbeidh an t-ádh leo beirt. Sport is very topical at the moment. There is a lot going on in the GAA and also in the world of soccer.”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations 2026 Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, i…”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.5) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in a…”
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“It is very important that there is going to be cross-party connection and work on the delivery of disability services and measures that will help the disability sector. The Minister of State will agree that at the end of its tenure the Government wants to leave people with disabilities in a better place than when it started. Making these car parking spaces statutory so that people will adhere to them would be a great start.”
“They are not visible but they can be very debilitating. It is very important to make life as easy as we can for anyone with hidden disabilities and providing priority car parking spaces is hugely important. The only thing is these spaces, though very welcome, are provided on a non-statutory basis. They are akin to parent-and-toddler and age-friendly spaces, where we depend on the goodwill of the public to adhere to the restrictions on the spaces. It is only when our pockets are hit or there is a threat of our pockets being hit that we really take notice. I am calling for a review of parking policy with regard to these type of spaces to make them statutory and to enhance what can be done with regard to people adhering to the restrictions on those spaces. This Government is clearly committed to the whole sector of disability.”
“I thank the Cathaoirelach for choosing my Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for taking time out of his extremely busy schedule to reply to my matter. Councillor Patrick Donovan, a member of Cork County Council, does Trojan work in the field of disability and inclusivity. I want to publicly acknowledge his contribution to the disability sector. He really is a hands-on councillor in this regard. He has secured a commitment for a few car parking spaces for people with hidden disabilities, which is very important. Fair play to him. As the Minister of State knows, hidden disabilities are often called invisible disabilities. They are disabilities not easily seen by the naked eye and are often impossible to see such as chronic fatigue, depression and autism.”
“Many girls give up sports because they do not feel comfortable. Everything should be done to give them a choice. I am behind them all the way, especially the Cork players who have decided to wear shorts this coming weekend. I hope they will be allowed to do so.”
“I stand in support of the camogie players in the skort debacle. As a former camogie player at local level, it was often pointed out to me that my heart and lack of fear of the hurley made up for my lack of talent. That is a matter for another day. Skorts are very uncomfortable and restrictive. In this day and age, it is fair gall to tell girls what to wear. Even in primary and secondary girls schools, students have the choice to wear skirts or pants, and rightly so. It is so old-fashioned to try and tell any girl what to wear. I hope that the Camogie Association brings its vote forward. In fairness, it is listening in that it has offered to bring the vote that was not due until 2027 forward to 2026. However, that is still a long time away. We should be encouraging girls who do not feel comfortable.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply, for acknowledging that there is a problem and for his commitment and the commitment of the other two Ministers to resolve this. The ten weeks would be fairly acceptable because it is ten months in some areas at the moment. With regard to Sunday not being an option because of having to offer a day in lieu, perhaps that could be cut out. Perhaps double pay could be offered rather than a day in lieu, which would obviously nullify any expediting of the list because they would then take a day off at some other time. I thank the Minister of State very much.”
“Many people and councillors have been on to me because their constituents have been on to them. This is a serious matter. It is not rocket science and could be sorted easily. It is holding young people back from accessing education and employment. Some people are hoping to move abroad for a few years and need their driving test so they can bring a licence with them. Many people are having to refuse employment because they do not have a full driving licence. It is quite a serious matter.”
“It is just not acceptable to be waiting so long. Many are waiting so long that their 12 lessons have gone out of their head by the time they are called for their test. It is adding much unnecessary pressure. A revamp of the whole system is needed. People are reporting that it is hard to log on to book a test and impossible to get someone on the phone to change a test. I know there are a lot of no-shows and perhaps there should be a stronger clampdown on the no-shows. Perhaps we need a system whereby if someone gives notice of a cancellation, a waiting list kicks in straight away. That is not happening at the moment. We have a wonderful young generation. At the moment, it is like a bird whose wings have been cut. This is holding back that generation.”
“Obviously, many of these have not applied for a test or are not ready for a test, but that will be coming down the line and many have applied for tests. In 2019, the waiting time for a driving test was six weeks but what is considered a normal waiting time is now 24 weeks, so we have gone from six weeks to six months. The pandemic was blamed for this for a while but, to be fair, everything else in life has caught up. The effects of the pandemic have been erased from many parts of life and so it should be for this too. It is not enough of an excuse or reason for these long waiting lists. There is a rule that learner drivers cannot drive by themselves. I fully agree with this rule but it is extremely hard for families to ensure that a parent or older sibling who has a full driving licence is in the car with these young people.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, for choosing this Commencement matter. I thank the Minister of State for taking time from his busy schedule. He is welcome back to the Upper House. I am sure that, like me, the Minister of State remembers sitting his driving test. Research over the years shows that people find sitting their driving test harder than State exams or college exams. They are rolling a practical test and a theory test into one and the period of time that the tester is in the car with a person can be very stressful. It always was and still is a compulsory rite of passage. It is a movement onwards in life because passing the test opens doors in education and employment. As I said, it is a compulsory rite of passage. At present, there are almost 379,000 learner drivers, which is an increase of 63% since 2019.”
“Obviously, we all want health and safety for our children, but surely a medical will show whether a 71-year-old is fit to drive a bus. I suggest that we ask the Minister, Deputy McEntee to come before the House for a debate on school transport and the fact that we should try to improve it this year in order that people will find out on time whether they will be catered for.”
“I wish to raise the matter of school transport. The return to school for young people, particularly those who are transitioning from primary to secondary school, can be a very difficult time. Year after year, we see the mess that school transport ends up being. People are not sure whether they are getting tickets, particularly with concessionary tickets. The applications are open now and are closing at the end of the month. The payments have to be made by 6 June. Anyone who goes to the bother of paying is a genuine applicant. It is very hard to understand why people have to wait until the end of August or the start of September to find out if they are getting a school transport place. Also, this idea of Bus Éireann drivers having to retire at 70 is ridiculous.”
“Fianna Fáil remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the rights and improving the lives of peoples with disabilities. Together, let us continue to build a more inclusive Ireland where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, the opportunity to contribute and the opportunity to live with dignity and respect.”
“One mother described receiving the news about her child having a disability as similar to planning to go to Spain on holidays, having learned Spanish with everything packed, and then landing in France, not knowing the language, where to go or who to turn to. We have to think about and support the parents, especially those with newborn babies, and the families of people with acquired disabilities. It is not what they planned or what they thought their lives would be. As we reflect on the progress we have made, and the challenges that lie ahead, let us remember that the true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. By this measure, without a doubt, we still have work to do. However, we can take pride in the strides we have made and the vision we have for the future.”
“As we strive to implement these initiatives and fulfil our commitments, we do so with the understanding that our ultimate goal is an Ireland where every individual, regardless of ability or disability, is empowered to reach their full potential. It should be all about them. This means addressing not only the practical challenges but also fostering a culture of inclusion, a culture of understanding, and a culture of respect. It means breaking down barriers and ensuring people with disabilities are not just included but valued as active and equal participants in our society. I also wish to mention the families of people with a disability, particularly those with an acquired disability or parents with a new baby that has been diagnosed with a disability. I have dealt a lot with parents over the years.”
“Since the publication of this ambitious plan, €42 million has been provided for the disability services, reflecting our commitment to turning plans into action. Budget 2025 allocated €336 million in additional funding for the disability services. This funding will be directed towards initiatives such as improving access to digital supports, which are increasingly essential in today's world, and providing one off grants designed to enhance the quality of life for those who rely on these vital services. These investments are not just about meeting immediate needs; they are about building a foundation for long term progress.”
“A key element of our strategy going forward is the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026. This plan represents a bold and forward-thinking vision for the expansion of disability services to meet the expected demographic changes and to address existing unmet needs. For example, the plan outlines the addition of 600 extra full-time staff within children's disability services ensuring that young people and their families receive timely and effective support. Additionally, the plan provides for 1,200 new day service places each year ensuring that school leavers with disabilities have the opportunities and resources they need to transition seamlessly into adulthood and to pursue their aspirations.”
“These funds have been directed towards improving access to healthcare, education, housing and employment for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and yet, as proud as we are of these achievements, we do recognise that there is still a lot of work to be done. The challenges faced by people with disabilities in Ireland are complex and addressing them requires a comprehensive whole-of-government approach. That is why the programme for Government includes a robust set of commitments and actions to be delivered for people with disabilities, as well as for those working in the disability sector. These commitments are not merely aspirations; they are concrete goals backed by actionable plans.”
“This groundbreaking initiative is designed to foster innovation in service delivery, improve access to education and employment opportunities and create a society that is inclusive and accommodating of neurodiversity. It is a clear demonstration of our dedication to addressing the specific needs of all members of our community. Our commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities is not just reflected in policy reforms but also in our financial priorities. Since 2020, Fianna Fáil has increased funding for disability services by more than 50%. This significant investment underscores our recognition of the critical need to support services, programmes and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.”
“In addition to this structural shift, Fianna Fáil has spearheaded significant reforms designed to modernise and humanise our approach to disability. One of the most notable achievements in this regard has been the abolition of the outdated and paternalistic wardship system. This system, which deprived individuals of their agency and decision-making powers, has been replaced by the Decision Support Service. This is a progressive framework that empowers individuals to make choices about their own lives, while providing support where and if necessary. This change reflects our broader commitment to respecting the dignity and autonomy of every individual in the State. Recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, we launched Ireland's first autism innovation strategy.”
“One of the most transformative and meaningful steps we took as a Government was the transfer of the responsibility for disability from the Department of Health to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This move was not just a procedural adjustment. It was a fundamental reimagining of how we approach disability issues in Ireland by embedding the principles of the UNCRPD into policymaking across government. We made a conscious decision to adopt a rights-based approach. This approach ensures that people with disabilities are not merely recipients of services but are active participants in shaping policies that impact their lives. It acknowledges their autonomy, voices and contributions to our society.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus déanaim comhghairdeas léi. Gabhaim buíochas léi agus tá súil agam go mbeidh an t-ádh léi. It is both an honour and privilege to address the House as Fianna Fáil spokesperson on children and disability on an issue that is very close to my heart: the advancement of the rights and the improvement of the lives of people with disabilities in our country. This is not just about policy or politics; this is about building a society that cherishes all of its people equally. Fianna Fáil has long been committed to this principle. I wish to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to ensuring equality, dignity and opportunity for all.”
“Today is World Autism Awareness Day, a day on which we raise awareness about autistic people. As Fianna Fáil spokesperson on disability, I am here to raise awareness about autistic people and to celebrate difference in general. We all need to reach our potential and our best, whatever that is. It may also be a time to talk about how we can help autistic people with early intervention and early assessment of need, etc., but today is their day and it is important we acknowledge it.”
“It is not a happy day for everyone, and it is important that we think of those people as well while enjoying the day for many.”
“We are an island nation and, whether for pleasure or business, flights are always well planned, often saved up for and for people's plans to be disrupted is not on. I am wondering whether we, as a nation, have a plan B if something similar were to happen here. Sunday is Mother's Day. I wish all mothers a happy Mother's Day. I am thinking of my own mother, God rest her, Teresa, who I miss and think of everyday. We have to be aware that it is not a happy day for everyone such as those who have lost their mothers through death or people who are not in touch with their mothers for many different reasons. Many women want to become mothers and it is just not working out for them. There are many mothers who are struggling through post-natal depression and struggling with life in general.”
“They are around towns, streets and villages all day, every day, meeting the people and getting a feel for what is happening and for what is needed. Under my watch I want more to be made of their role and for it to be appreciated more. Under my watch I am on a crusade to get them more appreciated. There is a lot of talk about their pensions, the need for envelopes and for secretarial staff, etc., which are all very valid but councillors need to be more valued and appreciated. A week ago tomorrow, Heathrow Airport came to a standstill because of a fire at a substation. The airport shut down for 15 hours. About 1,000 flights were grounded and almost 300,000 passengers were disrupted. This made me wonder whether we have a plan B if that happened at one of our airports or big train stations, but especially airports.”
“Tá áthas an domhain orm a bheith anseo ar an maidin álainn Mhárta seo. This is my first time leading off for Fianna Fáil on the Order of Business. As with the many other firsts I have experienced since being elected to the Upper House, I feel privileged and am delighted to be here. I pay tribute to our county councillors throughout the country, both party members and non-party members, all 949 of them. It is a role that is often undervalued and underrated. Councillors are the front of house or the bread and butter of our political system. I was honoured to have been both a town councillor and a county councillor. Of all the political layers, councillors are probably the most in touch with the public.”
“This is causing hassle at a time when we are trying to welcome people back to Ireland, enhance investment and attract people from America to work here. It is an ordeal to expect people to go through their driving tests again. I would like the Minister to come to the House to debate the issue.”
“I raise the hassle caused by the lack of a driving licence exchange agreement with America. People moving from America and, more importantly, the returning Irish must go through the ordeal of doing either six or 12 driving lessons and resitting their test, even if they have been driving around New York and Boston for years. If they prove they passed the test in America, they get away with only six lessons. Otherwise, 12 lessons are required. Unfortunately, the relevant authority in America will only write to an American address to confirm that a test has been passed. If people have left their addresses behind them, which many of them have, it is an impossible situation. People are left facing the ordeal of a test. All of us remember our driving test. It is not something you would want to resit.”
“It is very important that, even if people only have a few words such as "Go raibh maith agat", they should be encouraged to use them. Whether you have only one word or whether you are fluent, it should be acceptable and encouraged to use the language.”
“Níl ach cúpla nóiméad ag teastáil uaim. Cuirim fáilte ar ais roimh mo chara, an tAire Stáit. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leis. Tá an-áthas orm a bheith anseo inniu ag caint faoi Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Inseoidh mé mo scéal féin. Fadó fadó, nuair a bhí mé óg agus ag déanamh m'ardteistiméireachta, bhí múinteoir Gaeilge an-mhaith agam. Mother Bernadette is ainm di. Is múinteoir an-mhaith í agus, mar sin, bhí Gaeilge fhlúirseach agam agus ag gach cailín i mo rang. Thar na blianta, ní raibh mé ag labhairt Gaeilge áfach agus, mar sin, níl ach Gaeilge cuibheasach maith agam anois. Tá orm í a chleachtadh. Tá suim mhór agam sa Ghaeilge agus táim i ngrá léi ach tá orm í a chleachtadh. Muna bhfuil Gaeilge líofa agat nó má tá cúpla focal agat, ba chóir úsáid a bhaint aisti i rith Sheachtain na Gaeilge agus taitneamh a bhaint as.”
“I would like to discuss tourism. There is no doubt that tourism in Ireland is on the decline. We all know that. To prove to myself that it was not just in my mind, I compared a similar period and category. I researched the number of foreign visitors who completed a trip to Ireland in December 2023 and December 2024. Unfortunately, there was a 12.2% decrease in the number of people who visited us and, more worryingly, there was a 20.4% decrease in spending. There is something radically wrong. I am biased in saying this but I come from probably the most scenic place in Ireland. We are very dependent on tourism. I call on the Minister for tourism to come before us and lay out his plans to try and get tourism back up and running in Ireland. We have a beautiful country with an awful lot to offer.”
“We need to provide a career pathway for healthcare assistants with perhaps better training, higher wages and better status. They are often run ragged trying to get from one place to the next. Better working conditions for them would be very welcome. I hope the Seanad acknowledges the contribution older people have made to Irish society by raising their families, through their work, both voluntary and paid, and through their charitable endeavours during their lives. I support the programme for Government commitment to publish, resource and implement a national action plan for long-term care of our elderly and its commitment to increase the income disregards for carer’s allowance in each budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this Government.”
“Many of these, including the one in Bandon, could do with extra capacity. It would be great if there was an extension to the one in Bandon. I presume that is true of many across the country. We need to plan for an ageing population as people are now living much longer. Nursing homes will form a big part of this and need our support as legislators. I support the strengthening of our nursing home sector and increased funding for the fair deal scheme and we must ensure the waiting list does not exceed four weeks. These things often happen in a hurry and we need to act swiftly on them. We need to build more public nursing home beds. The NTPF review of the pricing systems must be published early this year, which we are well into, and must work towards the funding model for the nursing home sector.”
“Dementia services are a key priority for us in Fianna Fáil with 32 new cases of dementia diagnosed every day across this country. We have already set up 53 dementia day care centres, 25 memory clinics and more than 30 dementia advisers. At the moment, there are three dementia-friendly towns. However, we are determined to do more. Every effort must be made to ensure that people can stay in their home as long as they want to with the correct supports. Ultimately, this costs the State less and so is a win-win. While acknowledging the contribution of older people, may I also acknowledge the contribution of those who care for the older person, both paid and unpaid? Carers play a crucial role and must be looked after and acknowledged. I also acknowledge the work done in the many local district hospitals throughout the country.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him the best of luck. I thank Fine Gael for bringing forward this excellent Private Members' motion. It was well thought out, so well done lads. We, in Fianna Fáil, welcome this debate and the fact the Government is supporting the motion. Fianna Fáil is committed to making sure that all of us can age well, with dignity and support. We want people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible but with the correct supports. Since coming into Government in 2020, Fianna Fáil has expanded home care hours, day care services, at-home dementia care and meals on wheels. We also established a commission on care for older people to identify the best ways to support ageing and we are committed to implementing the recommendations.”
“We built a new national network of same day see-and-treat-gynaecology services, fertility hubs, specialist menopause clinics and endometriosis clinics, a cause very close to my heart. I could talk for a long time about what Fianna Fáil has done for women's healthcare but I am conscious of the time. Again I wish the Minister well and thank her for coming in on International Women's Day.”
“I was often unable to go to school and later to work, so I am delighted to see that there is now so much being done for it and that it is being spoken about. It is no longer taboo and is being recognised for the very harsh condition that it is. I am proud to be an Oireachtas Member here today where the words "period", "menopause", "endometriosis" and so on are freely and openly used. We have come a very long way. I am also proud to be a member of Fianna Fáil, which has been very instrumental in transforming women's health. Following our return to Government in 2020, Fianna Fáil transformed women's healthcare, underpinned by the country's first ever women's health action plan.”
“I welcome the Minister to the House and thank her for giving her time and for extending it a few times. It is great to see a female Minister for Health. I wish her luck going forward. International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Today, to mark International Women's Day we are discussing women's health in the Seanad. Being a woman brings many joys but in life it is not physically easy being a woman. We have to deal with periods, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, endometriosis and so on, all of which bring literally levels of physical pain. As a young girl and woman I myself suffered severely with endometriosis.”
“I wish to raise farm safety. When we think about farm safety, we usually think of machinery or slurry pits, but now that the calving season is well under way, I want to talk about accidents with livestock. More than a quarter of fatal accidents on farms and just less than a quarter of non-fatal accidents are to do with livestock. I would like the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, to come before us to lay out his plans going forward on farm safety. It could perhaps be made a bigger segment of training in the agricultural colleges. It could also be part of transition year studies. Many lives could be saved if the issue was highlighted.”
“As we approach International Women's Day, it is fantastic to see two women in the driving seats this morning. If you see it, you can be it. Well done ladies. Some €82 million has been allocated to Cork to fix and develop 104 regional and local roads. While this is extremely welcome and a very large amount of money, members of Cork county and city councils believe it is not enough. The road network in Cork is becoming very undone. When there is heavy rain, especially in rural areas, streams burst, go onto the road and there is erosion. While this €82 million is very welcome, as I said, it is a drop in the ocean. Could we call the Minister in and debate the allocating of funding? Though it is welcome, it is not enough. I presume that is not just in Cork. I would like if he could come into the House.”
“We can do things for the person with the disability - we can move them, try to get them up the queue, or try to get some monetary supports for them - but what about the families? For example, I spoke to one mother who has a six-month-old baby with special needs. She described it as like planning to go to France on holidays but the plane lands in Spain and you have a new life to plan. Everything just happens together. These families have a lot going on. It is also hard on siblings who have someone with additional needs in the family. It is called additional needs for a reason. There is a lot going on. I ask for some discussion on this matter for these families, please.”
“I rise today to speak to the subject of special needs and disability, not from the usual angle but from the angle of the families of these people. Through my current work and also through a previous life, I have assisted families with assessments of need applications, therapy applications, etc. I always found it difficult to deal with the families because many of them are hurt and let down. While I thought that might just be me being a sensitive soul - although many Senators might not think I am, I am - over the weekend, I spoke to a few councillors who are also helping families that are trying to move on with their lives with members who have a disability. I feel compelled to bring this issue up today to try to get the Minister in and to start a debate on this matter. I feel very helpless.”
“I wish to raise the topic of hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO, and ask if the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications might come in to discuss this topic. Hydrotreated vegetable oil is seen as a replacement for fossil fuels such as road diesel, agricultural diesel and kerosene. It is a very good replacement but the only crux is that when VAT and duty, etc., is added, it makes the product very expensive. As it is dearer, people are not swayed to using it. Could the Minister perhaps come in and speak on some incentives he might have in mind to help people to use it more? The biggest incentive is in people's pockets. It is a great idea but he needs to push it more and he needs to create a bigger incentive for people to use it.”
“I would like a debate or to ask the Minister if we could reintroduce it, even for special circumstances, obviously not for new builds or anything like that, but perhaps for people over a certain age who do not want the hassle of getting big works done to their house.”
“I congratulate Senator Kyne on being appointed the Leader of the Seanad. I know he will do a fantastic job. I rise to talk about the now-ceased SEAI boiler grant. I understand the reason it was ceased but I am concerned about older people who just want a new boiler and a grant for one. The air to water and the retrofitting is just too much hassle for someone in their later stage of life. Can something be done, such as the reintroduction of something for older people who just want a boiler? In time, it could be phased out again. It is causing a lot of hassle. There are other great schemes, which are all very welcome, but some people just want a boiler.”
“On that journey, I was lucky enough to break two glass ceilings. I was the first female ever elected from Cork South-West and I am now the first female Senator from Cork South-West. If you see it, you can be it, so I hope that in some way I am an inspiration to young girls all around the country but especially in west Cork. I thank the ICPSA for nominating me and helping me to get here. I promise to work with them from now on. I also remind all of my colleagues of the councillors who, in most cases, elected us here. It is very important we do not forget them now. Most of us have been councillors and I think their work is often undervalued and underrated. They work extremely hard and it is important that we, as Members of Seanad Éireann, do not forget them. I congratulate the Cathaoirleach agus beir bua.”
“A Chathaoirligh agus a Sheanadóirí, tá an-áthas orm a bheith i bhur láthair anseo inniu mar Sheanadóir nua Fhianna Fáil. I am absolutely thrilled to have been elected to this House and I thank everyone involved on my journey. I pay particular tribute to my husband, Paddy, and my sons John and Philip, who have stuck with me through good years and bad years in my political life. I also remember my late parents, Phil and Teresa Murphy, my late brother Con and my two other brothers, Dan and Phil Murphy, who have contributed hugely to me staying on the pitch and waiting for my opportunity to come again. I have had quite a political journey. I have been a member of Bandon Town Council and Cork County Council. I have been a Member of Dáil Éireann and, now, a Member of Seanad Éireann.”