Maria Byrne
Agricultural Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The Minister listed some of the different issues that can now be dealt with there. They are quite common issues which do happen in people's lives on a regular basis. Not having to go to a doctor for a prescription certainly saves people money but also time.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this really important Bill today. I thank her personally and her Department for all they are doing for women's health since she came into office. The roll-out of this important Bill and the many other prescription services that can now be accessed through the pharmacy are really important.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the section 39 core funding and State support being provided to Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, County Cork.”
“Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the timeframe for the transposition of the platform work directive.”
“Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the inclusion of philosophy as a leaving certificate subject. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the environmental benefits of the deposit return scheme.”
“On a personal note, I too would like to thank everyone for their collegiality over the last 12 months. I thank Aileen, Martin, the staff in the Seanad Office, the ushers and all the staff in the House from the cleaners up. This House would not function without every member of staff within it. I wish Members a happy break.”
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“Nine times out of ten, people have the same pharmacist and they build a relationship with that person. Even before this, people were often asking the advice of the pharmacist rather than going to the GP. It is a very important step. I compliment all involved. The Minister has the full support of Fine Gael.”
“The Minister listed some of the different issues that can now be dealt with there. They are quite common issues which do happen in people's lives on a regular basis. Not having to go to a doctor for a prescription certainly saves people money but also time. For most people, especially for the less minor things like a urinary tract infection or conjunctivitis, people just want them dealt with and to move on with their day. They are not impeding most of the time. Certainly I think that the contraception is going to be free for most people and for private patients it will be a lower price than normal. This is a really important step. I am sure the Minister has more things that she will be bringing forward in terms of the role of the pharmacy. People feel very comfortable in going to their pharmacist.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this really important Bill today. I thank her personally and her Department for all they are doing for women's health since she came into office. The roll-out of this important Bill and the many other prescription services that can now be accessed through the pharmacy are really important. As the Minister said herself, people were queueing up to get a doctor's appointment and those appointments now will be available for people with more complex health issues. I understand that for the first appointment they need to go to the doctor but after that, it will be through the pharmacy. Pharmacists have a huge role to play. I compliment the IPU and its president and members for their involvement and willingness to step up to the plate.”
“On a personal note, I too would like to thank everyone for their collegiality over the last 12 months. I thank Aileen, Martin, the staff in the Seanad Office, the ushers and all the staff in the House from the cleaners up. This House would not function without every member of staff within it. I wish Members a happy break. As has been said, many of them will be working in their areas but everybody deserves a break. I look forward to working with them all in September. I thank the Leader, Deputy Leader and Cathaoirleach for their help and support.”
“Before I move on to the next speaker, I welcome the Shandon Retired Group who are guests of Deputy Marie Sherlock. We also have guests from Grangecon. There is a very special man in the Gallery who is seven years of age today. Happy birthday Ben and enjoy your visit to Leinster House today. They are guests of Deputy Timmins. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“Before I call Senator Martin Conway, I welcome Leryn Stephenson to the Public Gallery. She is a guest of Senator Conway and is visiting from Texas in the United States of America. I hope she enjoys her visit her today. It is lovely to see her.”
“Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the inclusion of philosophy as a leaving certificate subject. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the environmental benefits of the deposit return scheme. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected those raised by Senators Kelleher, Harmon, Costello and Ryan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the timeframe for the transposition of the platform work directive. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the approval of tender documents for the construction of the eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads in Sligo. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the roll-out of a nationwide DNA dog testing trial. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the measures being taken to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in our towns and villages.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the section 39 core funding and State support being provided to Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, County Cork. Senator Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on additional school accommodation for Coláiste Daibhéid, Cork city. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on a review and update of the design manual for urban roads and streets. Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of funding to deliver the Limerick BusConnects programme.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026 on 15 July 2026 without amendment. Dáil Éireann agreed on 15 July 2026 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, changed from Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026. Dáil Éireann agreed on 15 July 2026 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, changed from the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. Dáil Éireann passed the Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026 on 15 July 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Before calling Senator Stephenson, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh Katie agus Gerry Kelleher chuig an Seanad. Mr. and Mrs. Kelleher recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, so congratulations to them. They are the parents of our colleague Senator Garret Kelleher and are very welcome here today. I also welcome former Deputy Cathal Berry and his guests. May they enjoy their visit here today.”
“Before I call Senator Higgins, I acknowledge Deputy Michael Cahill in the Gallery. He is accompanied by Grace Kelly, John Kelly, Tara Kelly and Oran Kelly from Tipperary and Kerry. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, and her officials. When we adjourned the debate the previous day we were on section 32, amendment No. 35, in the names of Senators Stephenson, Higgins and Ruane. I understand Senator Stephenson was in possession on the last day.”
“As this is in conflict with the general principles of the Bill as agreed on Second Stage, that general principle being that the Act may be commenced by the Minister and become law following enactment, the amendment must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 165 as it is in conflict with the principle of the Bill as read a Second Time.”
“Would you like me to read it now? Amendment No. 1 in the name of Senator McCarthy would provide that the Minister shall not commence the Act until a human rights and equality impact assessment has been conducted and a strategy has been devised. The amendment further provides that this assessment shall include the views of various specified organisations. It is an established principle that amendments which would make the commencement of an Act contingent on actions external to the control of the Houses themselves are not in order.”
“I wish to welcome Mr. Phil Thompson, chief executive officer of Tiglin. He is very welcome. I know he is a regular visitor here and I thank him for all he does. As it is now past 5.30 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with an order of the Seanad of the day: "In respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Title is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Bill is accordingly reported to the House without amendment; Fourth Stage is hereby completed and the Bill is hereby received for final consideration; and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Aire Stáit. I acknowledge the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, and his guest, Tom Mullaney, from Sligo. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“Before we move on, I wish to acknowledge Deputy Cahill and his guests in the Visitors Gallery and our colleague Senator McCarthy and his guests from Picker Pals TV Club and the Links Project. They are all very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“Before I move to the Order of Business I welcome our guests in the Public Gallery, Senator Mary Daly, and Senator Michael Johnson and family, Deputy Malcolm Byrne and Seán Tierney, guests of the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and guests of Deputy Aidan Farrelly. They are all very welcome.”
“Teachers nowadays will qualify for the State pension, as we heard in the Minister of State's response, but there is a small anomaly. A small cohort are affected by the issue I have raised. They still face the same rising costs. They made lower PRSI contributions in the past. However, they are living alone. They still have heating and grocery bills and other bills coming in the door. There should be a review of the system. Perhaps exceptional circumstances could be examined for this small cohort. They have the same bills as everybody else, yet do not qualify for payments. I understand it is because they paid a lower rate of PRSI. However, given the cost of living and rising costs the policy should be reviewed. I would like the Minister of State to ask the Minister to look at reviewing it.”
“Many retired teachers live alone, with some being widows and others never having married. They gave the same service to the State as anybody else but the fact they do not have a qualifying pension from the Department of Social Protection makes them ineligible for the living alone allowance. I would like this to be reviewed.”
“I thank the Minister of State for taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection. I am grateful for the Minister's note to me to say he could not be here. I thank the Minister of State for taking his place. There is an anomaly in the eligibility criteria for the living alone allowance. Retired teachers do not receive their pension from the Department of Social Protection. They have the same cost-of-living expenses we all face but they do not qualify for the living alone allowance because their pension is paid by the Department of education. That should be reviewed. Retired teachers still have their pension paid under the old Department of education contract. The fact they are not in receipt of a qualifying pension from the Department of Social Protection means they do not qualify for the allowance.”
“Senator Aubrey McCarthy - To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the timeframe for the transposition of the platform work directive. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected those raised by Senators Maria Byrne, Sarah O'Reilly, Alice-Mary Higgins and Gareth Scahill and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Alice-Mary Higgins - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on steps that Ireland has taken or will take during its Presidency of the European Council to ensure a thorough human rights review of Indonesia's record and actions in respect of West Papua before proceeding with the ratification of the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to make a statement on what measurable progress has been made in implementing the national financial literacy strategy. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeline for the opening of the Carlow small injuries unit and to outline staffing plans.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the eligibility criteria for the living alone allowance. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the funding allocated to Cavan as part of the additional funding for roads damaged during Storm Chandra.”
“Dáíl Éireann agreed on 8 July 2026 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025. Dáíl Éireann agreed on 8 July 2026 to the recommendations made by Seanad Éireann to the Finance Bill 2026 and has made amendments in consequence to the Bill. Dáil Éireann passed the Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 on 8 July 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 on 8 July 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, and the officials from the Department. I thank them for being here. I also welcome Sarah Haire and Stephen Browne, guests of Seanadóir Mullen. I believe Seanadóir Mullen is sharing time with Senator O'Reilly. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I thank the Minister. As it is now 4 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: "That amendment No. 18 is hereby negatived in Committee, that section 27 is hereby agreed to in Committee and in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section is hereby agreed to in Committee, the Title is hereby agreed to in Committee, the Bill is accordingly reported to the House without amendment, Fourth Stage is hereby completed and the Bill is hereby received for final consideration and that the Bill is hereby passed."”
“I welcome our visitors from Tubbercurry Family and Childcare Resource Centre, who are guests of Deputy Eamon Scanlon. I also welcome visitors from Nexus Research Group, who are guests of Deputy Roderic O'Gorman.”
“Before I call the Minister of State to respond, I welcome to the Gallery stakeholders from the Irish Cancer Society. I welcome Ms Lydia Whelan, Ms Cliona Doyle, Ms Emma Harte, Ms Suzanne Dowd, Mr. Darragh Moriarty, Ms Krista Costello, Ms Alexis Henning-Fitzgerald and Ms Nikki Gallagher, the CEO. I thank them for being here.”
“It is an area we should look at on a national basis. Last Sunday, 28 June, more than 11,000 passengers went through Shannon Airport. We have a debate later today on raising the cap on Dublin Airport, which is in the Fingal area. I believe we have to have balanced regional development around airports. I would like the Minister for Transport to come to the House for a debate on how we can better utilise all of our airports. We have so many airports. In the first quarter of this year 1.2 million people travelled out of Shannon Airport, which is way up on other years. I would like a debate on this.”
“I welcome the people from Limerick who have arrived in the Chamber who are with Councillor Noreen Stokes. They have arrived at an opportune time and I pay tribute to Noreen. Her family, friends and supporters have helped her since she got elected and they are all very welcome. I want to raise two issues regarding regional balance and call for two debates. One is on the almost 3,000 people who are registered for apprenticeships with Limerick and Clare ETB. Apprenticeship is an area that is expanding very much and it is a topic we need to have a debate on as to how we can expand apprenticeships. Third level education does not always work for everybody. Certainly people who go into apprenticeships do very well. They are working along with the likes of TUS, UL and the education and training boards in terms of developing their skills.”
“I welcome the guests of Senator McCarthy. It is a great privilege to welcome Niall and Gillian Quinn. I thank them for all their years of service to football. I wish them all the best and I hope they enjoy their visit here this evening.”
“I welcome to the Gallery a very special guest, Conor Kenny. He is here as a guest of Deputy Paul McAuliffe. I hope he enjoys his visit to Leinster House today. When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?”
“I welcome the members of St. Finbarr’s GAA club, who are guests of Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas today. I call Senator Higgins.”
“Amendments No. 26 to 35, inclusive, are related. Amendments Nos. 27 to 33, inclusive, are physical alternatives to amendment No. 26. Amendments Nos. 28 to 33, inclusive, are physical alternatives to amendment No. 27. Amendments Nos. 26 to 35, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“In respect of the other amendments, I remind Senators that a Senator may speak only once on Report Stage, except for the proposer of an amendment, who may reply to the discussion of the amendment. Also, on Report Stage, each non-Government amendment must be seconded. Government amendment No. 6 arises out of committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 6, 7 and 99 are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Pursuant to Standing Order 165, it is reported to the Seanad that the Long Title of the Bill has been amended. Government amendment No. 5 arises out of recommittal proceedings. Amendments Nos. 5, 100 and 101 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Pursuant to Standing Order 165 it is reported to the Seanad that the Long Title of the Bill has been amended. Amendment Nos. 4, 60 to 97, inclusive, and 102 to 104, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Senator Mullen has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 17 be taken before No. 1." It has been seconded by Senator Keogan and the Deputy Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I thank the Minister of State very much. It is wonderful that 27,000 people have been reimbursed. In the context of that 27,000, the figure of just over 500 who have fallen through the cracks is quite a small number. I request that the Minister carry out a review because these people, who are now insulin-dependent, should be included in the reimbursement programme. We have come a long way from the time when people had to prick their finger and test their blood to see what their levels were. It certainly has been life-changing. It is better for both those who have type 1 diabetes and those who have type 2. I certainly hope that review will lead to those who have type 2 diabetes, especially those at the higher end, being included.”
“It is just that they may not have been insulin-dependent at the time of their diagnosis. That they do not have the machine is an oversight. I do not believe it was intentional; it was just that the patients were not insulin-dependent. Could the Minister for Health re-examine this and determine whether the 500 to 700 people who need to be included in the scheme can be included? If they can be, it will be life-changing. So many people are so dependent on monitoring their sugar levels. I look forward to the Minister of State’s answer.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, for coming here to discuss this all-important issue. Over 300,000 people in the State currently live with diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, and many of them are on continuous glucose monitoring, CGM. It has been absolutely life-changing for people. People can lead a very healthy lifestyle with it. They are able to monitor their glucose levels and can tell if they are high or low, and they are able to administer whatever is needed, be it insulin or another medication, to themselves depending on the results. Also, healthcare professionals can monitor patients’ glucose levels and outcomes, which is important, especially when patients are accessing their clinics. There are about 500 to 700 people who are not included in the CGM cohort.”
“Anois, an Seanadóir Kennelly. Before he begins, we are having a little trouble with the timer on the wall. We are watching the time on the desk, however, so I will give the Senator a little leeway on his time.”
“Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the issues facing clinically diagnosed type 1 diabetics accessing continuous glucose monitoring. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and they will be taken now.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Taoiseach to make a statement on progress on the implementation of the Dublin city centre task force, in particular the role Dublin City Council and its elected members will have over its functions, policies and spending. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the proposed extension of the retirement age for retained firefighters. Senator P.J. Murphy - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the licensing of firearms.”
“Amendments Nos. 1, 3 to 5, inclusive, 7, and 16 to 19, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 17 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 16. Amendments Nos. 1, 3 to 5, inclusive, 7, and 16 to 19, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement of the House. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call Senator Murphy, I welcome guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin. They are from the Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal constituency. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Before I call an Seanadóir Murphy, I acknowledge the presence of the Park Community Centre, guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins. There was a group in the Gallery who were guests of An Taoiseach and there were also some guests of Deputy Healy-Rae.”
“I will just clarify, as the Senator was not here, that amendments Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, 8, and 15 to 18, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together. That has been agreed, so the Senator is entitled to speak to the group.”