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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“The Cathaoirleach has selected those raised by Senators Teresa Costello, Eileen Lynch, Aubrey McCarthy and Mary Fitzpatrick and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on his plans to legislate to give local authorities greater revenue raising powers, including his response to the proposal from Dublin City Council for the introduction of a tourist bed tax. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on his proposals to promote the welfare of greyhounds. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the proposed provision of a national children’s science centre; and the possibility of a collaborative development of the new centre with the existing Explorium science centre in Sandyford, Dublin 18. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Health to provide funding for ExWell classes to ensure all people are given the opportunity to take part in physical activity. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide ring-fenced funding for transport services for those in receipt of adult disability day services to transport them to and from their service. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on his plans to develop and publish a comprehensive national strategy for the effective utilisation of surplus renewable energy.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Statute Law Revision Bill 2024 on 9 July 2025, considered by virtue of Article 20.2.2° of the Constitution as a Bill initiated in Dáil Éireann, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Mental Health Bill 2024 on 9 July 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Planning and Development (Amendment Bill) 2025 on 9 July 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Go raibh maith agat. For the information of Members, Second Stage debate relates to the general principles of the Bill. The debate can relate to what is in the Bill and what can legitimately be included in the legislation. I say that just as a point of information.”
“-----and also to Senator Fitzpatrick with regard her work on the committee. I believe in getting varied views from people who have life experience of this and those involved in the treatment centres. I compliment all those involved in treatment centres because it is not an easy job. It is about building trust as well. Gardaí work alongside many of the centres. It is about building trust with the person who comes forward for treatment, some of them on a voluntary basis and some encouraged by their families. It is about how to work with them the whole way through and keep that support going when they have come out the other end. Well done to the Minister of State. I look forward to working with her.”
“It is frightening to think that people in all age groups, from the young to the not-so-young, are still injecting or taking drugs. I understand cocaine use is among the highest. That is frightening because cocaine can be of good or poor quality and it can have different side-effects on people. When the Minister of State comes to Limerick, I invite her to visit one or two of these centres because some of the programmes run in these centres would be beneficial to her with regard to her new strategy. I think it was Senator Fitzpatrick who said the strategy is coming to an end, and the Minister of State has the chance to put her own stamp on the next one. Some of the learning outcomes from what the centres are finding on the ground may be useful to the Minister of State in her work-----”
“The app gives people exercises to do. It provides education, people are shown the harmful effects and it also supports people coming out of recovery. The biggest issue is that when people do come out of recovery they and their families are supported because it does have a knock-on effect on their families. The needle exchange programme is really important, as is educating people on the harms and side-effects of drugs. From having visited the Coolmine houses in Dublin and Limerick, I know the wonderful work it does and how the people who are there become mentors in the houses for the people who are in treatment, and the success stories that have come out of Coolmine. Sometimes these centres do not sell their success stories.”
“Senator McCarthy referred to the use of alcohol along with drugs. Last year, we saw over 500 people in Saoirse, many of whom had a dual diagnosis in that they had both drug and alcohol issues. This issue needs to be looked at. There is also a whole piece around education because we need to get across to people at a young age the harmful side-effects of drugs. I compliment the Garda and those who patrol Irish waters on their work. In the past two weeks, there have been significant drugs hauls. Using various resources, the Garda was able to take possession of the drugs. With funding from the mid-west drugs task and the sports partnership, an app called Supporting Positive Outcomes in Recovery Together, SPORT, is now running in Limerick. It involves Limerick Sports Partnership working with the different treatment and addiction services.”
“I thank the Minister of State for attending. I compliment her on her new role and wish her all the best. I know how passionate she is about this subject and about finding solutions. I look forward to working with her. My experience with drug and alcohol treatment goes back to when I was part of the mid-west drugs task force, where I served for ten years. Many treatment centres and people doing different things came out of that, which formed support both for the people in addiction and their families. I wish to highlight some of the centres that are there, such as the Ana Liffey Drug Project, Cuan Mhuire, the community substance-based team run by the HSE, and the Coolmine project, which operates both in Dublin and Limerick. One such centre with which I am involved is the Saoirse Addiction Treatment Centre.”
“I agree with the remarks of the Taoiseach on the banning of sunbeds, following a report from the HSE that over 11,000 people a year are being diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, many cases of which are as a result of people using sunbeds. It is something I have raised consistently in terms of how we support the fight against things like skin cancer. I recently raised the issue of the 20% VAT rate on sun cream. VAT on sun cream has to be removed in order to make it affordable for families and help people in the fight against skin cancer. Following the publication of the report, the Taoiseach stated that he would look at banning sunbeds. Australia did it in 2016. It has helped to bring down Australia's numbers. It is something that should be looked at in this country.”
“I would like to acknowledge that we had a tour group here, the North Wexford Historical Society, who were the guests of Deputy Malcolm Byrne. I welcome Bríd and Gráinne Shaughnessy and Thomas and Samuel Reilly, who are guests of Senator Brady. I am sure they are enjoying their visit to Leinster House today.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I welcome H.E. Georgios Stilianopoulos, ambassador of Greece to Ireland. He is a guest of Senator Keogan. You are very welcome, ambassador. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House today.”
“She also spends a lot of time at home and this means her mother has to take time off work to stay with her. I would appreciate any support the Minister of State can give or any information she can bring back to me.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her positive response. I agree with what she said about these rules having been made more than 40 years ago. I know one or two people who have Crohn's disease would certainly love to make a submission to the Department in relation to their condition and maybe even a case study concerning how debilitated and ill they are. Perhaps this might be something the Department might be open to receiving and perhaps the Minister of State might be able to check this out for me. To see how ill that young girl was really was the cornerstone in this regard for me. The other lady I met was pregnant, but has had a diagnosis of the disease since she was 11. She said it never leaves you, you just learn to manage it. That young girl, though, certainly spends most of her time in hospital - this is the key thing here.”
“Even in the short term, perhaps it could be included in the drug payment scheme and these people could qualify automatically for a medical card. Our long-term objective should be to have it in the long-term illness scheme.”
“When they have energy, they are great, and suddenly the immune system goes down and they can be very sick with it. When I met this 18-year-old recently, which was not my first meeting her, I saw how sick she has been, especially in recent years. She should be enjoying her life, going to school and playing sport, yet she could be in hospital for six or eight weeks at a time. These conditions should be included on the long-term illness scheme because inflammatory bowel disease is not of the person's doing. It is something that, unfortunately, people end up being diagnosed with. I will not use the phrase "no future" but people spend a lot of time in bed and sick and it should be included in the scheme because of the cost of the medicines.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, for coming to the House to discuss this important issue. In recent weeks I have met an adult and a 18-year-old girl who suffer from Crohn's disease. The 18-year-old girl has been very debilitated over recent years. She spends an awful lot of time in hospital. She has had to drop out of school because of the level of her illness. Crohn's disease and colitis are very debilitating. It is very difficult to get a proper diagnosis because they are hidden diseases in that people do not know what the symptoms are or what is happening. The diseases are a breakdown in the immune system and people can suffer very badly with them. Some people have a lesser degree of it but many people suffer for quite a while.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on his Department's remote working strategy and the targets for his term. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Maria Byrne, Linda Nelson Murray, Tom Clonan and Chris Andrews and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to ensure the training experiences of graduates of the new professional doctorate in educational psychology commencing in NUI Maynooth in September 2025 will qualify graduates to work flexibly across the services and settings where they are so acutely needed. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the implementation of the recent XL bully legislation. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to expand the Croí Cónaithe cities scheme to include towns with populations greater than 10,000 to enhance the viability of apartment buildings in these towns.”
“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 Health to make a statement on her plans to review the eligibility criteria for the long-term illness scheme to include inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to apply the SME test to the proposal for an increase in the personal injury guidelines.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 on 2 July 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, changed from the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2025, on 2 July 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Previously, that activity was confined to one or two hospitals. A lot of work has been done but we would all agree there is always improvement to be made in any area. I compliment the Minister and all involved. This is a good news story.”
“I thank the Minister for her attendance. I compliment the colleagues sitting to my left who drafted the Bill. We are all in agreement across the Chamber that we are here to ensure delivery of better healthcare for all. I acknowledge the Minister's dedication and commitment in this regard. I pay tribute to her and her Department. When I was first elected to this House, scoliosis and spinal treatments were happening less and less, with many cases being outsourced. We have come a long way. The fact people are now predominantly being treated within the recommended timeframe is a great compliment to the amount of work that has been done by the Government and by the Minister and her team. Most of the procedures are now being done in Crumlin, with the rest done in seven or eight other hospitals.”
“People should not have to put up with people vaping alongside them, especially indoors, which is the big issue. Any support from the Leader on this matter would be appreciated.”
“There are three third level institutes in Limerick where I am from and I have been inundated with calls from families and students, some of them even saying that it would not be cost effective for them to continue to attend college. Something needs to be reversed and this needs to be looked at again on behalf of the Government. The other item I would like to raise is vaping indoors. In the previous Seanad, I and the Fine Gael party bought forward a Private Members' Bill to do with vaping and the fact it should not happen indoors. There have been a number of concerts and different events held in Ireland over the past couple of weeks. There have been many complaints from people about people vaping indoors beside them. I believe the law needs to be strengthened and there needs to be greater enforcement of the law regarding it.”
“I rise today to also support the call in respect of the increased cost of education that was announced over the weekend. In the programme for Government, in the higher education sector section, it is stated: This Government will: Provide more further education and training places nationally. Continue to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government to ease the financial burden on students and their families at the start of each academic year, in a financially sustainable manner. That is in the programme for Government that was signed up to by all Government parties. I am not sure where the Minister, Deputy Lawless, was coming from when he spoke about the €1,000 increase but I believe it has to be reversed.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I welcome Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn and her guests from Dublin South-Central, as well as Jamie Malone and some of his family members from Louth. They are all very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit here.”
“One last thing I wish to discuss is the fair deal system. While it works for many, Nursing Homes Ireland found from surveying its members that their costs had gone up 36% but their income levels had only increased by a small amount, some by less than half of that. While I am not saying prices should go up, we have to try to support nursing homes to keep them accessible to all so that people can afford to go to them, given how we do not have enough public beds. We need to move to a model of nursing home care where every person can live with dignity and autonomy and where they and their families can be assured of a great quality of life into the future.”
“It was recommended that residents should have equal access to primary care therapies and diagnostics regardless of where they lived. If we take the private versus the public, private is across all areas of health. It is in pharmacies, primary care and GP practices. That balance is quite good and will be needed for sustaining nursing home care into the future. The Minister of State mentioned how the Government was committed to working with the different organisations to provide not only that high-quality level of care but a good quality of life as well. One thing that should be looked at relates to the Department of education or that whole side. Many of the nursing homes run classes, be they art classes or different group therapies, and they should possibly be able to access funding from the Department for the provision of a tutor.”
“Since 2018, 77 nursing homes have closed down across Ireland. That was up to the end of 2024. I am not sure if any have closed in 2025. This represents a loss of 2,800 beds. It is a huge difference and has led to there being waiting lists. I have had engagement with Nursing Homes Ireland, which represents the different nursing homes around the country. I am not here to advocate for it but I believe it does a very good job in representing the nursing homes. It held a round-table discussion in February and the key recommendation was that a rights-based, resident-led nursing home policy, fully embedded in the continuum of older persons' care, was essential to safeguarding quality, dignity and long-term sustainability.”
“There are obviously not enough beds in the public system, so without the private healthcare system, we would be really stuck in terms of long-term care for our people. Private nursing homes are the backbone of healthcare in Ireland. Without them, access to care would be significantly reduced. We have to be very grateful that we have a balance of both. Sometimes, people say nursing homes are out to make a profit but we have to work with both systems and ensure there is a level playing field across them so that people have access to a nursing home and are treated the same regardless of whether they are in the public or private system. Recently, I was speaking to a family who were looking for a nursing home in the Limerick area. There are waiting lists for all the nursing homes. This just shows that nursing home beds are crucial.”
“So much good work is going on but to then see the neglect on the other side was harrowing, especially for the families of the residents. We have to move to a model where we show that there is better quality of life for people, people are well-looked after and they can have trust in the level of care they are receiving. Whether it is a private or a public nursing home, it does not make a difference. I know the Government is committed to more public nursing homes but the queues for the public nursing homes are unbelievable. As he is, the same as myself, from Limerick, the Minister of State will know that the number of people every week who send representations to get into St. Camillus’ community nursing unit and other public nursing homes is unbelievable.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this all-important issue. I am glad he acknowledged the fact that what we all saw on the RTÉ programme across two nursing homes was not reflective of all nursing homes. That is a really important message. When we think about the residents, the people who work there, their families and the greater community that watched that programme, it is horrific. It was frightening that people were so neglected. I am glad to hear from the Minister of State that the Government has taken steps, along with HIQA, to address those issues and ensure that this will not happen again. There are thousands of staff right across Ireland who dedicate themselves to the care of older people. Here in Ireland, we are all living longer. Who is to say that any of us might not end up in a nursing home down the road?”
“Before we agree the Order of Business, I welcome the residents of Sunbeam House in Wicklow town. They are guests of our colleague, Senator Pat Casey. I hope they enjoy their visit today. I also acknowledge Deputy Martin Daly and his guest in the Gallery. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House.”
“Senator Ollie Crowe - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for the restoration of catering services on Irish Rail intercity services. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to apply the SME test to the proposal for an increase in the personal injury guidelines. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on negotiations around the suspension and review of the EU-Israel trade agreement. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Mary Fitzpatrick, Evanne Ní Chuilinn, Pauline Tully and Ollie Crowe, and they will be taken now.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the revised timeline for completion of a new school building for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, Dominick Street, Dublin 1; and to confirm the interim arrangements being put in place to provide accommodation for the new school year in September 2025. Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the shortage of public health nurses to complete developmental checks for children in Dublin 12 and surrounding areas. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to amend SI 225/1993, the boarding-out scheme for older people.”
“I welcome to the Gallery Deputy Maxwell and his guests from Ballybay, County Monaghan, including Stephen and Julie Patten, who got married last Friday. I congratulate them both and wish them long life and happiness. I acknowledge and thank the survivors, Mary Dunlevy Greene, Mary Donovan, Mary Smith, Sheila O'Byrne and Miriam Moriarty Owens, for being in the Chamber for this discussion.”
“Amendment No. 5 has been ruled out of order because the establishment of a survivors support and advisory office would involve several costs. The amendment must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 42 as it has the potential to impose a charge on the Revenue.”
“I compliment my colleague, Senator Kyne, and the Fine Gael group on putting together this motion. There are two or three key things I wish to raise with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, whom I welcome to the Chamber. A number of children did not receive their treatment last year, with some being on waiting lists for two or more years. It is unacceptable. Dentists actually have to choose which children they believe are the worst or have issues. The number of places available is another issue. We need to increase and expand the number of places on offer in the higher education institutes. While some 60 dentists come out of UCC, it is not enough. There are approximately 45 dentists per 100,000 head of population. It is time to expand those services and for the Government to invest in oral health.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: acknowledges: - the publication in 2019 of Smile agus Sláinte - National Oral Health Policy; - that the Dental Treatment Services Scheme provides access to dental treatment for adult medical card holders; - that taxpayers may be able to claim tax relief on specialist dental treatment; - that under the Treatment Benefit Scheme taxpayers may qualify for dental benefit; - that the Dentists Act 1985 establishes the Dental Council as the regulator of the dental profession in Ireland; and notes: - that the national screening programme for children commits to 3 dental appointments before the age of 12 in second, fourth and sixth classes; - the establishment of new dentistry programmes, including a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, commencing in 2025; - that the National Oral Health Policy contains a range of strategic workforce planning actions to increase national workforce capacity; - the particular challenges for patients of dental and orthodontist practices where the practitioner dies, leaves the country suddenly or is suspended; - the issues raised by the Dental Council in its 2021 submission to the Department of Health, titled – Submission regarding Legislative Change in Dental Regulation; - that smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer; and calls on the Government to: - update the Dentists Act 1985; - increase the number of training places in dentistry and dental hygiene in Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork; - implement the Smile agus Sláinte - National Oral Health Policy; - expand orthodontic treatment for children and implement an enhanced dental package for children under the National Oral Health Policy; - introduce a mobile dentistry unit for nursing home residents and those with mobility issues; - consider, in the interim, the hiring of recently retired dentists for school check-ups and screenings, to cover schools where regular scheduled checks are not happening; and - work with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Dental Council and the Department of Finance on finding a resolution regarding customers who are left in limbo financially, where an insured dental or orthodontist practice closes suddenly.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, is very welcome. We will now deal with No. 1, motion regarding the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and No. 2, motion regarding the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. Both motions will be debated together and decided separately. I call on the Acting Leader to move No. 1, motion regarding the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998.”
“Before I move on to the next speaker, I welcome Councillor John O'Heney from Tipperary. He is accompanied by Sr. Bernie O'Grady, by his mother, Josephine O'Heney, and by Anne-Marie O'Dwyer, Mary Ann Buckley, Margaret O'Connell, Teresa Power and Sean O'Donovan. I hope they all enjoy their visit to Leinster House and especially to the Seanad. They are very welcome.”
“Amendment No. 10 would provide a Health (Amendment) Act, HAA, card to all former residents and survivors of institutional, industrial and reformatory schools. The amendment must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 42 as it has the potential to impose a charge on the Revenue.”
“Senator Boyhan asked that I read into the record the response to the amendment he and Senator Craughwell tabled: Amendment No. 3, which establishes the Office of the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse on a statutory basis within nine months of the commencement of this Act, which would involve several costs. The amendment must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 42, as it has the potential to impose a charge on the Revenue.”
“I welcome the visitors from St. Etchen's national school in Kinnegad. They are guests of the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House. The tradition is that they will not get homework today.”
“I welcome sixth class from St. Cronan's national school from Swords. They will be moving on to secondary school in September and I wish them all the best. They are guests of Deputy Duncan Smith. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. As is tradition, they will have no homework today. I also welcome the teachers.”
“Before I move to the Order of Business, I will take this opportunity to congratulate Luxembourg and its people on their national day, which is being celebrated on Monday. Their national day celebrates the Grand Duke's birthday. I welcome H.E. Florence Ensch, ambassador of Luxembourg, and her associate to the Gallery. They are having a little celebration this evening, which I hope goes very well. The sunshine has come out for you. Enjoy the rest of the day and, especially, Monday. Best of luck to you with the changes to the monarchy into the future.”
“Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on housing and services needs in Limerick county towns. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the timeline for the local community safety partnerships to be operational and the process by which the chair and membership will be selected. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the establishment of a new Garda station for the Meath East area. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Patricia Stephenson, Victor Boyhan, Cathal Byrne and Ollie Crowe and they will be taken now.”
“Senator Ollie Crowe - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the supports available to students with dyslexia at second level, in particular with regard to allowing additional time during State exams. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to ensure faster access for school bus escorts to jobseeker's payments during school holidays and to outline the plans she has to pay bus escorts during school holidays. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to amend CervicalCheck's opt-out procedures to allow women who have undergone a total hysterectomy to remove themselves from the screening register without requiring further invasive examinations or GP certification.”