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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“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for international development to provide an update on the negotiations at the EU Council on the omnibus proposals. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on options to provide support and redress for survivors and affected persons who resided in or availed of the services of Westbank Orphanage, Greystones, County Wicklow. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on future funding allocations for necessary road safety measures for the N25, particularly for the roadway from Glenmore Hill to Luffany roundabout.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Dee Ryan, Mike Kennelly, Gareth Scahill and Victor Boyhan, and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the provisions in place for controlled burning on mountains throughout the country, with regard to land management and reducing the risk of wildfire during the dry periods of weather. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister of State for older people to make a statement on adult safeguarding legislation in light of the recent RTÉ documentary which highlighted the abuse of vulnerable elderly in nursing homes. Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to clarify the conditions for boards of management in schools in a BAM school bundle who wish to add a special needs classroom or facility through open tendering.”
“Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the relocation of the Mountainside Montessori school, Stepaside, Dublin, for the period September 2025 to June 2026. 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 Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the improvements in rural transport systems being considered under the national sustainability mobility policy action plan, in particular in relation to routes in the Ardara and Glenties area of Donegal.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on actions she is planning in preparation for winter 2025 and the seasonal surge in presentations at the accident and emergency department in University Hospital Limerick. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Health to immediately reinstate the out-of-hours SouthDoc services in Listowel, County Kerry. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the Government’s commitment to the target in the biomethane strategy; and to confirm the timeline for the introduction of the renewable heat obligation.”
“It is very important that people go when they are called because there is such a positive outcome. While none of us envisage that we will be diagnosed, four out of every ten or three out of every four who attend are diagnosed. I am sorry; I suspect my figures are wrong. We must put the emphasis on getting people to attend. It is crucial to get people to attend within ten days of being called. That is part of the education piece. The approach has been holistic. There is a very proactive team in University Hospital Limerick. They are very good at supporting and encouraging people, especially when they receive a diagnosis. It does not just affect the person who is diagnosed; it affects the whole family as well.”
“How can we, once they have their qualifications, retain them and keep them working in Ireland? It is important to keep people with specialist training in these fields. Predicting diagnostic pathways is another issue I wish to raise, as well as investing in infrastructure. Some hospitals are far advanced while others are not at the same level. How can we create uniformity and a similar level in hospitals in Ireland? Some places have centres of excellence while others may not have the same level of expertise. Sometimes, people who are invited for screening by BreastCheck do not turn up. The national figure for attendance is approximately 70%. Is there anything we can do, education-wise, to show people how important it is to go for screening when they get called?”
“I know people in both age categories who have started because the programme has been successful. I was there recently for my own breast check and it was so efficient. I met so many people going into the service and coming out of it. They were singing its praises. They spoke about its efficiency and how well they were looked after by the team of staff. People are nervous going into it, especially if it is their first time. I know people who were caught through the BreastCheck service who got treatment and came out the other side. It is something that is very important. I question whether we have enough people going into college. This is a specialist field and it requires surgeons, healthcare workers and nurses - the specially trained staff who work in the sector.”
“There is a very successful programme running there and the support services have been put in place. I highlight that because the hospital can often get the wrong publicity. I acknowledge the staff who are working within the services there. The Irish Cancer Society is seeking the expansion of the programme, which the Minister referred to, to be in line with European norms. That would mean, perhaps, extending or bringing down the age range. Currently, BreastCheck starts at age 50 and goes up to 69, but the society is looking at it to be brought to age 44 or 45 and expanded to maybe 74 or 75. The Minister highlighted that HIQA will be doing the report. I would love to see that report. While I know it has work to do and it has to be on a scientific basis, it is something I would love to see happening if the scientific evidence shows it.”
“I thank the Minister so much for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. I compliment her and the Department for their work to date. It has been very proactive. If we look back ten years ago, we can see the difference now. The Minister highlighted the fact that more cancers are being resolved, and it is down to that collaboration between research and science but also with the specialists and teams that are working. There are so many people working in cancer care, from the nurses to the support groups to the oncologists, etc., and the teams who support them. One of the first things I would like to highlight is the fact that University Hospital Limerick, which is often in the news for the wrong reasons, has a 98% success rate and has surpassed the required number of people it needed to see.”
“While I understand we must comply with European law, perhaps I need to raise directly with the Minister for Health and suggest that sunscreen be added to the medicines list or be listed as a preventative cure. Ireland has a high rate of skin cancer and the VAT rate makes it so prohibitive that many people cannot afford to buy sunscreen. It can be quite expensive, especially the better products which have extra ingredients that prevent skin cancer. In the long term, it would be a cost-saving measure because if you can prevent something or cure it, people do not have to have treatment. Perhaps the Minister of State will take back to the Minister the question of whether there is any way of changing how sunscreen is classified.”
“Are there any moves likely in this regard? I ask because I believe we must forward in a proactive measure to make sure sunscreen is accessible to all.”
“This issue mainly concerns people with fair skin or sensitive skin and people who are on low incomes and cannot afford this luxury, because it is called a luxury product. I know Councillor Dara Mulvey in Sligo raised this issue recently at council level, and a lot of pressure has been coming from healthcare professionals and advocacy groups. I believe it is something we need to look towards because we need to give people access to a preventative measure in the form of sunscreen. A good sunscreen is very expensive, and even more so with VAT. There is a group called Face the Future Ireland, which is an online store, and I am not encouraging people to shop online, which has reduced the price of its sunscreen by over 20% until October to highlight the high rate of VAT on sunscreen and to encourage people to buy sunscreen.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. I raised this back in August 2024 and I am raising it again. It is on the removal of VAT from sunscreen products. Sunscreen is considered a cosmetic product whereas in actual fact it is a healthcare product, in that it protects against skin cancer. In Ireland, we have 13,000 diagnoses of skin cancer per year. It is one of the highest numbers in terms of types of cancer diagnoses and it is expected to double by 2045. This is about UV rays. While we do not have as much sun in Ireland as there is in other countries, it is about the rays. Regardless of whether the sun is shining, the rays still get to our skin. The 23% VAT rate raises an issue of people having access to sunscreen.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. I acknowledge that both the Tánaiste and Deputy Thomas Byrne, also a Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, were also present. I thank them in their absence, and Deputy John Lahart, Chairman of the foreign affairs committee. I acknowledge the work of Senator Frances Black. I welcome the group from Coole National School, who are guests of Senator Linda Nelson Murray. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House, especially the Seanad. It is customary to give pupils no homework on the day of their visit. I thank the Minister of State and the Government for their commitment to the important Bill. I thank all the speakers who contributed. When is it proposed to sit again?”
“I thank the Senator. Before I call our next speaker I wish to welcome to the Public Gallery the IADT retirement group who are guests of Deputy Cormac Devlin. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House today and especially to the Seanad. You are welcome.”
“There are some powers that should be looked at with regard to giving them back to local authority members. On the task force, I ask the Minister of State to outline when exactly it will be up and running. Many people are interested in seeing when it will be up and running. With regard to the discretionary money councillors have, it is hugely beneficial to communities. Talking to local authority councillors, they can give money either to a football club or their local community, be it for a footpath or a small bit of sports gear. Councillors have a feel-good factor when they are able to give back to their community, and I would like to see that being looked at as well. I know it has increased in recent years but perhaps there is scope for more flexibility with it.”
“The directly elected mayor in Limerick has been referred to. While it is working to some extent, there are areas of it that possibly need tweaks in the legislation. I would like the task force, when it is up and running, to look at that in depth. The Minister of State has met with councillors and the mayor, so I know he is aware there are some issues to do with powers and the devolving of powers. It is something that needs to be looked at, and the review possibly needs to be brought forward so we can get that balance right. I believe in the process of a directly elected mayor. I was very proud on the day the plebiscite was passed in Limerick and that we did deliver a directly elected mayor. It has to work but it cannot be at the expense of the councillors either, in that they cannot afford to lose any more powers.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this all-important topic. I come from a local background, having served on Limerick council for 17 years, served as mayor and been an Oireachtas Members for a number of years. The workload has increased tenfold through the years, I think, certainly for councillors. I think back to when I was first elected compared with when I was finishing up as a councillor to come to the Seanad, and the work has increased. The position of a councillor is a full-time role and I too support the call for an increase in salary as well as in pension terms. People are paying PRSI - I paid it myself for 17 years - and getting nothing for it. You are paying a different class of PRSI but yet you are being charged the PRSI, so councillors are very worthy of that.”
“I ask that the Minister for Transport come to the House to discuss this all-important issue. It is about job security. Businesses cannot expand if people cannot get to work on time. It is a huge issue in Limerick. I know there is a delay in the roll-out of BusConnects and it needs to happen sooner rather than later.”
“I rise to welcome my relations in the Gallery. I hope they enjoy their visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas today and particularly to the Seanad. I raise the issue of BusConnects, particularly in Limerick. There has been a delay in rolling it out. Back in 2021, Limerick Chamber, along with the business park outside Annacotty, commissioned a report which showed there was no bus connection to the business park. The nearest bus stop is 2.5 km from the business park, where there are more than 3,000 people working. Businesses carried out a survey and the chamber carried out a survey. There is huge support for bus connection between this business park and the city in order that people can get to work safely and on time in the morning. However, BusConnects seems to have forgotten about it.”
“I thank the Minister. This is a good news story because only during the week I received a phone call from the Limerick shed because they have a new management team. When they saw the funding, they were asking how they can go about applying for funding because everything costs money. I compliment the Minister on and thank him for being so committed to this. I look forward to working alongside him. I have a lot of contact with many of the sheds because, when we set it up, people contacted us. I have many contact details that I can check to see if it is okay to share with the Minister. It is a good news story. I am aware they have set up regional forums, so it is about creating that overall arching body soon. I look forward to working with the Minister into the future on this good news story.”
“That is why I have put down this Commencement matter. Women's sheds have set up regional forums but they have not got a national forum. I would like to hear the Minister's thoughts about this and where we can go collectively to make sure that women's sheds have equal access to funding as men's sheds.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this all-important issue. In 2021, I organised a meeting of women's shed groups with his predecessor, Heather Humphreys, and they came from throughout the country. I did so because I was conscious that men's sheds are very well organised. They have a national forum and regional forums and are in receipt of funding. We gathered together to look at how we could set up a national forum for women's sheds because there are so many shed groups out there. I compliment both the men and the women on all the work they are doing. In some cases, it helps people with loneliness but it is also about collegiality and learning from one another. I had been thinking about the recent funding of men's sheds before that meeting and asked myself how we could get women's sheds on the same stream to apply for funding.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Imelda Goldsboro, Mike Kennelly, Fiona O'Loughlin and Lynn Ruane and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Lynn Ruane - The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the amendments being considered to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 regarding the process by which statutory complaints about online news media are processed by Coimisiún na Meán. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to make a statement on the acquisition of Airbus H145M helicopters. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the eligibility criteria and protocols in place for accessing IVF through the public health system in cases where consent has been given by a deceased partner.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Imelda Goldsboro - The need for the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to undertake an urgent review into the delay in water connections for housing developments. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the implementation of a dedicated Bus Éireann secondary school transport route to Tralee along the R557, specifically to service the communities of Lixnaw and Abbeydorney. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the improvements in rural transport systems being considered under the national sustainability mobility policy action plan, in particular in relation to routes in south Kildare.”
“I suppose education is the right place to start. Some of those who have come through the education system are now not feeling very well, perhaps due to pressure or different issues. It is important that we support the Limerick Mental Health Association and other mental health associations throughout the country because they do wonderful work in terms of working with different age groups ranging from the young to the not so young. These organisations make people feel very welcome and there is no stigma. Limerick Mental Health Association has a mental health café where they bring in people and sit down with them to have a conversation. This is great because it helps people to have discussions and share experiences.”
“Coolmine has a psychologist who works in its female section but such care is not available to male residents. The big issue is that when men have issues, they have to be sent to accident and emergency. Likewise, that is what it comes down to in youth mental health as well. I know the Minister of State is trying to resolve this, but an accident and emergency department is not the right or appropriate place for people when they have a mental health illness, a little breakdown or whatever. Could we look at having a segregated section or area that people see as a safe space? When people have an episode, they look for a safe space and for support. We also need more psychologists spread throughout the country. The provision of a separate section in accident and emergency units would be a big help. We have to start early.”
“It is great to see the combination between mental health associations and what they are trying to highlight with their members. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has set out that a priority of the Department of Education and Youth is the promotion of positive mental health throughout the education services. Where further interventions are needed, we must ensure that trained professionals are available. Senator McCarthy referred to the issue of dual diagnosis, where a person has a mental health issue and an addiction at the same time. I wish to highlight a matter on behalf of my colleague, Senator Ní Chuilinn, who is very passionate about this issue. I have visited the Coolmine treatment centres in Limerick and Dublin, as has Senator Ní Chuilinn. We acknowledge the wonderful work they do.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this all-important issue. I know from working with her previously how passionate she is about the subject and how committed she is to changing the way we think of mental health and resolving the issues. It is frightening that it is predominantly young men who are affected by these issues. There is a higher suicide rate among young men than young females. This morning, the Limerick Mental Health Association hosted a business breakfast with over 300 people in attendance. The theme of this year's event was employee well-being as a strategy. It not just about support; it is also about having a strategy. The event was sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences, one of the medical health organisations that are big employers in Limerick.”
“I welcome the students from Straffan National School in County Kildare and Sancta Maria College in Rathfarnham. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today, especially to the Seanad. It is the tradition of the House that they have homework off for the rest of the day.”
“Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of a women's sexual well-being clinic in County Meath. 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 Margaret Murphy O'Mahony - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the expansion of the criteria for eligibility for the disabled person's parking permit to cover designated parking spaces for individuals with hidden disabilities. Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on future funding allocations to the low-cost accident scheme and other capital road safety initiatives to address traffic and speed issues in Fahan, County Donegal. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to set out his vision on the role of nuclear power before the completion of the Celtic interconnector in 2026.”
“I am sure the Minister of State and her team will be working with the Senator as well as with the different organisations, perhaps the producers of the goods or the people supplying them. I am sure there is a list a mile long as to the different people the Minister of State and her officials will have to reach out to to get that middle point that will be acceptable to all. This genuinely needs to be looked at because it is alleged there are many health implications associated with some drinks. It was proven that some drinks in Australia and New Zealand had something like 200 mg of stimulants in a can of 350 ml. Many things need to be looked at to get this to a correct level. I wish the Minister of State well in her deliberations and I wish the Senators who brought this forward well.”
“A lot of small businesses find it difficult to have people on watch all of the time to deal with issues. It may be fine for some of the bigger retailers that have large numbers of staff but many small shops have only one or two staff. If a person who is underage but does not look it were to go into a shop as part of a test case, I am not sure that it would be a fair to fine the shop as a result. It is something I have a reservation about but I understand the sentiment behind it, in that there must be some level of control. There are many aspects of the Bill that need to be considered. I am sure Senator Keogan and the other Senators who signed the Bill brought it forward in good faith and I do not think anybody is against the Bill or its sentiments. Finding the correct way of regulating it is the way forward.”
“The issue of drinks containing stimulants is something we as a Government must take seriously and examine, especially in the case of minors who do not know what they are drinking. In some cases minors drink multiple cans of drinks containing stimulants. We need to see how we can legally implement rules and regulations for these products. I am not being negative but one concern I have in respect of the Bill is that many small businesses are under a lot of pressure. They have health inspections and inspections for different things and another layer of inspections relating to the implementation of the legislation would put pressure on businesses, especially smaller businesses. It is something that needs to be dealt with in a very delicate way.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House discuss this important issue. I compliment Senator Keogan and the other Senators who signed the Bill. The sentiments behind it are very important. A few years ago, a consultant at the Mater hospital spoke about two young men who had suffered from cardiac arrests. Allegedly, they had consumed eight to ten cans of drinks that contained stimulants. I understand the sentiments behind the Bill and I believe we need to examine this issue. I also understand where the Minister of State is coming from, in terms of the need for proof to have all of the facts and figures before we can do something. I understand why the Government amendment has been put forward.”
“I would like the support of the Leader’s office in highlighting the fact that it is short-sighted of BusConnects not to connect the Annacotty Business Park to the rest of Limerick.”
“I wish to raise the issue of BusConnects. Limerick is due to launch its BusConnects network shortly. There is an industrial estate in Annacotty, Limerick, where more than 2,000 people work. Lacking foresight, Bus Éireann will not run a bus out to the Annacotty Business Park. I have spoken to businesses there and have met them. Some of them even ask people when they apply for a job whether they have a car or a mode of transport of getting there because it is quite a distance - more than 2.5 km - from the next bus stop to the business park. Unfortunately, they have had people take up jobs who then fall by the wayside because in the winter time, they do not make it to work on time. I have written to them myself.”
“I would like the Leader's support in bringing the Minister here to look at it. It has been spoken about many times but nothing has happened. We need to encourage and support people to make sure they wear sunscreen to protect their faces and the rest of their bodies. Even farmers, and I am looking at-----”
“I wish to raise something I raised last week, which is to pass a vote of sympathy to the former Deputy Brian Leddin on the passing of his mother, Kathleen, a former councillor and mayor of Limerick. She was buried on Saturday and may she rest in peace. She served on the council in Limerick for 25 years and her husband before her was mayor of Limerick. Brian Leddin was a Deputy in the last Dáil and I propose a vote of sympathy. I wish to mention sunscreen. We have beautiful weather at the moment and everybody is out and about at the seaside or on the streets. There is 23% VAT on sunscreen. We need to encourage people to use sunscreen because skin cancer is one of the more prevalent cancers in Ireland. Some 20% of people diagnosed with cancer have skin cancer. The VAT on sunscreen should be reduced.”
“Senator Keogan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 6 be taken before No. 1. This was seconded by Senator Sarah O'Reilly. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.”
“Before I call the Acting Leader, I convey my sympathy to former Deputy Brian Leddin on the passing of his mother, Kathleen Leddin, a former Mayor of Limerick and a councillor for 20 years in the city. I was the fourth female Mayor of Limerick and Kathleen was the fifth. There have only been five female mayors in 820-odd years. Kathleen was a very dedicated councillor and Mayor of Limerick. It was ironic that she served as an Independent mayor while her late husband, Tim Leddin, served as a Fine Gael mayor. I express my sympathy to Timothy, Morgan, Brian, Gregory, Deirdre, Tony, Desmond, Joan and the extended Leddin and Donovan families. I call the Acting Leader to respond to the Order of Business.”
“I welcome St. Brendan's Community School, Birr, County Offaly, who are guests of Deputy John Clendennen. I congratulate them on being winners of the European debating championships. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“I welcome visitors from St. Brigid's Girls' National School, who are guests of Deputy McAuliffe. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House and to the Seanad Chamber. I hope they enjoy the rest of their day.”
“Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to set out his vision on the role of nuclear power before the completion of the Celtic interconnector in 2026. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Teresa Costello, Mark Duffy, Eileen Lynch, Linda Nelson Murray, Malcolm Noonan and Chris Andrews, and they will be taken now. Senator Sharon Keogan may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.”
“Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on proposed increases in the personal injury guidelines in light of the Central Bank report of May 2025 which shows that motor insurance premiums increased by 9% in the first six months of last year. Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs to provide an update on negotiations on the next EU multi-annual financial framework covering the period 2028 to 2035. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on her plans to improve access to suicide prevention services in Dublin.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on arrangements in place with utility companies for the repair and reinstatement of road pavements when they have been dug up to gain access to carry out works. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on progress on the reopening of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, County Galway. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the establishment of a stakeholders' forum for licensed firearms holders.”
“I welcome the students from the Harold School, Glasthule, who are guests of the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. I also welcome the Killoran Drama Group from Limerick - I know many of them down there - who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell. I hope you all enjoy your visit to Leinster House and Seanad Éireann.”