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.”
The complete record
Every one of 684 lines we hold for Maria Byrne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 13 of 14.
“Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on the shortage of appropriate residential settings for adults with intellectual disabilities and severe autism. 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. 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. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected those raised by Senators Teresa Costello, Patricia Stephenson, Margaret Murphy O'Mahony and Noel O'Donovan and they will be taken now.”
“Senator Noel O'Donovan - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the proposed reduction of the nitrates derogation stocking rate from 250 to 220 kg N/ha in areas of west Cork. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on the allocation of funding to An Saol Foundation for the Teach An Saol capital project in Dublin. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to introduce legislation to mandate breast density reporting for all women undergoing mammograms.”
“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 Health to make a statement on available treatment options for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Ireland and the status and timeline for making givinostat available to Irish patients. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the women's health action plan and to outline the actions being taken to improve women's experiences and health outcomes within the healthcare system. Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on driving test waiting lists.”
“I thank the Minister of State. One can but hope. In regard to the report at the end of May, we cannot envisage what is going to be in that report. However, the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, visited the hospital on Good Friday on a spot check. It was busy, but that was a quiet busy. I hope that a new model 4 hospital will be delivered for the region. We only have one hospital and it is actually the busiest hospital in the whole country per capita . Hopefully, that is in the report. I thank the Minister of State for laying out the work that has been done to date. I am looking forward to much more work into the future in order that patients will have a safe experience and also the staff working there will be safe. They work under acute circumstances. They work really hard.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I am looking for an update on the second model 4 hospital for Limerick and the mid-west. University Hospital Limerick is in the news nearly every day of the week. Unfortunately it sends out the wrong message for families and patients who need to attend the hospital. While there are an awful lot of things that work excellently there, the accident and emergency unit is too small for the size of the region. The population is growing and we need a second hospital. I know HIQA was carrying out a report and I am asking for information or an update on that.”
“I thank Minister of State. I welcome guests of Deputy Maeve O'Connell to the Gallery. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit here this evening. Enjoy the experience here, not only in the Seanad but in Leinster House as well.”
“Before I call on the Minister of State, I welcome Deputy Feighan to the Visitors Gallery. He is accompanied by Mr. Michael Dugher, former MP for Barnsley East, Mr. Michael Lonergan from the Irish Embassy in London, Mr. Jeff Cooke and Mr. David Wild. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House and the Seanad.”
“We are still in the month of April and there are people being refused because organisers are saying there is no money left. If we do not have the tenant in situ scheme, we have to have some sort of a scheme because there are too many families who are being threatened with eviction because the council is saying it does not have the money to buy the home. I would like the Minister, Deputy Browne, to come to the House to have a debate on the tenant in situ scheme and how we can deal with the situation because we already have people who are homeless and we do not want to add to that list. We should have statements in the House and a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne, on the tenant in situ scheme and how we can resolve this issue into the future.”
“I wish, first, to be associated with the remarks about Martin Groves and to wish him all the very best on his retirement. From the first day that I was elected to the House, he was always a breath of fresh air and very supportive of new Members especially, offering them guidance. I wish him well and I hope we will have the opportunity to have him in some day to wish him all the best. I wish also to be associated with the votes of sympathy to the late pontiff, Pope Francis. I actually went to the concert in Croke Park when he visited in 2018, and I think he was a man whose legacy will stay with us for quite a while. The main issue I wish to raise is the tenant in situ scheme and the number of people who are now being refused and cannot get into the scheme.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Troy. I welcome our guests in the Gallery who are from Germany, Belgium and Ballymun. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“Before I move to the next speaker I welcome Aoife Kennelly, daughter of esteemed Senator Mike Kennelly. I welcome her back from Australia, from where she has just returned. I hope she enjoys her time back in Ireland.”
“I have selected Senators Keogan, Kennelly, Fitzpatrick and Harmon and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the abolition of the carer's allowance means test. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the types of land that will be affected by EU regulations on good agricultural and environmental condition, GAEC 2, and the likely geographical location of such lands. 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. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to include the furniture industry in the apprenticeship programme. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the timeline for the construction and delivery of the Thornton Hall prison facility. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the community CCTV scheme and plans to ensure it is available in all towns and villages. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the timeline for the Government to publish a retail crime strategy. Senator Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the number and location of linear accelerator machines for radiation therapy in active use and the actions being taken to ensure timely therapy for patients.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, again. Before I call Senator Clonan to make his case, I welcome his guests: Ms Walaa Sabah from Gaza and Ms Fiona O’Rourke from the Irish Writers Centre at Trinity College Dublin. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. I remind Senators that they may speak only once on Report Stage, except for the proposer of an amendment, who may reply to the discussion on that amendment. Each amendment on Report Stage must be seconded.”
“The Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival, which started on Monday and will run through to next Sunday, involves 123 free events to do with literacy. It is being run by the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, LCETB, and other supporting bodies. There are activities involving IT skills, art, entrepreneurship, open days, tours, education, dance and the Healthy Ireland programme. It is about highlighting the importance of literacy, education and learning as one goes along. The organisers are in their 15th year of running the festival. Limerick is a UNESCO learning city and these events feed into that narrative. People of all ages should go along. There are events for children, adults and those who are not so young. The festival is beneficial to many people and has encouraged some to go back to learn how to read and write.”
“Will he take it to the Minister to see whether consideration can be given to finding a smaller facility for this individual within the Limerick region?”
“I thank an tAire Stáit for his reply. I appreciate that there are possibly settings available but they are more on a regional basis. I recognise it is very difficult to accommodate everyone but the young person I referred to is used to going to her workplace every day. If a place is provided in Tipperary, that will not facilitate her daily activities. For her own mental health and everything else, it is important that she be kept in the environment she is used to. While it will not be appropriate for her to live at home anymore, there is a need to find a balance between a nursing home for older people and a care-assisted setting for younger people. I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter.”
“They are looking at a long-term care facility in Tipperary, and while I mean no insult to the Chair, I believe that moving her from an area she is used to, where her daycare and work is located, will be to her detriment. There are many more people in a similar position. Some are in nursing homes for older people and are often the youngest there. The fact that most of the people in nursing homes are in the older age category makes such accommodation an unsuitable solution. There should be long-term care facilities available for people who are still young but who cannot live at home anymore because there is nobody to look after them. Ideally, they would live in an assisted living environment and continue to go to their work every day.”
“Before I start, I would like to acknowledge a former Deputy and Minister, Damien English, in the Gallery, along with his guests. I hope they have a happy visit to Leinster House today. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to take this important Commencement matter. My call is for the provision of a long-term assisted care facility for young to middle-aged adults with additional living needs. I am currently working with the family of a young woman who is 38 years of age. She has lived happily at home with her mother for those 38 years but she has a lot of additional needs. She has attended the Avista daycare centre in Dooradoyle in Limerick every day for the past ten years and has many friends and associates there. However, the young woman's mother has become sick and is no longer in a position to care for her daughter.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of respite care services for people with disabilities in Kerry. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Joanne Collins, Seán Kyne, Anne Rabbitte and Maria Byrne and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of funding for people with disabilities, particularly those with Down’s syndrome regression disorder and similar conditions. Senator Maria McCormack - the need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the abolition of the carer's allowance means test. Senator Manus Boyle - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the vacant occupational therapy posts in County Donegal. Senator Alison Comyn - the need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to make a statement on the continuation of the community centre investment fund in order to facilitate capital funding for community centres such as the Moneymore townland community hub in Drogheda, County Louth.”
“Senator Chris Andrews - the need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the need for increased investment in Irish football facilities and academies. Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on turnaround times for work permit applications; and when it is expected that employers can apply for a work permit and visa through one application. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - the need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to include the furniture industry in the apprenticeship programme.”
“Senator Maria Byrne - the need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on the provision of a long-term care assisted living facility in Limerick for young to middle-aged adults with additional living needs. Senator Mark Duffy - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage make a statement on the commitments around the pyrite and mica remediation schemes in the programme for Government. Senator Patricia Stephenson - the need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the roll-out of the free hormone replacement therapy scheme and the availability of prescription hormone replacement therapy products.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Joanne Collins - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the supports being provided to those impacted by ash dieback disease. Senator Seán Kyne - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a support package to farmers in the Maam and Leenane areas of Connemara due to the damage and loss of sheep incurred during Storm Bert. Senator Anne Rabbitte - the need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy to make a statement on her budgetary commitments to support child safety.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and the Tánaiste for coming here for a very meaningful discussion, and I thank Senators for all the contributions this morning with regard to this all-important topic of international trade and international relations. Before I move on to Commencement debates, I welcome the students from Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Emer Higgins, and also Ms Véronique Platschka from Switzerland, who is a guest of the Ceann Comhairle. They are all very welcome today and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Before I call the next Senator, I welcome the students from Ramsgrange Community School. They are guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy. They are very welcome. I understand colleagues of theirs are also due to visit. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Senator Clonan, just to be clear to you, because it is a minor, it also places the name and the actual details of that individual on the record for all time, which they may regret. That is the reason-----”
“Before I call Senator Costello, I welcome rang a ceathair from Scoil Mobhí in Glasnevin, who are on a school tour of Leinster House today with their múinteoir, Cillín MacDonnacha. Former Senator Marie Sherlock's son is among the students in this class. I wish them an enjoyable visit to Seanad Éireann and I hope they enjoy their time here today.”
“Senator Seán Kyne - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a support package to farmers in the Maam and Leenane areas of Connemara due to the damage and loss of sheep incurred during Storm Bert. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of funding for people with disabilities, particularly those with Down’s syndrome regression disorder, DSRD, and similar conditions. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Teresa Costello, Fiona O'Loughlin, Evanne Ní Chuilinn and Victor Boyhan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Joanne Collins - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the supports being provided to those impacted by ash dieback disease. Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on turnaround times for work permit applications; and when it is expected that employers will be able to apply for a work permit and visa through one application. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - the need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to include the furniture industry in the apprenticeship programme. Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of respite care services for people with disabilities in County Kerry.”
“Senator Victor Boyhan - the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the establishment of a transport security force; and whether city and county councillors will be included on the public transport safety working group. Senator Manus Boyle - the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the coastal erosion works at Inver, County Donegal. Senator Mark Duffy - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the potential reopening for public use of the swimming pool in Áras Attracta, Swinford, County Mayo. Senator Chris Andrews - the need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the need for increased investment in Irish football facilities and academies.”
“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 Health to make a statement on the systematic shortcomings and waiting times encountered by younger women when presenting with symptoms of breast cancer; and on the need for the BreastCheck screening programme to be extended to women over 40 years of age. Senator Fiona O’Loughlin - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the lack of GP services in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare. Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn - the need for the Minister for Education to provide an update on the establishment of a Gaelcholáiste for the Dublin school districts 2, 4, 6 and 8 from 2026 onwards.”
“Senator Harmon proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 9 be taken before No. 1, which was seconded by Senator Stephenson. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept it. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, we are joined in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery by Jeremy Wilmshurst, the First Secretary of the British Embassy, George Moore, also from the embassy, and Daniel Katte, head of the Ireland team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London. They are all very welcome. I know Jeremy will be leaving us shortly, to be replaced by George. He is returning to London. On behalf of the Seanad, we wish Jeremy all the best for the future and thank him for his assiduous work in developing excellent relationships with Members and officials of both Houses, but especially the Seanad. We look forward to working with George and building good relationships with him into the future. We wish Jeremy all the best on his next travels.”
“Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on turnaround times for work permit applications, and when it is expected that employers can apply for a work permit and visa through one application. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the lack of GP services in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare. Senator Maria Byrne - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of a long-term care assisted living facility in Limerick for young to middle-aged adults with additional living needs. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Noel O'Donovan, Sarah O'Reilly, Robbie Gallagher and Nicole Ryan and they will be taken now.”
“Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on actions he is taking to support retailers to cope with increased business costs. Senator Chris Andrews - the need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the need for increased investment in football facilities and academies. Senator Joanne Collins - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the supports being provided to those impacted by ash dieback disease. Senator Patricia Stephenson - the need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the roll-out of the free hormone replacement therapy scheme and the availability of prescription hormone replacement therapy products.”
“Senator Nicole Ryan - the need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the exclusion of Youthreach teachers from receiving payment for the correction and grading of locally devised assessments. Senator Cathal Byrne - the need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the proposed new campus for the South East Technological University in Wexford. Senator Sharon Keogan - the need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the timeline for the construction and delivery of the Thornton Hall prison facility. Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of respite care services for people with disabilities.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Noel O'Donovan - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that funding for the upgrade works required at the Dunmanway wastewater treatment plant is provided for in the next investment cycle under the National Development Plan 2021-2030. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the achievement of targets committed to in the national cancer strategy that 90% of patients who are deemed fit for radiation therapy will begin treatment within 15 working days. Senator Robbie Gallagher - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on plans the National Ambulance Service has to address delayed emergency response times and staff shortages.”
“Before I call the Deputy Leader, I too thank Aisling Hart for her contribution to the Senate over many years. I have known Aisling since I was first elected her in 2016 and she has been absolutely exemplary in her role. I wish her all the very best in her retirement. She will be back for a day in a couple of weeks and we wish her all the best in the coming weeks. I call the Deputy Leader to respond to the Order of Business.”
“I have selected Senators Nelson Murray, Clifford-Lee, Clonan and Noonan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Malcolm Noonan - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the levels of engagement his Department had with Coillte prior to its decision to absorb its dedicated biodiversity division, Coillte Nature, into the main company. Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of respite care services for people with disabilities in County Kerry. Senator Noel O'Donovan - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that funding for the upgrade works required at the Dunmanway wastewater treatment plant is provided for in the next investment cycle under the National Development Plan 2021-2030. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Linda Nelson Murray - the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the criteria for local authorities to access funding for traffic calming measures. Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee - the need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the implementation of the national fares strategy, in particular in relation to north County Dublin. Senator Tom Clonan - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of surgery to a person who has a significant scoliosis condition.”
“I raise the issue of the incremental purchase scheme that opened in Limerick yesterday in Cois na Sionainne in Clonmacken. It is a very good scheme for those on the housing waiting list and those in receipt of HAP and RAS. Three-bedroom houses are available for purchase by people who are willing to go the extra bit and put their savings forward for the purchase of a home. They have the option of purchasing their forever home. It is the fifth scheme that has opened in Limerick. The four schemes to date have been very successful in setting up families with security of tenure and, at the end of the day, they have pride in their own homes. It opened at 9 a.m. yesterday and will remain open until 22 April. It is very important to highlight the fact it is open to all, including people who are working and have an income.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, is very welcome to the House. I remind Senators before we commence that Senators may speak only once on Report Stage, except for the proposer of the amendment, who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. Each amendment must also be seconded on Report Stage. Amendment No. 1 is in the name of Senators Boyhan and Craughwell and arises out of committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 are related. Amendment No. 1 forms a composite proposal with amendment No. 2. Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I ask Senators to be careful when naming children in the Chamber because they are underage and it will be on the public record. I ask Members to be careful unless they have permission of the family. I call Senator Mark Duffy.”
“I welcome French and Belgian politicians from the Francophone parliamentary assembly to the Visitors Gallery. We have Mrs. Anne Lambelin, a Belgian Senator; Mr. André Reichardt, a French Senator; and Mr. Fatmir Leci, a councillor in the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. They are accompanied by Ms Isabelle Kempeneers. I look forward to meeting them later. They are here this morning with our colleague, Senator Mullen. In the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, I welcome back a former Member of this House, Lynn Boylan MEP, and her guests. I hope you all enjoy your visit to Leinster House.”
“They make friends out of these gatherings. This area needs extra support. Another issue is the provision of home help hours. An allocation on half an hour or three half-hours a week is of little benefit. People need more security and more support.”
“The tearooms offer china cups, which helps to bring people back to their past. Such facilities provide residents with supported living conditions. If we could see more of those types of nursing homes around the country, it would be of great benefit to older people. I compliment the sports partnerships on the amount of work those involved do with older people, from walking days to chair yoga and other activities. We talk about the fact we are all living longer but some of that is down to levels of activity. More support must be given to the sports partnerships to expand those programmes. They are very beneficial, particularly to people living on their own who are given an opportunity to go out and meet colleagues. That approach addresses the whole living alone factor. People have the ability to go out and meet colleagues and friends.”