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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“Before I put the motion to the House, I wish to welcome guests of Senator Keogan. Elle Villa Tan is the Senator's foster daughter. She is studying in Trinity College Dublin and the Senator is very proud of her. Lara Gallagher is a student in UCD. Josh Oyiki is a student in Trinity College Dublin, and Natasha Rowan-Button is a student in Technological University Dublin. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Before I call Senator Fitzpatrick, I welcome the pupils from St. Patrick's National School from Bray who are guests of the Tánaiste. I hope you enjoy your visit here today. I know you are coming to the end of the school term, but it is customary here to say there is no homework for the rest of the week. I am sure you are getting your holidays tomorrow anyhow. Enjoy your visit. You are very welcome.”
“As members of the EU Single Market, both countries benefit from close economic co-operation. More Irish students are choosing to study at the university at Ljubljana. Irish culture - our music, dance and literature - remains popular across Slovenia. A particularly charming connection is the memorial plaque to James Joyce at Ljubljana train station marking the night he unexpectedly spent there in 1904. Slovenia itself is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for Irish visitors. I extend my warmest wishes to Ambassador Marn and to the Slovenian community in Ireland. I also welcome the ambassador's staff from the embassy who accompany him here today for this very happy Statehood Day. In my best Slovenian: Vesel Dan državnosti . I apologise if I have mispronounced it, but happy Independence Day and enjoy your day.”
“Before proceeding with the Order of Business, I have the pleasure to welcome Ambassador Marn to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Today we mark Slovenia's national day, celebrating the country's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, a milestone that reaches its 35th anniversary this year. Ireland and Slovenia enjoy warm and longstanding relations. Ireland recognised Slovenia on 15 January 1992 and opened our embassy in Ljubljana in October 2001. Our ties deepened further when Slovenia joined the European Union at a ceremony in Dublin during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2004. In recent years our co-operation has grown through each country's term on the UN Security Council where Ireland and Slovenia have worked together to promote peace and prevent conflict. Our cultural and economic links continue to strengthen.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to make a statement on introducing targeted budget measures to halt closures of rural pubs. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Costello, Scahill, Kennelly and Lynch and they will be taken now.”
“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 Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the measures in place to assess the effectiveness of public consultation processes conducted under the Part 8 planning applications and section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on plans to review and expand the housing adaptation grant scheme. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the recent proposals made by the Vintners' Federation of Ireland in its pre-budget submissions.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 on 24 June 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the National Treasury Management Agency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 on 24 June 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Amendments Nos. 17 to 20, inclusive, are physical alternatives to amendment No. 16; amendments Nos. 18 to 20, inclusive, are physical alternatives to amendment No. 17; amendments Nos. 19 and 20 are physical alternatives to amendment No.18; amendments No. 16 to 20, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call Senator O’Reilly, I wish to welcome to the Visitors Gallery Deputy O’Gorman and his guests. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House this evening. They are all very welcome. Is Senator O’Reilly pressing her amendment?”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the group from Our Lady's Island-Tacumshane Senior Citizens from Wexford. They are guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy. They are very welcome here today and I hope they enjoy their visit. I call Senator Black.”
“I welcome the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. His officials are on the way. We now move to the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, which was changed from Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026.”
“I think we need to do some sort of major reform in that area, and I would appreciate if the Minister of State would take that message back to the Department.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I understand that a significant amount of money comes from the inheritance tax. It is almost like a form or double taxation. The people who earn the money have already paid tax on it, and now the person who is going to inherit it has to pay tax on top of it again. While I understand that a change would cost a lot of money, I pay tribute to the End Discrimination in Inheritance Tax group, which has been thorough in setting out the issues that people, especially childless couples, are facing and the predicament they are in. I am glad to note that figures will be published shortly, and I will be looking at them carefully. I understand that there has to be a balanced budget, but tax has been paid on this money already and that is something that really needs to be looked at.”
“If, before getting married or where there is no marriage, one partner dies, the other can inherit only €20,000. In many cases, the surviving partner might have to sell the house that they bought together just to pay the inheritance tax. There seems to be a huge anomaly in this regard. It is very unfair that someone who has paid their taxes and wishes to leave what they have to a loved one, be it a relative, niece, nephew, cousin or other individual, is disenfranchised. I would love to hear what the Minister of State has to say about it, and if a review is being carried out in this whole area. It is an issue we need to look at seriously.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, for coming to the House to discuss this important issue. I am asking him to make a statement on the issue of inheritance tax. When a parent dies, he or she can leave up to €400,000 to any of his or her children. For those who are married but who may not have children, however, the threshold from sibling to sibling is €40,000. Many people who do not have children feel very disenfranchised in that they feel they have paid their taxes. Whoever they are going to leave their inheritance to is often put to the pin of their collar to pay the inheritance tax. Many people end up having to sell the family home or shares, for example, just to pay the tax due. An issue also arises where couples who are not married buy a house together.”
“I compliment the Minister of State and his staff on the passing of this significant legislation. As he said it is the first step on the way to a statutory home care scheme. I wish him all the best with it. It is really good people can have the assurance they are all on the same footing. I wish the legislation all the best and congratulate the Minister of State. I know how committed he is to the future of this and I am sure there is other legislation coming to us shortly in a similar vein.”
“Before I call the Minister of State, I welcome her to the Chamber. I know it is not her first time here; she was here last week. I wish to personally congratulate her. She is a former Member of this Chamber, and it is great to see our former Members progressing to higher office. I wish her all the best in her new role.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the guests of the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Niamh Smyth, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Senator Robbie Gallagher, Deputy Ryan O'Meara, Deputy Paul Lawless, and Mr. Barry Comerford from the committee office. I hope they enjoy their visit here to Leinster House this evening.”
“There is so much opportunity, especially with the River Shannon in terms of wind energy. There is so much in that report that needs to be looked at. Will the Leader contact the Minister, Deputy Burke, on supporting the bringing forward of that report for the mid-west?”
“On the 50th anniversary of Analog Devices being in Limerick, which has had a recent expansion, it is great to see that collaboration between education and industry. We are very lucky to have three third level institutes in the region. UL collaborates with over 400 companies. TUS collaborates with 200 companies. Mary I also has collaboration, as do the ETBs. It has been fantastic in bringing companies from across the water to locate in the mid-west. There is a report on the Shannon Estuary task force which was commissioned back when Leo Varadkar was Taoiseach. There was input from industry and the chamber of commerce and many people had input into it. There is a tourism piece and an industry piece in it. The report still has not been initiated or brought forward.”
“In a personal capacity, I congratulate the Leader along with his wife Laura, sons Jamie and Daniel, his father, Liam, and his brothers. I had the privilege of knowing his late mother, Theresa, and I know she would have been very proud of him today. The contribution the Ahearn family have made, both in local authority life and here in the Houses of the Oireachtas, has been referred to here already. I wish him all the very best of luck in his new role. I know he had a good training ground in recent weeks and he will be fantastic in the job. Last week the Limerick Post carried an interview with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. It dealt with collaboration between industry and education and how that is encouraging some large companies to locate in the mid-west.”
“Before I call the Senator, I welcome Deputy John Connolly and his guests, who are pupils and staff of Eagles Nest National School, Renvyle, County Galway. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit. I know they are near their holiday, but it is customary here to make sure they have no homework for the rest of the week. I hope they enjoy their holidays when they come at the end of the week.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the recent proposals made by the Vintners Federation of Ireland, VFI, in its pre-budget submissions. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Sharon Keogan, Fiona O'Loughlin, Robbie Gallagher and Cathal 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 Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on delays in accrediting PE teachers who secured qualifications from a university outside Ireland and have completed qualified teacher status. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the delivery of the pay deal for resource persons and adult educators working in community training centres. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the introduction of a scheme similar to the immigrant investor programme to allow access to overseas funding.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on a universal system where all taxable Department of Social Protection payments are automatically reported to the Revenue Commissioners. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the management of the Curragh Plains, County Kildare, including the prohibition on illegal encampments on these lands. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on waiving road tax for Blood Bikes and vehicles used exclusively for the transport of cancer patients.”
“Before I call the Deputy Leader to respond, I, too, congratulate Senator Ahearn on being appointed Leader and Senator Byrne on his appointment as Government Chief Whip. I look forward to working with both of them.”
“I welcome the students from St. Colmcille's National School. They are a student council, I understand, along with their múinteoirí. They are guests of Deputy Ciarán Ahern. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit. It is customary here in the Seanad that there is no homework for the rest of the week. I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“There are also branches of organisations such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, An Cumann Gaelach Lucsamburg and Gaelic Sports Club Luxembourg, which runs GAA games for anyone in the city interested in playing. As we celebrate Luxembourg's national day, I extend my warmest wishes to the ambassador, Ms Florence Ensch, who is with us today, and to the Luxembourg community in Ireland and around the world. I wish them a happy national day. In my best Luxembourgish: schéinen Nationalfeierdag . Go raibh maith agaibh.”
“It is just over three years since the Luxembourg Embassy to Ireland was opened in June 2023. Ireland and Luxembourg also share long-standing economic and cultural ties. There is a strong Irish presence.in EU bodies based in Luxembourg, such as the European Court of Auditors, the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank. There is a growing Irish community in Luxembourg that is at its highest number in over ten years. Many Irish people have moved to Luxembourg for work in a variety of fields, including for the EU institutions, where some work in the Irish language, allowing it to grow as a working language. An Irish presence in Luxembourg has led to the development of many Irish clubs, societies and associations across the country, such as the Irish Club of Luxembourg.”
“It is my great pleasure to welcome Ambassador Ensch to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Tuesday, 23 June marks Luxembourg's national day, which celebrates the reigning monarch's birthday. The celebration of this holiday has been a tradition since the 19th century, though it has not always fallen on this date. Throughout Luxembourg's history, the holiday has fallen on different dates under various monarchs. This year marks 65 years since it was declared by grand-ducal decree in 1961 that the national day would be celebrated on 23 June. Ireland has had a diplomatic presence in Luxembourg since the beginning of our membership of the European Union. The Irish Embassy was opened in Luxembourg City in the year of our accession to the EEC, 1973, which led to the development of bilateral relations in 1974.”
“Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on core funding for the childcare sector and the recent reduction in childcare rates. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Andrews, Martin Conway, McCormack and Comyn and they will be taken now. Senator Collins may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on capping the number of breeding females permitted within a dog breeding establishment. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeline for a dialysis service to be operational in Ennis, County Clare. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on funding for STEM engagement officers in Laois and the midlands. Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Defence to make a statement on examining Drogheda, County Louth as a location for the proposed new Naval Service base.”
“Dáil Éireann has passed the Finance Bill 2026 on 17 June 2026, which is sent herewith to Seanad Éireann for its recommendations. Dáil Éireann has passed the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, changed from the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, on 17 June 2026 to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has agreed on 17 June 2026 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024.”
“Before I put the question, I welcome Councillor Anna Grainger and Councillor J.P. Durkan and their guests to the Gallery. I also welcome guests of the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and Deputy McGreehan. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Before I call Senator Higgins, I welcome Deputy Edward Timmins to the Gallery. He is accompanied by Tom Barrett, Audrey Scott and Mary. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House and to the Seanad especially.”
“The Minister and her Department are working to build on what has happened and where we can go from there. I compliment all involved, but I also remember those who have gone before us. Many families suffered loss, and they did not know what was happening at the time. It is important to think of those families when we are having this debate.”
“That is an important message, but sometimes those messages do not resonate or land with people. They are really important messages that we in the Oireachtas, community pharmacists and doctors need to get across to people. When people come in, they should be assured that help is at hand. That is a strong message. In the past, the Department has rolled out things like free condoms, advice and leaflets. At that stage, as I said, some people were still running away from it. However, there is now so much emphasis on this and support for people. That is very important. “Support” is a very important word. Some people still receive a diagnosis each year. The Minister said that 41% of people are diagnosed late, which is quite a high number. That goes back to the fear factor when people were afraid to come forward. A lot has happened since then.”
“The fact that we are having an open conversation is a good starting point. HIV Remembrance Day was two days ago. A lot has happened. I compliment everybody who has been involved in highlighting this issue through the years, and those who were not afraid to come forward to discuss and share their own experiences or to highlight issues of remembering people they knew who have passed away. The fact that the You, Me and HIV campaign focuses on a simple message has ensured it is a strong message and it is something we need to build on. It is about encouraging people. There are still some people who are afraid to come forward or to get tested. It is about giving them the confidence and courage to do that. The fact is that once people are on the treatment, they cannot pass it on to other people, whether a partner or otherwise.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. I also thank officials for their commitment. I welcome the guests in the Visitors Gallery. It is a very important discussion. As the Minister said in her opening statement, we remember those who are no longer with us and who died of HIV and AIDS, and we remember the whole stigma piece. I acknowledge the work that the Minister and her Department have done in bringing in the community care piece with the pharmacies and doctors. That has encouraged awareness. People should not be afraid to be tested, and that is a strong message. Many of us know people who have died in the past, and we understand the fear factor and the stigma. Even some of their family members were running away from the issue.”
“I compliment the Minister of State and his officials. I look forward to working with him on bringing this Bill through the Houses.”
“Sometimes, people have different carers coming in but in many of the companies it is the same carer. I attended an information day with one of the care companies with the Minister of State and they had an award ceremony for some of their carers. The patients who people were working with were asked to vote for different carers and talk about their qualities. Some of the issues they raised were so complimentary because so many people are so caring. We always have people who might have slipped through that loop, but this legislation will set down the foundation for making sure everybody receives the same level of care with that accountability piece. That the sector is answerable to HIQA is also important because it sets such high standards in terms of its inspections and that whole quality piece.”
“Up to now, there were different standards and some people may not have had formal training. The fact that the Minister of State is looking at all those and regulating the fact that the service provider has to make sure everybody is at the same standard means there will be continuity of care. It is also an assurance piece for the family of the person who is being cared for. When we speak to people who are living at home and living independently, they tell us that the carers coming in and doing this job or that job gives them the competence to live longer and also to live at home. It gives them greater confidence in being able to achieve things. As long as we can keep people at home, they are more comfortable in their own surroundings. It is consistent care in a lot of cases.”
“I thank the Minister of State and his officials for coming here today to discuss this all-important topic. Quality of care and assurance is something all families look for, especially when they want to keep their loved ones at home. Longevity is something we have here in Ireland. For a long time, people did not live as long. More and more people desire to try to stay at home as long as possible and that cannot happen without carers. Whether they are public carers, sourced through a private company or funded through the HSE, it is really important that a standard be set. I compliment the Minister of State and his officials on their dedication to setting that standard and bringing forward proposals that will create safeguards around accountability and the fact that people will be properly trained. There will be set standards.”
“Before I move on, I welcome Deputy Michael Murphy from Tipperary and members of the Patterson family Noel and Imelda, brother and sister to the late Frank Patterson. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Before I call the Leader to respond, I welcome Ashbourne Women's Shed and their guest, Maura Farrell. They are guests of Deputy Darren O'Rourke. I hope they enjoy their visit today. They are very welcome.”
“Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the introduction of a scheme similar to the immigrant investor programme to allow access to overseas funding. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Victor Boyhan, Ollie Crowe, Eileen Lynch and Dee Ryan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on University Hospital Limerick, in particular the establishment of a hospital development board and the recruitment of consultants. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of osteoarthritis in the chronic disease management programme. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on driving test waiting lists in County Kerry, in particular the establishment of a driving test centre in Listowel to reduce waiting times. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeline for a dialysis service to be operational in Ennis, County Clare.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on a draft national planning statement. Senator Ollie Crowe - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the introduction of an IT-based Garda verification system for first-time passport applicants and applications being treated as first-time applications. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the promotion of the Key to the EU programme for teachers.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Media Regulation Bill 2026 on 10 June 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 10 June 2026 without amendment.”
“I would like to welcome guests of Deputy Albert Dolan from Mountbellew National School. You are very welcome here this afternoon. Just to say, you will have no homework for the rest of the week. It is customary here in the Seanad to relieve students of homework. Enjoy your visit.”