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 welcome to the Gallery guests of Deputy Cathal Crowe from Clare. He has guests from Scariff Bay Community Radio with him. Before I call the next speaker, Senator O'Donovan, I welcome members of Carbery Macra from west Cork, who are his guests. It is an opportune time, as we are having a debate on rural planning.”
“The Minister of State has to go. I will give each of the remaining speakers a minute and half if that is okay. It is eating into the Minister of State's time. We were late starting, so perhaps the Minister of State could stay for an extra few minutes by agreement of the House. Is it in agreement with the Minister of State that we take an extra ten minutes? Agreed. I will give the five remaining speakers two minutes each, with the agreement of the House. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her reply and I understand all the work that has in. It is over a year since the European drugs agency approved givinostat. I know the Minister has been negotiating with the Italian company but this has to happen sooner rather than later. There are over 200 families awaiting this news. It is a crucial time. I hope there will be a good result in the next couple of days.”
“That causes stress and strain within families as well. This needs to be sorted out. I want a timeline. I want to know when families will be reimbursed for the drugs for this serious illness. I know a huge number of people are not affected by this but nobody should have to wait for the timeframe that they have had to thus far for this decision to be made.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome. I will follow on from where Senator Boyle left off. I have raised this too. I am on the health committee as well. On 15 October 2025, the governing body that decides what medicines are included in the long-term illness book stated it was at a very advanced stage and that it has been sorted. As Senator Boyle said, it was meant to be Christmas and then it was pushed out. Now we are in June and there has been no decision. I understand a meeting will be held today where they will look at it but I too know of families that have been affected by this. One of my neighbour's grandson is one of the children affected. It is a very trying time for families. As Senator Boyle said, time is muscle. The longer it goes on, the more debilitating that it is for these children.”
“As it is now 8 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the Order of the Seanad of this day: "That amendment No. 22 is hereby negatived; Fourth Stage is hereby completed and the Bill is hereby received for final consideration and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“I thank the Minister of State. I welcome the guests of Deputy Callaghan. You very welcome and I hope you enjoy your visit to the Seanad. Also, from Herbert Road we have TCD law students who are guests of Senator McCarthy. You are also welcome. Enjoy your visit to the Seanad and Leinster House.”
“Amendment No. 17 arises out of committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 18 and 19 are physical alternatives to amendment No. 17. Amendment No. 19 a physical alternative to amendment No. 18. Amendments Nos. 17 to 19, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Amendment No. 13 arises out of committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 13 and 14 are related. Amendment No. 14 is a physical amendment to amendment No. 13. Amendments Nos. 13 and 14 may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome students from Courtenay National School from Newcastle West. They are guests of the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan. Their local councillor, Councillor Tom Ruddle, asked me to tell them that there is no homework for the rest of the week. I hope they enjoy their stay.”
“I welcome to the Gallery guests of the Minister, Deputy Chambers, Senator Noonan and the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House. As it is now 2.30 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: "That amendment No. 27 is hereby negatived in Committee; section 4 is hereby agreed to in Committee; in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section is hereby agreed to in Committee; and the Title is hereby agreed to in Committee". Is that agreed?”
“Amendment Nos. 27 to 29, inclusive, are related. Amendments Nos. 28 and 29 are physical alternatives to amendment No. 27, and amendment No. 29 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 28. Amendments Nos. 27 to 29, inclusive, may be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome Senator Wilson, the father of the House, who has with him some Ukrainians, including Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian Olympian. His sport is the skeleton, which is a winter sport. I congratulate him on his achievements. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“Before I call Senator O'Reilly, I welcome to the Gallery members of Lusk Community Council, who are guests of Deputy O'Donoghue. I also welcome the group form Carrowholly National School, who are guests of Deputy Paul Lawless. As is customary here in the Senate, they will have no homework for the rest of the day. I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“It is wonderful to see young people getting involved in sport because sport is something that we all have an interest in. I believe that this coming together and collaboration between the golf clubs will be a success story and will encourage more people to come out and play the sport of golf.”
“I thank the Deputy Leader for being here today. I will highlight an initiative launched in Limerick last Tuesday that is to do with the fact that the Ryder Cup is coming to Limerick next year. A company called Golf Limerick has been set up. It is the seven golf courses, including the municipal golf course above in Rathbane, coming together. Where people are coming to Limerick and the mid-west region, and to Ireland in general because people will stay all over the place when they are attending the Ryder Cup, they will be able to access the golf courses and there will be a lot of joined-up thinking. It is about the different courses working together to promote the sport of golf. I see, certainly in Limerick, that a lot of young people have taken up golf in recent times in anticipation of the Ryder Cup coming.”
“It continues to be a cornerstone of peace, security and co-operation across the Continent at a time those principles are more important than ever. This engagement also underlines the importance of maintaining and strengthening the connection between this House and our representatives in the European Parliament. Today has helped to deepen our understanding of its relevance and the crucial role our MEPs play within it. The co-operation between Seanad Éireann and our MEPs is greatly valued. I hope we will continue to build on this relationship in the time ahead, in particular during the Presidency of the European Council. I thank all Senators for their contributions and participation. I again thank our MEPs for their time and their continued service to the people of Ireland.”
“In my closing remarks, I sincerely thank Ms Nina Carberry, MEP, Mr. Barry Cowen, MEP, Mr. Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, MEP, Mr. Ciaran Mullooly, MEP and Ms Maria Walsh, MEP, for coming here today and for their contributions. We are five weeks away from the European Presidency on 1 July. It is important that we have this conversation. As Ireland's voice in the European Parliament, our MEPs play a vital role in shaping decisions that affect the everyday lives of Irish citizens. We are very grateful for the insight they have shared with us. Today's discussion also highlights the practical impact of the European Union but also its deeper importance. The European Union stands for shared democratic values, respect for human dignity and the rule of law.”
“I am just trying to get everybody in. Before I call Mr. Flanagan, I welcome the Ballinlough Community Development Council Active Retirement Group from Granlahan and Ballinlough, led by Ríona Burke. According to Senator Scahill, the group's host, they need to be let off their homework for the rest of the week. The group is very welcome.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy. You are very welcome and I hope you enjoy your visit. After the first session, I am now going to give five minutes to each of the MEPs to respond. We will start with Ms Carberry.”
“I remind all Members that we are here to hear from the MEPs from Midlands-North-West on their work in Europe and European matters of relevance, especially with Ireland taking over the Presidency of the EU. I would be grateful if people would confine their remarks to that category. That is what the heading is today. That is for all Members.”
“Before I deal with the Order of Business, I welcome our visitors from Wicklow Educate Together National School, who are the guests of Senator Pat Casey. We also have the guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Colm Brophy, with us. As is customary in the House, there should be no homework for the rest of the week for those from Educate Together. Enjoy your visit today. Senator Stephenson has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." This was seconded by Senator Higgins. The Acting Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed. Senator Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." The amendment was seconded by Senator Black. The Acting Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept this amendment.”
“I welcome Deputy Sheehan to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. He is accompanied by Dr. Clodagh Toomey of the University of Limerick, Stacey Grealish and Karen Kelleher, who have made a presentation on osteoarthritis in the audiovisual room. They are very welcome to the Seanad.”
“Before I call Senator Duffy, I welcome his guest, Ailbhe Munnelly. She is a niece of Councillor Jarlath Munnelly from County Mayo. Ailbhe is very welcome. I take it she is from County Mayo as well. I hope she enjoys her visit.”
“Before we carry on, I want to welcome former councillor, Kathleen Shanagher, chairperson of the Roscommon Tidy Towns Association, along with Alison Maher and Kevin Woods. I thank them for all the work they do. They are guests of Senator Scahill, who I call on now.”
“It supports Italian businesses across a wide range of sectors. I wish ambassador Faganello and Italians living in Ireland and around the world a very happy Republic Day. Buona Festa della Repubblica . You are very welcome and enjoy your visit to Leinster House.”
“It was the first vote in the country to be carried out under universal suffrage in the aftermath of the Second World War. This year Italy held an important place on the world stage as it held the Winter Olympics in February. The games were incredibly successful and became a record-breaking event in terms of global reach. Engagement figures surpassed previous records across viewing, streaming and social media platforms both within Italy and internationally. As proud nations at the heart of Europe, Italy and Ireland share a strong connection built on common values, rich cultures and a deep commitment to democracy and community. A vibrant Italian community of approximately 18,000 lives in Ireland. There is also an Irish-Italian Chamber of Commerce in Dublin, which was established in 2020.”
“Before I call Senator Clifford-Lee, I welcome visitors from Rylane National School, who are guests of Senator Lynch. You are obviously from Cork. I see Deputy Nash is there with some guests as well; they are very welcome. Kyle Roche is here. He is on work experience with Senator Clifford-Lee. Sam Burke is here and he is on work experience with me. They are all very welcome. I give a special welcome to the Italian ambassador, H.E. Nicola Faganello, and Michela Linda Magrì. I hope I have the pronunciation right. They are here to celebrate and mark Italy's national day. Republic Day celebrates the establishment of the Italian Republic, which marks its 80th anniversary in 2026. Italy officially became a republic in 1946 after the Italian people voted in favour in a referendum.”
“I welcome St. Paul's National School from Ratoath, who are guests of the Minister, Deputy Helen McEntee. They are all very welcome here today. I also give a special shout-out to Eva O'Leary, also with the school, who is the niece of Councillor Keith Connolly who works here in Leinster House. They are very welcome and as is customary here there is no homework for the rest of the week. They are all very welcome. Enjoy your visit.”
“Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the timeframe for approval to proceed to tender and construction at Newtown School, Waterford. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Pauline Tully, Nessa Cosgrove, Mark Duffy and Mike Kennelly, and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the introduction of a temporary order, similar to the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences Held by Relevant Persons) (Ukraine) Order 2022, that would facilitate people returning temporarily from the Middle East due to the current situation in Iran. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on GAA matches being placed behind paywalls. Senator P. J. Murphy - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to make a statement on the timeline for publishing the scientific assessment into the threats posed by imported non-native honey bees.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the surgical and emergency departments in Cavan General Hospital. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to ensure the provision of the public service obligation, PSO, on routes deemed not to be commercially viable, in particular the 64 bus route in Tubbercurry, County Sligo.”
“Dáil Éireann has passed the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 on 20 May 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 20 May 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“I would like to welcome Brian and Laura Richards from Clonmel in Tipperary. Laura's company, PostItLocal, was at the Newstalk changemaker business awards in the Mansion House today. Laura and Brian are with Councillor Máirín McGrath and they are all very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit here.”
“I will interrupt the Senator. I am going to allow latitude so that people can speak to the section, especially where their amendments were ruled out of order because I am conscious that people received very short notice about it.”
“I acknowledge that Deputy Michael Cahill from Kerry was in the Visitor's Gallery with John and Michael Shanahan. The Minister of State, Deputy Emer Higgins, was there with her aunt, Mary, her cousin, Claire, and Claire's children, Ella and Liam.”
“I was at an event in Annacotty Business Park not so long ago that was hosted by one of the businesses in Limerick Chamber of Commerce. People were speaking about the fact that there are 3,000 employees in the business park but it is not connected to any bus service. It is something that I raised with the National Transport Authority when it had a briefing in Buswells Hotel recently, and a representative told me that while there is a commitment to it, they really do not know when it is going to happen. There is an imbalance. I know that the chamber has written to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. I would like the Leader's support in contacting the Minister about this unbalanced regional development.”
“I rise today to raise the issue of BusConnects in Limerick and the mid-west. The BusConnects programme has been spoken about a lot by the Department of Transport. It has been postponed in Limerick from 2025 to 2027, and we have now received communication that it has been postponed until 2028. The Government is always talking about balanced regional development. Seven of 11 phases have been completed in Dublin, and it is also going ahead in Cork. However, it keeps being pushed back for Limerick. In the context of balanced regional development, Limerick city is the capital of the mid-west, and in terms of economic development there is huge resistance and upset in the business community because many business parks and the development of businesses are dependent on this BusConnects programme.”
“Yes. On Senator Ruane's amendment No. 51 to repeal section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 165 as it is not relevant to the subject matter of the Bill. To clarify, no pressure was brought to bear by the Department. I have read out the precedents. I suggest that we suspend the House to discuss this. I ask the Acting Leader to move the suspension for ten minutes.”
“56, which was tabled by Senators Ruane and Black on Committee Stage of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023, was ruled out of order for the same reason, as it proposed obliging the Garda to record and report on certain equality-related demographics, giving rise to a requirement of An Garda Síochána to invest in ICT upgrades to the PULSE system. Amendment No. 28, to which Senator McDowell referred, must be ruled out of order as consequential to amendment No. 26 and in accordance with Standing Order 42, as it has the potential to impose a charge on the Revenue. I know the Senator highlighted that he-----”
“I will read out this note because there are precedents to do with some of the reasons the amendments were ruled out of order. After that, we might suspend for approximately ten minutes to discuss it, if that is okay. On amendment No. 1, the precedent is that a similar amendment, No. 3, which was tabled by Senator McDowell on Committee Stage of the International Protection Bill 2026, was ruled out of order for the same reason, as it proposed making the commencement of the Act contingent on an administrative matter to be carried out by the Department and outside the control of the Houses. That is the precedent for amendment No. 1 being ruled out of order. On amendment No. 26, by way of precedent, Senators should please note that a similar amendment, No.”
“I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and his officials to the Chamber. I also welcome the Tuam Active Retirement Association, guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. They are very welcome.”
“I welcome the pupils from Naas CBS in County Kildare. They are guests of the Minister, Deputy Lawless. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit here today. As is customary here in the Seanad, there is no homework for the rest of the week. I call Senator Victor Boyhan.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the opening of the new community nursing unit in Killarney, County Kerry. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Mullen, Sarah O'Reilly, Joe O'Reilly and Lynch and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, in particular the use of compulsory purchase orders to acquire private lands for greenways. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the introduction of a temporary order, similar to the Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences (Ukraine) Order 2022, that would facilitate people returning temporarily from the Middle East due to the current situation in Iran. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the surgical and emergency departments in Cavan general hospital.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Rónán Mullen - An gá atá ann go ndéanfaidh an tAire Stáit a bhfuil freagracht air maidir le gnóthaí Eorpacha ráiteas faoi úsáid na Gaeilge i bParlaimint na hEorpa; the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs to make a statement on the use of Irish in the European Parliament. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the status of Ardgraigue bog, Barroughter bog and Clonmoylan bog. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on a review and extension of sick pay provisions for healthcare workers with long Covid.”
“Dáil Éireann has passed the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 13 May 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026 on 13 May 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“While some do get involved in different areas of criminality, the gardaí are forging more and more relationships with them. That is down to the community policing model. I see that in County Limerick there is a very strong community policing model. I wish to pay compliment to all gardaí, from the chief superintendent down to the new recruit, because they are being encouraged all the time. I pay compliment to all involved in bringing forward this motion. I strongly support it and also support strengthening the hand of An Garda Síochána to give its members greater powers and more resilience in terms of working with groups.”
“I have worked alongside gardaí and have been in regular contact with them, including gardaí from Roxboro Road Garda Station and Henry Street Garda Station. I recently saw that gardaí were outside Moyross working with older people and advising them around security and how to protect themselves. They meet with residents' associations. The job of a garda has expanded over many years. Many of them are out working with youth groups, playing soccer and sport with them. That is about building relationships with them, keeping young people in a safe environment and encouraging them to get involved in sport. I believe encouraging young people and having the gardaí playing alongside them is a good way of keeping young people on the straight and narrow.”
“I believe that is something that should be expanded out to other areas in Ireland. I am sure the Minister of State is looking at that in terms of the Department. I want to pay tribute to the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, the current Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, and the former Minister for justice, Deputy Helen McEntee, for their different strengths and the different ways they have brought in changes within the Department by working with An Garda Síochána, the powers they have invested in An Garda Síochána and creating those greater strengths going forward. I listened to Senators Gallagher and O'Donovan, as former members of the force, about the work they carried out on a daily basis.”