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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“However, the gardaí go out there and put themselves on the front line every day alongside the staff working in the community centre. That needs to be acknowledged. The thrust of this motion is about protecting the gardaí who are out there putting their lives at risk. There has been reference made to the 90 gardaí who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The fact is that gardaí are out there going above and beyond their call of duty on a daily basis. The motion is talking about a specific driving licence and also about gardaí involved in a chase being protected. It is about putting greater supports in place to support An Garda Síochána members in their work. Senator Ryan referred to the community access support teams, CAST, project in Limerick and the gardaí involved in running that project.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this important issue. I compliment my colleagues, Senators Gallagher and O'Donovan, along with everyone else who contributed to this all-important motion. As the Minister of State is aware, I do a lot of work in the area of Ballinacurra in County Limerick where, every day, the gardaí are on duty along with the staff based in the school and the community centre. The Minister of State will be coming to visit us there in the very near future. I compliment An Garda Síochána for the Trojan work its members do because there is a high level of criminality in the area. There is everything from drug dealing to people in protective custody. There is a lot going on in the area.”
“I welcome to the Gallery pupils from St. Joseph's National School in west Cork, who are guests of our colleague Senator O'Donovan. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit. As is customary for visitors to the Seanad, they are advised that they will have no homework for the rest of the week.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the second group of students and teachers from Castlebridge National School, County Wexford, who are also guests of Deputy George Lawlor. The last class got no homework for the rest of the week and so will your class. Enjoy your visit here. I would also like to welcome Cyril and Karen Brennan, who are here as guests of Senator Craughwell. They are here to mark cardiovascular day. Finally, I want to give a big shout out to our guests the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, the former Member and Minister of State, Mr. Hugh Byrne and his wife, Vanessa, and their grandson, Max, from Germany. You are all very welcome here today and I hope you enjoy your visit. The next speaker is Senator Casey.”
“Before I call on the Minister of State, I welcome the pupils from Castlebridge National School, County Wexford. You are all very welcome guests of Deputy George Lawlor. As is customary, there is no homework for the rest of the week. Thank you very much. Enjoy your visit. The Minister of State and his officials are very welcome.”
“Tuesday, 5 May, was World Asthma Day. The Asthma Society of Ireland has been running a campaign about introducing marked inhalers for two-year-olds to 17-year-olds for free. One in ten children has asthma and lives with it on a daily basis. Our climate is changing and there is more of an increase in people being diagnosed with asthma. I am writing to the Minister for Health to ask her to consider this proposal on behalf of the Asthma Society, but I ask for the support of the Acting Leader as well in bringing to the attention of the Minister's office that it is something that should be looked at. Many children have asthma and this inhaler would certainly help to improve their quality of life.”
“I appreciate the response and the Minister of State's personal interest in this matter. It is something that we should all be interested in because, ultimately, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland. We all know somebody who either has it or has recovered from it. If we can prevent it, we should do so. I thank the Minister of State for his suggestion that I should continue to campaign on this and should approach colleagues in the EU. I certainly will do that. Will he inform the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance that I will be coming back to him on this?”
“In 2022, a 0% VAT rate was applied to hormone replacement therapy, HRT, patches and creams and to sanitary products. While we have come a long way, one of the most effective creams in protecting people from skin cancer is still in a different category. I really cannot figure out why such products are classed as cosmetic. In some ways, the EU is being contradictory, with certain products in the 0% VAT category and others, like sunscreen, in the 23% category. Some stores have reduced the price of sunscreen to encourage people to use it. For low-income families especially, it is very costly. The price also seems to go up in the summer months. Dermatologists recommend that we should apply sunscreen all year round. We should be pushing to have sunscreen declared a pharmaceutical product and made subject to a 0% rate of VAT.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important topic. I am asking the Government to reduce VAT on sunscreen and sun protection factor, SPF, products to 0%. The Irish Cancer Society tells us that over 13,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. While we encourage people to wear sunscreen and to use SPF products, under law, these are seen as cosmetic products. Under EU law, they are categorised as cosmetic but they are proven to prevent skin cancer. The latter means that these products have been placed in the wrong category. When I raised this matter in August of 2024 and again in June of last year, the then Minister for Finance, former Deputy Michael McGrath, went to the European Commission to see if the categorisation could be changed to pharmaceutical. A lot has happened in this space.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I welcome Deputy Barry Ward accompanied by his daughter, Robin, his mother-in-law Paula McLoughlin, and guests Andrew Chan, Pauline Chan and Alvin Chan who are visiting from Malaysia. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Before we move on from the Order of Business, I would like to welcome the representatives from the Fingal Old IRA Society, who are guests of our colleague Senator Clifford-Lee. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“I welcome two groups to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery: students from Eastern Michigan University who are guests of Senator Black, and students from Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, who are guests of Deputy Paul Lawless. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“I welcome another former Member of this House, former Minister of State Paudie Coffey from Waterford. He is accompanied by David Ewing, who is a friend of his from Canada. They are very welcome to Leinster House and I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“I welcome Ms Catherine O'Neill from Kimmage who is a guest of Senator Andrews. I also see a couple of faces from Limerick in the Gallery. They are all very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. I call Senator McCormack.”
“I welcome a former Member of this House, former Senator Mary Seery Kearney, along with her husband Dave. She is accompanied by Rory Mee and Finnian Philips. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. They are in very capable hands.”
“I welcome a second group from St. Patrick's National School, Greystones. They are guests of An Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris. I hope they enjoy their visit. As is customary, they will have no homework for the rest of the week.”
“I welcome St. Patrick's National School from Greystones. They are guests of the Tánaiste. I hope they enjoy their visit here to Leinster House. As is customary, they have no homework for the rest of the week.”
“I thank the Minister for his positive response and the fact he will engage and think about it. I appreciate that he will consider Limerick when he is making his decision. I am not putting any words in his mouth but certainly I believe that Limerick is ready and has the capacity and availability. Obviously, we have Tusla right on our doorstep. The mid-west regional office is only up the road. Certainly we have all of the wraparound services. I look forward to working with the Minister in relation to it.”
“There could be two separate entities where criminal issues could be dealt with in one courthouse and family issues dealt with in the other courthouse. In family courts, there are very sensitive issues. Sometimes, people do not want to meet others or they are in a stressed state and need the family supports. That is why I am asking the Minister to consider Limerick in phase 1.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this all-important issue. I am very conscious of the fact that Limerick is shovel-ready in terms of the family courts. I welcome the Minister's announcement of the scheme and that he is looking at rolling out phase 1. As the Minister is probably aware, there are two courthouses in Limerick. There is one on Merchant's Quay and one on Mulgrave Street. The courts are all running in parallel with one another. A number of courthouses are available. We are at a very advanced stage, although behind Dublin and Cork. There are about ten courtrooms altogether between the two buildings. Certainly, I know that a lot of the family courts are taking place there as it is. Tusla is just up the road, which deals with family cases.”
“Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on reducing the maximum payment under the drugs payment scheme. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the streamlining of the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the provision of a women’s refuge for victims of domestic violence in County Cavan. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Maria Byrne, Gareth Scahill, Cathal Byrne and Mark Duffy and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on including Limerick as one of the locations as a phase 1 venue under the implementation plan for the Family Courts Act 2024. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable customers, in particular on progress on engagement with eligible customers. 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.”
“I have received the following messages from Dáil Éireann. Dáil Éireann has passed the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026 on 29 April 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has agreed, on 29 April 2026, to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Mental Health Bill 2024.”
“They have the single-use ones, which look slightly smaller, more like a lighter, square and butty. I have a concern over that. The Irish Heart Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society had a concern around whether the Bill is strong enough. Will the Minister have engagement with them? Perhaps she already has, because while they are firm supporters of what she is trying to do, they would like to have that conversation, if possible before bringing forward the next Stage. I commend the Minister on what she is doing. It is important to focus on the under-18s and the single use as the starting point and then develop it from there. I had a Private Members' Bill here about three years ago in relation to vaping and banning in stages like that. I look forward to supporting this Bill.”
“It is to be welcomed that a Bill is being brought forward to propose the banning of it. I understand it is difficult to ban them completely and that is why the Minister is supporting vapes that can be refilled or reused. You have to start somewhere. That is the kernel of this Bill. I have a few questions. I assume the Department will write to small retailers, or indeed all retailers, to inform them of the "do's and don'ts" including the underage issue. A question I do not see addressed and that I would like to highlight is how somebody buying a single-use vape in another country and using it here will be handled. I realise there will be officers with authority but if it is bought in another country I am not sure that will be covered by this Bill. It is usually groups of young girls who you see actually vaping.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this all-important issue and to bring forward the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025. I will be supporting this Bill. As the Minister outlined, it is important due to the fact that bubble gum and different flavours and colourful packaging make it attractive to young people. It is to be welcomed that it will be banned, basically. There has been a lot of pressure on young people to vape because they were being told that smoking was bad for them. However, they have turned to vaping. A lot of young people are seen vaping. This is the single-use vape. That is what you see being promoted in shops. While cigarettes are behind a blackened-out screen and can no longer be seen, vapes are still openly on sale especially in shops. There are actual vape shops selling only vapes.”
“I have written to the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, about the delivery of this, but I also ask for the Leader's support in relation to it.”
“This demonstrates an established and ongoing demand for family justice services in the mid-west and highlights the importance of locating one of the initial family court divisions in the region where it will have an immediate and meaningful impact. Importantly, Limerick also benefits from having two court houses for criminal and family law at Merchant's Quay and Mulgrave Street. This is a critical, practical advantage. It allows for a more appropriate and sensitive environment for parties before the family courts, many of whom are dealing with deeply personal and often vulnerable circumstances, by avoiding the overlap with criminal proceedings that can arise in shared court settings. Such a separation is entirely consistent with the objectives of the Family Courts Act in creating a more humane and user-focused system.”
“Limerick hosts a substantial volume of High Court and Circuit Court sittings with more provincial High Court and Circuit Court sittings than any other location. Limerick has clearly demonstrated its capacity to support complex and high-level court business. This is further reinforced by the fact that the Central Criminal Court now sits in Limerick on a full-time basis alongside two sitting Circuit Criminal Courts. These developments reflect a clear recognition of Limerick's capability, infrastructure and strategic importance within the judicial system. At District Court level, the case for Limerick is equally compelling. The city carries a significant family law caseload alongside a high volume of cases involving the child and family agency, Tusla.”
“I welcome the announcement last week from the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, that there will be an implementation plan for the Family Courts Act 2024, which represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fundamentally improve how we deliver family justice in this State. The move towards dedicated family court divisions with specialist judges and more accessible structures is both necessary and overdue. It is essential, however, that the first phase of implementation is grounded in locations that can best demonstrate the model's effectiveness from the outset. In that context, I want to strongly advocate for Limerick being one of the initial phase 1 venues. Limerick is already one of the State's most significant judicial centres outside Dublin and Cork.”
“I welcome Scoil Uí Riada from Kilcock. You are all very welcome here today. As is customary here in the Seanad, there will be no homework for the rest of the week. I hope you enjoy your visit here today.”
“Today, our maritime and trading relationship continues to thrive, with up to 25 direct freight sailings each week between Irish and Dutch ports. I wish H.E. Ms Maaike van Koldam, Wemmechien Hofman, Annemarie Klop and Jarno Boggiaall from the embassy, all the Dutch people living in Ireland and all those at home in the Netherlands a very happy King’s Day, fijne Koningsdag . I hope I got that pronunciation right. They are very welcome. Deputy Roche, the convener of the Ireland-Netherlands friendship group, is here with them as well. They are all very welcome and they should enjoy their national day.”
“Before we move to the order of business, I welcome the ambassador from the Netherlands, H.E. Ms Maaike van Koldam. Koningsdag, or King’s Day, is the national holiday of the Netherlands, celebrating the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Just as we turn the world green on our own national day, the Dutch proudly turn their country orange. Ireland and the Netherlands share a long and deep friendship. Diplomatic relations were established in 1945, and the Irish Embassy in the Hague opened in 1950 with Josephine McNeill as our first ambassador, one of the very few women serving as envoys worldwide at that time. The state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in 2019 further strengthened the bilateral, economic and political ties between our two countries.”
“I have received notice from the following Senator that she proposes to raise the following matter: Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the HSE implementation plan for the physician assistant role and steps being taken to engage with professional groups on the matter. The matter raised by the Senator is suitable for discussion and it will be taken now.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Sheanadóir. I welcome Anne-Marie Fahy and her guest to the Chamber. I hope you enjoy your visit. You are in very capable hands. I understand Senators Harmon and Cosgrove are sharing time.”
“I thank the Leader. I wish to welcome St. Colmcille's Girls National School from Swords, who are guests of Deputy Eoin Ó Broin. As is the custom here, there is no homework for the rest of the week. At the other end of education, I welcome Professor Blánaid White of DCU, Professor Vincent Wade from Trinity College Dublin, Professor Stephen Byrne from University College Cork, and Paul Johnston, director of the Irish Universities Association. I know they were presenting to the higher education committee this morning. They are also very welcome.”
“I welcome to the Public Gallery the guests of Deputy Jennifer Whitmore. I also welcome Deputy Cian O'Callaghan's guests from Our Lady of Consolation National School. I hope they enjoy their visit. As is customary, there will be no homework for the rest of the week.”
“As it is now 6 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: "That amendment No. 30 is hereby negatived, the Government amendments undisposed of, including those in respect of which the Bill has been recommitted, are hereby made to the Bill, Fourth Stage is hereby completed, the Bill, as amended, is hereby received for final consideration and the Bill is hereby passed." Is that agreed?”
“I welcome to the Gallery Senator Mike Kennelly. He is accompanied by the Fine Gael councillors from Kerry: Councillors Bobby O'Connell, Tommy Griffin, Teddy O’Sullivan Casey, Mike Foley, and Aoife Kennelly. They are all very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House, especially the Seanad.”
“Amendments Nos. 12, 13, 19, 38 to 41, inclusive, 67, 68, 72, 74, 97 to 101, inclusive, 116, 119, 121 to 123, inclusive, 131 to 137, inclusive, 163, 164, 167, 168, 171 to 173, inclusive, 175, 179, 184 to 187, inclusive, 194, 198, 217 to 219, inclusive, 225 to 232, inclusive, 238 to 247, inclusive, 256 and 270 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Amendments Nos. 7, 55 and 57 related to the definition of "document" in the Bill and the retention of such documents. The amendments do not arise out of Committee proceedings and must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 170.”
“Before we move to amendment No. 5, I welcome to the Public Gallery Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dunphy from Blackrock in Cork city. They are guests of our colleague, Senator Conway. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit. I also acknowledge Deputy Neville was here with some guests as well. Amendments Nos. 5, 36, 59, 102, 248 and 280 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Senator Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 1, the International Protection Bill 2026, Report and Final Stages, be taken at 1 p.m. today and, if not previously concluded, adjourn at 6 p.m." Is the amendment being pressed?”
“Before we move to the next speaker, I would like to welcome guests of Senator Clifford Lee, namely her cousin Catharina Butler, who is accompanied by her two daughters, Katie and Emily, and her sister Karen Dobbyn and her daughter Aoife. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“I welcome the guests from Raheen National School to the Gallery today. As is customary here, I request that the pupils have no homework today. I hope they enjoy their visit to the Oireachtas. I thank them very much.”
“It is an unfair tax because people are discriminated against. People have already paid tax on their income and when they die they leave their estate to a loved one who then must pay over 33% in inheritance tax over the rates. There is due to be a meeting with the Minister for Finance in the coming days. The Government will consider some sort of reform but I think there should be reform over the lifetime of this current Government. I am not advocating for doing away with the inheritance tax altogether but we need to reduce the rates and make it more affordable for people to inherit because in some cases people end up having to sell the house they inherit just to pay the tax on it. It is an unfair tax and needs to be looked at.”
“I, too, welcome our guests from the Isle of Man. It is great to see them. Last year, I had the honour of representing Seanad Éireann at the Tynwald Day ceremony. The pageantry and event are worth noting. If anybody gets the opportunity, I recommend visiting the Isle of Man and certainly Tynwald Day because visitors receive a very warm welcome. I again welcome our guests. The main reason I rise today is to join with Senator Craughwell in relation to the inheritance tax. It is an unfair tax, especially for people who have no children, because when people pass on their home, money or an item of value, only €40,000 can be passed to nieces and nephews and then it is €20,000 to other members of the family. I welcome the words of the Taoiseach, who is certainly looking at reform or would welcome it.”
“It is important that the truth and the report come forward and these kinds of situations will not happen in the future. Because of that, they are very important regulations, as is the fact that experienced people have been put in place as well to carry out the report and the research. I wish them all the best in their endeavours because of the sensitivities and that whole side of it. It is not a very easy task for anybody but I believe the fact that there will be a full report at the end is most important. I support the Minister of State's regulations.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming with these very important regulations. The Minister met with the group on dignity. I note the unfortunate passing of Chloe and I also extend my sympathies to the Maher family. I understand there have been so many issues. We looked at it on our health committee as well and we met the different organisations but I understand why data protection has to be brought in. It is very important that a true picture be reflected and appropriate people have been put in place to gather this information, with a full report to come back. Under data protection, people's privacy will be treated with respect and the people will be treated with respect. These are very important regulations in that respect.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I would like to welcome students of media, politics and society from Rathmines and Blackrock colleges of further education and TU Dublin. They are guests of Senator Higgins but are also students of former Senator Rebecca Moynihan. I hope they enjoy their visit and the experience here in Leinster House.”