Maria Byrne
Agricultural Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The Minister listed some of the different issues that can now be dealt with there. They are quite common issues which do happen in people's lives on a regular basis. Not having to go to a doctor for a prescription certainly saves people money but also time.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this really important Bill today. I thank her personally and her Department for all they are doing for women's health since she came into office. The roll-out of this important Bill and the many other prescription services that can now be accessed through the pharmacy are really important.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the section 39 core funding and State support being provided to Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, County Cork.”
“Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the timeframe for the transposition of the platform work directive.”
“Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the inclusion of philosophy as a leaving certificate subject. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the environmental benefits of the deposit return scheme.”
“On a personal note, I too would like to thank everyone for their collegiality over the last 12 months. I thank Aileen, Martin, the staff in the Seanad Office, the ushers and all the staff in the House from the cleaners up. This House would not function without every member of staff within it. I wish Members a happy break.”
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“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Chris Andrews - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the regulation of urban horses. Senator Patricia Stephenson - the need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on Ireland's position on the European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR, following the joint statement to the Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe in December 2025, signed by 27 countries, in particular any assessment undertaken regarding the risk of curtailment of ECHR rights protected under the Good Friday Agreement.”
“I welcome Deputy Ardagh, a former Member of this House. She is accompanied by Ms Regina Burke, Mr. Ronan O'Sullivan, Mr. Jimmy Lawless, Ms Jennifer Davitt and Mr. Killian O'Sullivan. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House this evening. They are in very capable hands. I call Senator Andrews.”
“I would like to welcome members of the Drumshanbo men's shed, who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Frank Feighan, and also members from south Down men's shed, who are guests of Senator Conor Murphy. You are very welcome here this evening. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, and the officials from his Department. They are very welcome. Amendments Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement.”
“I thank the five MEPs for their hard work and dedication since they were elected. Many have been in the European Parliament for a number of years. I thank them for coming here this evening to share their experiences and thoughts with us. They all gave a very balanced view as to what their own thoughts are and the work in which they are interested. The Presidency of the EU is going to be an exciting time for Ireland. I thank the MEPs and wish them the best of luck in the work they are doing on behalf of all of us.”
“The Cathaoirleach will send notice of the motion to the family of the former Senator, Larry Butler. Before the House suspends, I welcome Senator Garret Kelleher's nephew, Seán. He is here on work experience for the week. He is very welcome.”
“I welcome pupils from Newtown National School, County Meath, and also guests of the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, who are in the Visitors Gallery. I acknowledge Deputy Cormac Devlin, who is accompanied by Saoirse Evoy and Alex O'Hagan, two transition year students. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House. For those who are here on their school tour, there is no homework for the rest of the day, as is customary here in the Seanad.”
“There needs to be tight legislation around that whole side of things. I remember Áine O'Reilly who was killed in a horrific accident over the weekend in Boher, County Limerick, and whose removal is tonight. I think of her and her family because it is a very sad situation. She was on her way to work. There are so many issues around this. We need to bring in really tight legislation. The last thing I will highlight - I am aware of my time - is the use of mobile phones and the fact that people are not wearing safety belts. That is something that needs to be clamped down on an awful lot.”
“That is really frightening and is something that needs to be clamped down on. While the Garda is doing its best to clamp down on it, we need to bring in tight regulations to sort this out. I believe in encouraging young people who are in transition year to do their driving theory test. That is happening in a lot of schools but it needs to happen in more. Perhaps it should be compulsory in all schools. The fact there are two to four deaths a year from scooters is a high statistic. So many children are ending up in hospital as a result of the use of scooters. On scramblers, I compliment gardaí in Limerick, especially in Henry Street, who have been running a programme to clamp down on the use of scramblers in public places and are actually confiscating scramblers. Unfortunately, the following day, people have scramblers back in use again.”
“I thank the Ministers of State, Deputies Canney and Buttimer, for coming to discuss this all-important issue. I pay a compliment to my colleagues, Senators Seán Kyne and Mark Duffy, and everybody else who was involved in putting together this motion in the name of the Fine Gael Senators. I noted that the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, highlighted scramblers and talked about seeing e-scooters for sale in a shop in Limerick alongside children's goods and prams. It is certainly not the first time I have seen that, but I agree with him that people do not realise the speed limit is 20 km/h and the fact that the highest number of brain injuries being acquired now is from the use of e-scooters. What frightens me is the fact of seeing a parent with a child sharing one scooter. In many cases, they do not have helmets.”
“The closing date for applications is the end of November 2026 so I encourage all people in County Limerick who believe they have pyrite in their homes to apply for this scheme and to do so now. It is a simple process once the form has been filled out. Sometimes people get mixed up between pyrite and mica or there is mixed messaging and people do not understand it. If people believe they have pyrite in their homes they should come forward and engage with the Pyrite Resolution Board because it is very helpful to people in terms of resolving the issues in their homes.”
“I welcome the announcement from the Department of housing and the Minister for housing, Deputy Browne, about the pyrite resolution scheme. During the previous Seanad, back in 2019-20, I was happy to get County Limerick included in the pyrite resolution scheme, and 16 houses in County Limerick have benefited from the scheme. They had pyrite in their buildings and had their house half taken apart and put back together again. It was most welcome for the residents at the time. I know the Pyrite Resolution Board has recommended the winding down of the programme but has made changes to bring more people into the scheme and that is most welcome from the Minister and the Department.”
“Before I call on an Seanadóir Rabbitte, I welcome pupils from Lucan Educate Together National School. They are very welcome here along with their múinteoirí. As customary here in the Seanad, they will have no homework for the rest of the day. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Since the opening of the Lithuanian embassy in Dublin in 2023, our two nations have built a warm and co-operative relationship, strengthened today under Ambassador Grinevičius. A special connection between our countries is the shared experience of emigration and resilience. Both nations have long histories of preserving identity, language and culture across borders which has helped deepen understanding between Irish and Lithuanian communities. I extend my warmest wishes to the ambassador, to Lithuanians in Ireland and to our friends in Lithuania, and to the Irish community living there. I wish everyone a joyful and safe national day on Sunday. I hope that everyone has a great day. Go raibh maith agaibh for being here.”
“Today we celebrate the Act of Independence of Lithuania, signed on 16 February 1918, which restored Lithuania's statehood after more than a century of foreign rule. Lithuania also marks its restoration of independence of 11 March, commemorating its 1990 decision to break away from the Soviet Union, a sovereignty that Ireland never stopped recognising. On that note, I welcome the ambassador and the deputy head of mission, who are accompanied by Deputy Dempsey, the convenor of the Ireland-Lithuania parliamentary friendship group. You are all very welcome here this morning. The Lithuanian community is one of the largest in Ireland with active cultural organisations, weekend schools and events across the country.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on plans for telephone infrastructure nationwide following repeated storm damage. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on capital investment for the N86 Tralee to Dingle road. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the additional special needs assistant allocation for Newtown Dunleckney National School, Bagenalstown, County Carlow. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Robbie Gallagher, Malcolm Noonan, Joe O'Reilly and Eileen Lynch and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the ongoing National Council for Special Education review of special needs assistant allocations. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on funding for the administration of the tenant in situ scheme within local authorities. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the regulation of urban horses. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the provision of funding to commemorate men and women who fought in the War of Independence and have not yet been acknowledged.”
“The Cathaoirleach received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on respite services in County Monaghan, in particular that Rainbow Lodge Children's Respite Centre, Urbalkirk, remains in operation until the new respite facility is constructed at Drumbear, County Monaghan. Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on Ireland becoming a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on capital funding and the status of the N3 Virginia bypass scheme, County Cavan.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 on 11 February 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann agreed on 11 February 2026 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024.”
“I look forward to working with the Senator, the Minister and the Department to see how this can be progressed in a proper manner.”
“It could end up costing them or they would not get a paid leave when they are out on leave at the time if they suffered a loss in pregnancy. What the Minister is committed to is looking at this, examining with her officials in the Department how it can progress and coming back with something that would work here in this country, and perhaps put it on a statutory footing. I thank her for the fact that she is prepared to look at it. It is important for people who are out there who have suffered loss. One in five is quite a high figure. A total 1.25% of the female workforce will experience a miscarriage each year. That is quite a high percentage. It is something that the Minister has said she is committed to looking at and seeing how it can be done in a meaningful manner for all. I commend Senator Ryan and her colleagues on this Bill.”
“They provided six weeks of statutory paid leave following a miscarriage. They also introduced staggered maternity protection periods following a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy with two, six or eight weeks of paid protection depending on the gestational age. That was a reform introduced in June 2025. Other European countries have introduced similar as well. As the Minister said, it is a very difficult time for people who are suffering a pregnancy loss or miscarriage. They also need support financially, as well as feeling that they are being cared for. I understand where the Minister is coming from that she wants to do it properly. The way the Bill as presented currently might not work for women.”
“I thank the Minister very much for coming to address this all-important issue. I compliment Senator Ryan and her colleagues on bringing this Bill forward. The Minister has acknowledged that it is something that needs to be examined. She needs time to make sure that if we were to introduce something like this that it is done properly and that it will be to the benefit of people, especially those who have suffered miscarriages. I realise there is no strategy footing at the moment. I acknowledge Councillor Anna Grainger and Nee Job who are in the Gallery. Nee has her own interest in this whole area. She has written to me highlighting some areas of interest that maybe when the Government is looking at it, it could look at some of the suggestions. Germany put this on a statutory footing for miscarriages under 23 weeks in June 2025.”
“From what the Minister of State was saying and her extra funding in relation to it, that is probably what she is looking at. Overall, the motion is very timely, and it does tie in with what the Minister of State and the Government are doing. It is about us all working together in terms of strengthening what is there and maybe even making submissions to the Minister of State and working with her in relation to areas that we see, where maybe things are not working as efficiently and highlighting that. I compliment the Senators and look forward to supporting their motion.”
“As I am aware that there is not really room on the grounds of the current maternity hospital for a new hub, I presume it will be part of the bigger picture regarding the new 200-bed option B to do with the redevelopment of the University of Limerick. As there are plans to consider bringing a maternity hospital to that site as well, I presume there will be a temporary hub until that happens. The HSE continues to review the model of care to strengthen standardisation. When the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, was speaking, she was speaking about perinatal services being in six areas. As I say, I am very aware of the one in Limerick but many of them are being carried out by perinatal health nurses. I would love to see them being expanded.”
“When you are dealing with UHL, you are dealing with the whole of the mid-west. It is not just Limerick, it is the mid-west. It is frightening to think that one in five women suffers from mental health issues during pregnancy or afterwards. That is quite a high statistic. I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Butler on her commitment in this area, because I have visited places with her in the past and have spoken to her about issues in relation to it. Her own personal commitment is evident. Even during the time she gave us here during the Mental Health Bill recently, it was clear she is very much on top of her brief. A new hub is to be opened in 2026 for Waterford, Limerick, Cavan and Letterkenny. I am not sure if the Minister can tell me when that hub is opening.”
“On the delivery that is carried out there in terms of support, I read an article in the newspaper recently about a lady who was going through an awful lot of severe mental health issues during her pregnancy. She said after going to visit Dr. Mas Mohamad and the team that her fears were allayed. Certainly the supports and services they gave her throughout her pregnancy were something else, and she really could not speak highly enough about it. When I think of the work that is carried on in a very small unit, I note the Minister of State spoke about more investment coming. In addition, the plans that Sandra Broderick, REO in Limerick and in UHL, has put before her, are to be commended. I have seen Sandra's plans myself and what she intends to try to bring into that whole area of perinatal health.”
“I acknowledge Paul Cuddihy, former councillor and teacher, and the students from Kilkenny College that have just gone out the door. They were here with Deputy Callaghan today. They were in the Gallery. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, and thank her very much. I congratulate and thank Senators Cosgrove, Harmon, Stephenson and Noonan for bringing forward this motion. I acknowledge Aolish Gormley in terms of the year of care. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler has outlined a lot of what has happened in the Department, as has Senator Rabbitte. In the past, while I am not a parent myself, I have visited the perinatal unit, especially in University Hospital Limerick, under the stewardship of Dr. Mas Mohamad.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, and the official from his Department. Before we commence, I remind Senators that a Senator 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 be seconded on Report Stage. Amendment No. 1 has been ruled out of order.”
“I thank the Minister of State. As he has said himself in his response on behalf of the Minister, it is up to the company to contact the applicant. In some cases some people have actually had no contact. They cannot contact them because they have to wait to be contacted. They are also being told it is not clear whether they qualify. Clarity needs to be established. An educational programme needs to be put in place for the providers because they need to be clear with their message. It also needs to be made quite clear what exactly a vulnerable person is and what life-saving equipment is. It does refer to electrically powered equipment and assistive technology but people who have that equipment and different types of machines do not seem to qualify under the scheme.”
“It does work for some people, if they meet somebody who knows what they are talking about, but there seems to be confusion around what is life protection and who is considered to be a vulnerable person. The scheme mentions electrical and technological equipment. Most of the people I have been speaking to have medical electrical and technological equipment but they are being told they do not qualify. I am trying to get clarity on the scheme.”
“In one case a provider said it does not provide the scheme but we are told by the Department that all providers are included. There seems to be inconsistency regarding how people qualify for the scheme and the eligibility criteria. Some people with a motorised wheelchair, a bed or other life-saving equipment at home are being told they do not qualify for the scheme. There seems to be confusion about who qualifies, how they qualify and what exactly they are entitled to. I believe an educational programme needs to be run for the energy providers. Perhaps they should be brought in to be educated on the scheme. Certainly to date the scheme does not seem to have been working.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. I welcome the fact that back in October 2025 the solar PV for the medically vulnerable scheme was extended to all homeowners registered under the life-support category of the priority services register with the energy supplier. There seem to be a lot of inconsistencies and uncertainty about the scheme. There is no one-stop shop for people to make inquiries. I have been working with Councillor Vicki Casserly and Councillor Robbie Staples who is in Wexford with regard to people who are vulnerable or have life-changing conditions but do not seem to be able to qualify for the scheme. In some cases when families have contacted the providers, whoever answers the phone says they are not sure whether they are in the scheme.”
“I do not say that they do not know what they are talking about but it is important for a patient to look at their own record. Overall, I recommend this Bill and support it. I thank the Minister and her Department for bringing it forward. I look forward to working with her in the future on the delivery of the Bill.”
“It is about patients' health, safe access and making sure that they have a safe stay. If the consultant or whoever is looking after a patient at the time does not have all that information in front of them, as a layperson, I expect that would impede the accuracy of diagnosis for a patient in hospital. I hope that all hospitals come on board in terms of sharing their resources with any of the medical people we deal with, from the GP to the pharmacist, or even the dentist so that all the information is input into the one place. I also welcome the fact that the patient has access to their own information. I remember looking at my record when I was in hospital and I did not have a clue what was going on. We take the word of the doctor or the consultant.”
“When people go in for a procedure or operation, it is important that the consultant or whoever they see knows as much about their patients as possible. This legislation has a really important role to play in relation to that. From reading through the Bill, it is about the consultant and the medical team knowing more about the patient so that they can assess them in a more transparent and proper manner. It will be easier for the person who is diagnosing or working with a patient if they have all their information in front of them. It is disappointing to hear that there is a private hospital not willing to share its information, given that I might end up in a public hospital today and in a private hospital another day. It is very important that there should be more sharing of that information.”
“I thank the Minister and her departmental staff for coming here today to discuss this all-important topic. I listened to her explanation of what the Bill is about, which is transparency and bringing information together to ensure ease of access to patient records and to make sure that, for example, my records are not mixed up with Senator Costello's records or those of anybody else. The Bill is really important in terms of sharing those records but also in providing the information. I saw a reference to prescriptions. Will there be a link with pharmacies? The Minister has encouraged greater transparency and working arrangements between pharmacies, GPs and hospitals. That is really important because many of us go to our pharmacy with minor ailments. Sometimes they can be very important when it comes to looking at medical records.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery David, Eva and Philip West. They are guests of Lorraine West from the Office of the Secretary General. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. Senators Ahearn and Duffy are sharing time. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I apologise, Minister, for never having welcomed you to the Chamber. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, and her officials from the Department.”
“I welcome Senator Joe Conway's wife, Sandra; Ross Mac Mathúna, family and guests and the group from Active Retirement Ireland. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. They are in very capable hands with Senator Conway. I also want to welcome Sviatoslav who is on transition year work experience with the Independent Group.”
“Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on accessibility in the decision support service's online portal for registering enduring power of attorney, especially for those who lack digital literacy. Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the new school development project for St. Joseph's Patrician College, also known as the Bish, and its relocation to Dangan, County Galway. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and they will be taken now.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy to make a statement on the national drugs strategy and the role of local drug task forces in the new strategy. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy to make a statement on her plans to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide and to highlight awareness of the harm caused by its misuse.”
“I acknowledge and welcome the Romanian ambassador. He is accompanied by Ms Georgeta Bratu and his assistant, Federica. They are here for the first meeting of the Irish-Romanian Friendship Group. They are very welcome here today.”
“I remind Members that it would be preferable if names were not mentioned in the Chamber, especially when people are not here to defend themselves. If Members could refrain from mentioning names and stating situations, that would be preferable.”
“Before I call Senator Stephenson I would like to welcome her aunt, Nadette Foley. She is accompanied by Julianne and Aileen from the Phibsboro Tidy Town group. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“She never lost sight of her Kerry roots or of her commitment to the people of Cork. Her legacy is one of progress, inclusion and service. An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said "She was a true patriot". May she rest in peace. On behalf of this House I extend our deepest sympathies to her family and all her friends and former colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal. We will stand for a minute's silence.”
“Two years later, she was elected to the Dáil for Cork North-Central and was the first woman from Cork city or county to achieve this who was not replacing a family member, as well as the first TD elected in Cork who was not born there. She served ten years in the Dáil and five in the Seanad. Her work focused on improving the lives of children and she notably chaired the all-party committee on crime, which produced landmark recommendations on preventing youth involvement in crime. Beyond politics, Máirín was a tireless advocate for culture and the arts. She helped establish and sustain many of Cork's cultural institutions, believing access to creativity enriches both individuals and society. Her commitment was never about political gain and was about civic vision and the greater good.”
“She qualified as a primary teacher and pursued further studies at University College Cork where she earned a BA in history and English and a higher diploma in education. Máirín's teaching career spanned decades in both primary and secondary schools. She also served as a supervisor of teaching practice at UCC. Her experience in the classroom shaped her understanding of society and inspired her lifelong commitment to public service. She saw at first hand the impact of poverty on children. Her political journey began in 1965 when she joined Fianna Fáil. She stood for election in 1977. Though unsuccessful then, she was elected to Cork Corporation in 1979. She served for 35 years and topped the poll in almost every election. In 1985 she left Fianna Fáil and cofounded the Progressive Democrats.”
“Before I call the Leader to outline the business of the day, Members of this House will have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing in December of former TD and Senator, Máirín Quill. Born in Kilgarvan, County Kerry, she grew up in a family steeped in republican tradition. Her parents were founder members of Fianna Fáil who had embraced democratic politics. This commitment to peaceful representative government was something Máirín carried throughout her life. From her earliest years Máirín displayed a love of learning and the arts. She began school at just three years of age in Kilgarvan and those formative years left a lasting impression on her. Growing up in Ireland where there was little opportunity she never forgot she was the only girl in her class who did not have to emigrate.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Kennelly, Scahill, Collins, O'Loughlin, Stephenson and Gallagher and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”