Maria Byrne
Agricultural Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The Minister listed some of the different issues that can now be dealt with there. They are quite common issues which do happen in people's lives on a regular basis. Not having to go to a doctor for a prescription certainly saves people money but also time.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this really important Bill today. I thank her personally and her Department for all they are doing for women's health since she came into office. The roll-out of this important Bill and the many other prescription services that can now be accessed through the pharmacy are really important.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the section 39 core funding and State support being provided to Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, County Cork.”
“Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the timeframe for the transposition of the platform work directive.”
“Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the inclusion of philosophy as a leaving certificate subject. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the environmental benefits of the deposit return scheme.”
“On a personal note, I too would like to thank everyone for their collegiality over the last 12 months. I thank Aileen, Martin, the staff in the Seanad Office, the ushers and all the staff in the House from the cleaners up. This House would not function without every member of staff within it. I wish Members a happy break.”
The complete record
Every one of 684 lines we hold for Maria Byrne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 14.
“Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the implementation of the endometriosis framework and the endometriosis surgery abroad interim scheme. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the town centre regeneration scheme for Kingscourt, County Cavan. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on social welfare payments for special school bus escorts during school holidays. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the development of an adult day services centre for County Monaghan.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on the review of the current tax relief structure for private health insurance premiums. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the future support for the Farming Rathcroghan project in County Roscommon. Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the corporate governance responsibilities of Bord Bia. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the delays in carrying out assessments of need, particularly in the CHO 7 area of County Kildare.”
“I acknowledge the people who have sat patiently for the past number of debates on the Bill and my colleagues who have covered for me, because I am the health spokesperson, but I have ended up in the Chair a bit. I thank all my colleagues who covered for me on a rotation basis.”
“Amendment No. 352 in the names of Senators Harmon and Cosgrove would insert a new section providing for a statutory right to independent advocacy services for every person receiving mental health services. This would entail potentially significant costs for the Exchequer in funding such services. The amendment must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 42 as it has the potential to impose a charge on the Exchequer.”
“I support the motion. I will give the example of a friend of mine whose husband recently had to have his tests sent to two different countries. One was England and I am not sure what the other was, but they were told it would take up to eight weeks for the results to come back because the tests had been sent out of the country. This is a very opportune time for us to look at Irish companies and at how we can make better use of private companies to deliver this specialised testing. As Senator Kyne outlined, there are many qualified companies out there but because of the way procurement is structured, they cannot tender for it. This is a really important matter. We encourage people to shop local and keep everything local. The sooner we can bring Irish companies into this procurement process, the better.”
“Senator Linda Nelson Murray - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on social welfare payments for special school bus escorts during school holidays. Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the planned expansion of the family resource centre programme in 2026, in particular in relation to funding for the Ballybunion Community Centre, north Kerry. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Mary Fitzpatrick, Pauline Tully, Cathal Byrne and Alison Comyn and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Alison Comyn - the need for the Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for international and road transport, logistics, rail, and ports to make a statement on the prohibition on riding scramblers on public roads and other public spaces. 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 who have not yet been acknowledged. Senator Gareth Scahill - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the future support for the farming Rathcroghan project in County Roscommon.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the prioritisation of funding for the DART+ South West project under the national development plan. Senator Pauline Tully - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the restriction in special schools that prevents a student attending the school after their 18th year. Senator Cathal Byrne - the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the Enniscorthy flood relief scheme.”
“Amendments Nos. 188, 189, 191, 194 to 196, inclusive, 199, 201 to 203, inclusive, 205, 207, 210 to 212, inclusive, 217, 221, 234, 235, 238, 241 to 244, inclusive, 251, 253, 258, 260, 261 and 263 are related and will be discussed together by agreement.”
“I realise and understand where the Department is coming from but I am disappointed because I think libraries are about our future and the future of our children. They are about education. The city is going through redevelopment. There was so much dereliction and so many closed-up buildings. Seeing that part of the city being rejuvenated, I really believed that the Department may have looked at delivering the future education of our children. I know that funding sometimes comes from the Department of rural development, so possibly that is where I need to go next. If the Department has any guidelines as to where we can go next in relation to this, the Minister of State might come back to me with that.”
“Around the country are libraries which are at such a high standard, whereas we had the traditional type of library in the city centre. Libraries are all about learning and education. So much use is made of them now, including audiobooks and lectures. I am determined that we will deliver a new library for Limerick. I would like an update about it.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, for coming to answer my question. Last Monday, the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Moran, attended Limerick for the redevelopment of Opera Square and the rejuvenation of the city centre. We had the signing of the contract for the new OPW building and the opening of the second building to do with Opera Square, which was a really positive day, because businesses are looking to move into the city centre and to operate there. The one thing we are lacking is that when this redevelopment started, our library, which was in the city centre, was closed down. I know there is an application with the Department for the provision of a new library for Limerick.”
“It is about getting people who are amateurs involved and putting forward their perspective in terms of the competition. The festival's ambassador, Ruth Negga, has called on people to participate. It is important to get that story out there.”
“This year, Academy Award nominee and festival ambassador, Ruth Negga, who is from Limerick, is calling filmmakers to participate in the Catalyst International Film Festival, which is returning to Limerick city from 23 to 25 April. The closing date for entries into this festival is 16 February, which is only around the corner. The beauty of this film festival is that it is about gender equality, diversity and inclusion. It seeks bold stories that reflect under-represented perspectives in the global film industry. They are three key words that we look at a lot in policymaking. It is a wonderful festival that is about doing things differently and it is being held in Limerick. There is also going to be a free workshop to show people how to participate.”
“I too would like to be associated with your remarks, a Chathaoirligh, on the former MEP, Brian Crowley. When I was on the Committee of the Regions, along with the Leader, Brian was an MEP serving in Brussels and every year he used to host a dinner for us. He showed collegiality and friendship, and he also gave advice. He was outstanding in his role as an MEP. He represented Munster. He was a very close friend of yours, a Chathaoirligh. He died before his time, but certainly in the short time that he was there, as you outlined yourself, he contributed so much to the European Parliament. To see such a turnout for the funeral yesterday shows the calibre of the person and that he was held in high esteem. I convey my sympathies to his mother and his siblings. May he rest in peace.”
“Amendments Nos. 123 to 128, inclusive, are related. Amendments Nos. 126 and 127 are physical alternatives to amendment No. 125. Amendments Nos. 123 to 128, inclusive, will be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome guests of our colleague, Senator Aidan Davitt, the student council of St. Tola's National School from Westmeath. I hope they enjoy their visit here today. As is customary, no homework for the rest of the day.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery H.E. Betty Escorcia Baquero, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia, Carlos Padrón, deputy head of mission, Sergio Ramírez, third secretary, and Carlos Giménez, economic officer. I hope I pronounced their names correctly. I apologise if I did not. I hope our guests enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. We look forward to working with them in the future.”
“In his voluntary work, he never sought recognition and his contributions were marked by generosity, true commitment and responsibility. Beyond his public achievements, Gerard Lynch was a devoted family man and on behalf of this House, I wish to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to his wife, Margot, and his children, Mary, Geraldine, Seamus, Paddy, Catherine, Ann, Norma, Bernadette and Mags, and to his sister and his extended family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. I ask Members to stand for a minute's silence.”
“He was elected to the Fourteenth Seanad on the Agricultural Panel from 1977 to 1981, bringing to this House a deep understanding of rural issues, agriculture and community development. Throughout his decades in public life, Gerard Lynch was widely recognised as a man of integrity, courtesy and respect for all who worked alongside him. His service extended beyond the political sphere. It was rooted in the kindness and humility he carried out throughout his life. The Tánaiste described him as a man of tremendous integrity, with a genuine passion for improving the lives of the people of Kerry North. Alongside his political career, Gerard also gave long and valued service to community and voluntary organisations, including many years as a director of Listowel Race Company, where he served twice as chairman.”
“Before the Order of Business I have to announce the death of a former Member of this House, Gerard Lynch. Members will have been very saddened to hear the death over the Christmas period of Gerard, who was also a former TD and county councillor. Gerard Lynch was a proud native of Listowel and began his career in public service at a local level where he served as a councillor in the Listowel area throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. His commitment to his community was clear from the outset and it was this commitment that led him to national politics. He was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1969 as a TD for Kerry North, a role he fulfilled with distinction for two consecutive terms.”
“I have selected those raised by Senators Victor Boyhan, Eileen Lynch and Martin Conway and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the reimbursement application for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment givinostat. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the next round of the community sport facilities fund and sports capital grants. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on plans in place to support our citizens returning to Ireland to live and work, specifically in relation to mortgage approval, car insurance and health insurance. Senator Cathal Byrne has withdrawn his Commencement matter which had been originally selected. The matters raised by the other Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“The Cathaoirleach has 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 provide an update on the full roll-out of the Plean-IT project, upgrading the IT system operated by An Bord Pleanála. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the potential impact on Ireland of the EU proposals to restrict lead ammunition. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Education with special responsibility for special education and inclusion to make a statement on the provision of additional autism classes for Stapolin Educate Together National School, Myrtle Road, The Coast, Dublin 13.”
“The debate now returns to Report Stage. Before we commence, I remind Senators that they can only speak once on Report Stage except for the proposer of the amendment who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. Each amendment must also be seconded on Report Stage. Amendments Nos. 15 to 17, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 17 is consequential on No. 16. Amendments Nos. 15 to 17, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I acknowledge representatives of the Ballincollig Business Association who were in the Visitors Gallery up to a few moments ago. They left when the Minister was speaking. They were guests of our colleague, Senator Kelleher, and were also accompanied by Councillor Sarah Kiely.”
“I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan. Before we commence, I remind Senators that a Senator may speak only once on Report Stage except the proposer of an amendment, who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. On Report Stage, each amendment must be seconded. Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 are related; amendment No. 2 is consequential on amendment No. 1; and Nos. 1 and 2 may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call Seanadóir Scahill, I welcome guests from the Military College of the Defence Forces in the Curragh. They are guests of Fiona Cashin, who works here in the Seanad. They are very welcome here today.”
“I welcome Jim McMahon and the class of 1975 from St. Flannan's College in Ennis. They are in the Visitors' Gallery as guests of Senator Martin Conway. They have been friends for the past 50 years and have come together to mark that friendship. As is customary here in the House, there is no homework for them for the rest of the day. They are very welcome. I also acknowledge the presence of Annie Nealon, who is an intern with Senator Mark Duffy. She is very welcome. I hope she enjoys her experience here in Leinster House.”
“Before I call Senator O'Loughlin, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery the members of the Social Democrats from Cork South-West. They are guests of Deputy Holly Cairns. I also acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of Councillor Peter Feeney and his guest. I hope they enjoy their visit here.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the potential impact on Ireland of the EU proposals to restrict lead ammunition. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected those raised by Senators Teresa Costello, Garret Ahearn, Nicole Ryan and Nessa Cosgrove, and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the future use of the part of the western rail corridor between Collooney, County Sligo, and Claremorris, County Mayo. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the completion of the assessment by the HSE of the physician assistant role. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the reimbursement application for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, givinostat. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the full roll-out of the Plean-IT project, upgrading the IT system operated by An Bord Pleanála.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the review of the enforcement of child maintenance orders. Senator Garret Ahearn - The need for the Minister for Defence to make a statement on the inclusion of a local participation framework in the defence procurement process. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on funding for the improvement of train services and fare access for students travelling from north Cork to Cork city.”
“Amendment No. 52a would require the Minister to publish a report on independent advocacy. However, the wording of the amendment would require that such a service be established and resourced. This has the potential to create costs for the Exchequer. The amendment must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 42, as it has the potential to impose a charge on the Revenue. I will have a copy of that sent to the Senator.”
“I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Mary Butler. We will now resume the Committee Stage debate on the Mental Health Bill 2024. Amendments Nos. 45, 58, 59, 62 to 67, inclusive, 89 to 97, inclusive, 99, 101,102 and 109 are related and will be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call on the Leader, I, too, would like to be associated with the votes of sympathy to Padraic White on the passing of former Senator Mary White, and also to his brother, Michael White, who lives in Limerick and worked with Enterprise Ireland for many years. May she rest in peace.”
“I welcome Blarney Street primary school from Cork. They are guests of Deputy John Paul O'Shea. I hope you enjoy your visit. It is customary that there is no homework for the rest of the day. I call Senator Martin Conway.”
“Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on funding for the improvement of train services and fare access for students travelling from north Cork to Cork city. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected those raised by Senators Fiona O'Loughlin, Linda Nelson Murray, Seán Kyne and Tom Clonan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the ordering of an inquiry into the detention of children from mother and baby homes in adult mental health settings. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the future use of the part of the western rail corridor between Collooney, County Sligo, and Claremorris, County Mayo. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the reimbursement application for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, givinostat. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the full roll-out of the Plean-IT project upgrading the IT system operated by An Bord Pleanála.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the emergency works application for Curragh post-primary school, Curragh, County Kildare. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for public procurement, digitalisation and egovernment to make a statement on procurement processes and the difficulties smaller firms have in engaging with the tendering process. Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the allocation of funding to upgrade the N59 road from Bunnakill to Claremont, Oughterard, County Galway.”
“I welcome H.E. Ms Owen and her team here today. I had the pleasure of meeting with her recently in Limerick when she was there for the Joining the Dots programme, which is a very important economic programme. It showed the contact between the business community, which came together not only from Limerick and the region but also businesses from the UK. It was a very successful two days in Limerick. I wish the ambassador and her staff a very happy Christmas and I am certainly looking forward to working with them into the new year. I hope they enjoy their visit to the Oireachtas today.”
“Before I call the Deputy Leader, I too wish everybody a very happy Christmas. I know I did it yesterday, but I wish a very happy Christmas to Martin, Aileen and the staff of the Seanad Office, and the ushers, down to the catering staff, cleaners and everybody who works in the different departments. I wish a happy Christmas to colleagues in the Seanad and in the Dáil. I hope you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas. I look forward to working with you all in a collegial way into the new year. I now call on the Leas-Cheannaire to reply.”
“I welcome Hansfield Educate Together National School from Barberstown, Dublin 15, who are guests of Deputy Emer Currie. I hope they enjoy their visit today. As is customary, there will be no homework for the rest of the day.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the death of a baby who was wrongly diagnosed with a fatal foetal abnormality. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the potential impact on Ireland of the EU proposals to restrict lead ammunition. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Aubrey McCarthy, Pauline Tully, Teresa Costello and Gareth Scahill and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and specifically ensuring that electricity standing charges are not applied on days when there is a power outage. 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 Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on emergency funding for Scoil Réalta na Maidine, Listowel, County Kerry.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the national rollout of the drug-related intimidation and violence engagement programme, in particular to ensure funding and resources are in place to protect families from drug debt intimidation and criminal gangs. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the waiting lists for essential therapies for children with additional needs in County Cavan. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the setting of standards for community hubs used for day services by adults with disabilities.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Appropriation Bill 2025 on 17 December 2025, which is sent to Seanad Éireann for its recommendations. Dáil Éireann passed the Credit Review Bill 2024 on 17 December 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025 on 17 December 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senators Paraic Brady and Dee Ryan and the Minister of State, Deputy Neale Richmond, especially the Quigleys from Limerick. They are guests of Senator Ryan. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“It has been really sad for their families and for the greater community. This is a good news story and I hope the plans will move forward as quickly as possible.”
“I welcome the fact that options A, B and C are happening together. A and B have already started. It has gone out to tender, the foundations have been put in and it will be a further 96-bed block. The Minister has instructed the HSE to find a site quite near UHL, to look at plans for that site, how it can be best developed with possibly the maternity moving over there, but also building so many beds to move the less acute patients there and to use the vacated beds for acute patients in the current hospital. It is good news because we have waited a long time. We have had many plans and conversations down through the years. When I was first elected to the House in 2016, I highlighted the issues at UHL, the facts around the conditions staff had to work under and the number of people who have died there.”