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, too, would like to start by wishing everybody a happy Christmas, including the Cathaoirleach. I thank him for his collegiality as we worked together over the past 12 months. I thank Mr. Martin Hughes and the staff in the Seanad Office but also the Leader's Office, our Leader, Senator Seán Kyne, and to Orla, who also buried her mother during the year. I extend my sympathies to her as well. I thank the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, for working with a cross-party group in the mid-west in regard to delivery at University Hospital Limerick, UHL. I acknowledge the fact that, in UHL, things have improved in the past 12 months. Ms Sandra Broderick, Mr. Ian Carter and the team have started to turn things around. Still, as highlighted in the HIQA report, we are short those extra beds.”
“While they are still here, I would like to acknowledge the students from Newbridge College. I hope they enjoy their visit today. I welcome the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary, and the staff from the Department.”
“I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Harris, to the Chamber. Amendment No. 1 in the names of Senators Paul Daly and Pat Casey has been ruled out of order but I understand Senator Daly would like to speak on it.”
“I support the sentiments behind what is being brought forward. Councillors need more resources and support. It needs to be looked at in terms of what the councillors bring forward as being the key areas that they see as needing supports. I am sure the Minister of State will do his best to bring forward the legislation as soon as possible. It is important that the Government reacts as soon as the task force reports. There might be one or two areas we might be able to change or support.”
“Many councillors dedicate their lives in a full-time role, even though it is expected to be a part-time role, are full-time. They are the first people that members of the public go to. When they have an issue, they go there for support or to find out where they can go to for advice. The role of a councillor has expanded and has become very much full time over the past number of years especially. Speakers raised the expansion of areas. When I started off, I represented the old city ward. This was known as ward 4. I then went on to represent Limerick city south, which was two local authority areas combined. That all changed again, I lost half of the area and went out into the county. I went from being a city councillor to representing half the city and the other half in rural Limerick. There are many councillors in that situation.”
“A lot of that has changed in that there is now support for councillors to get laptops and printers. They are provided by the local authority. There is money there for them for secretarial support. Working alongside councillors, there is a lot more scope for people to have to more supports. With the results of the task force and when the councillors are putting forward where they believe there are these loopholes and need to be supported, it is important that the Government, because it is in the programme for Government, supports the councillors and bring forward whatever legislation is needed sooner rather than later. Other speakers raised the issue of councillors paying the PRSI and getting nothing for it. There is no pension out of it. That is a crucial issue.”
“There is a commitment in the programme for Government to a local democracy task force. I was delighted, along with my colleague Senator Kyne, to contribute to that task force recently. There were options for Senators representing the Seanad to go forward, make a presentation and answer some of the questions they had. It was an informative discussion. I pay tribute to the 14 representatives that sit on that. It is chaired by Mr. Jim Breslin. Councillor Malone is part of that as well representing LAMA. I pay tribute to them and the amount of work they have done in relation to that taskforce. I fully agree with the sentiments that councillors need support. They need a lot more resources. A lot has been done. When I go back to my early days in local government, I had to provide my own laptop, printer, paper and everything.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this important issue. I pay compliment to Senator Black and her colleagues for bringing this legislation forward. All of us certainly agree with the sentiments behind it. I served as a councillor for 17 years, 15 years in the city and two years on the combined city and county council before being elected here. I agree that back in those days in 1999 when I was first elected, there were very little supports for councillors. The role of female councillors has been highlighted here. When I was elected first, I was one of two female councillors out of 21. When we went into the combined council of 40 councillors, there were six females. Certainly, we have come a long way coming forward since back at the very start. I acknowledge Councillor Malone and his colleagues in LAMA and AILG.”
“We move to the motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) (Revocation) Scheme 2025 and of the Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) (Revocation) Scheme 2025. The two motions will be debated together and decided separately. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue. He is very welcome.”
“It is really important that we encourage people to get their children vaccinated - the vaccine is free up to 17 years of age - because we all have maybe grandparents or aunts and uncles who are coming to our homes over Christmas. The last thing we want is that somebody would pick up the flu because it can have a serious effect, especially for people with underlying health conditions. Last but not least, I acknowledge Councillor Gayle Ralph and her friends in the Gallery today.”
“I would like to be associated to the vote of sympathy for the late Paddy Cooney. I express my condolences to his sons, Mark, who was a councillor for a number of years, Edward and Michael, his daughter Catherine and the extended Cooney family. He served in this Chamber with distinction. He was also a former Minister and MEP. May he rest in peace. The flu season is upon us. It is mentioned on the radio every day of the week. In University Hospital Limerick, there are quite a few people within the hospital at the moment with symptoms of flu. I encourage people to go out and get the flu vaccine because I was listening to the radio the other day and heard there were over 600 people at that stage in hospitals in Ireland with the flu.”
“With Senator Daly’s indulgence, I welcome the representatives from Carlow County Council who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O’Connor. I hope they enjoy their visit here today. I call Senator Daly.”
“The Minister of State highlighted the whole area of stamp duty and also medical inflation. The costs are going up so it is about trying to keep down those costs. If the Government does not adjust the stamp duty rates each year, the scheme could run out of money. None of us want to see that happen, especially for the very sick and vulnerable people. There seems to be strong public support for it. Sometimes people do not realise they have an illness and it can come as a great shock. People will not be penalised regardless of whether they have minor health issues or issues which are more chronic. That is really important. On behalf of Fine Gael, we will support the Bill. It is really important to have a balanced and fair system and make as many health options open to all as we can.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this important Bill. It is all about fairness and balance. While I realise it is a very technical Bill, it is about quality of care. As the Minister of State said, almost half the people in Ireland have private health insurance and especially the older cohort. I was speaking to an older person recently who was talking about the cost of healthcare going up but said they would do everything to make sure they have it because it is so vital. It does not matter what age you are, young or old, your health is your wealth. Anyone who ends up in hospital, especially suddenly or overnight, wants to get the best level of healthcare. The Government subsidises it to keep down the cost, especially for older people, and it is about balance and fairness.”
“I acknowledge that children from Presentation Primary School, George’s Hill in Smithfield were in the Gallery during the Order of Business. We are now joined by Deputy Cormac Devlin who has three transition year, TY, students with him today, namely, Marcus McGovern, Kelly Chen and Charlotte Hannon. I hope they enjoy their visit here to Leinster House today. Maybe they are politicians in the making. They are very welcome.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I welcome the students from St. Brigid's Boys' National School in Foxrock, along with their teachers. They are guests of Deputy Maeve O'Connell and are ably guided by James Byrne. It is customary here that there is no homework for the rest of the day. I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the number of kilometres of regional and rural roads being maintained on an annual basis. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the new childminding regulations for home-based childcare providers. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and they will be taken now.”
“The Cathaoirleach received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the current requirements for local authorities to provide work placements for those with disabilities; outline the funding allocated; and confirm if all local authorities have complied with the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding to local authorities to ensure the maintenance of local roads, in particular funding to Cavan County Council.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Social Welfare and Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 3 December 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 3 December 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Absolutely. That will be addressed at the next CPPO. Before we deal with the amendment, I welcome Councillor Patricia Walsh and her husband, who are guests of Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Senator Sarah O'Reilly's family are also in the Gallery, and Councillor Adrian Rogers from Cavan. They are all very welcome here today.”
“Some Senators have raised points about the division process that will be addressed thoroughly by the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, CPPO, including the standing orders that provide for the timing of the taking of divisions. We will now resume on amendment No. 19, which has been moved and pressed.”
“I have already suggested that there is an avenue that can be used to resolve these issues. We all have representatives on the CPPO. That is the avenue for resolving this issue, not here on the floor of the Chamber. We are here to pass legislation-----”
“This matter is not to be resolved on the floor of the House. I told the Senator earlier that the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, CPPO, is the route for that. We will discuss the matter at the next CPPO meeting.”
“Senators, please resume their seats. I am going to read out the Standing Order for the benefit of all here. It says "the period for which the division bell is rung and the interval between the ringing of the bell and the locking of the doors shall be not less than two minutes and not less than one minute respectively". It says "not less". It does not say that it has to be.”
“I welcome Deputy Aisling Dempsey and her guests, Councillor Padraig Coffey, Councillor Caroline O’Reilly and Councillor Wayne Harding. We also have Mr. Kashif Ali, who is an area representative with Fianna Fáil. He is very welcome as well. I hope they all enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“Before I move on, I welcome Emmett Creighton, Marcus Halliwell and Terry Anderson, guests of our good friend, Senator Davitt. They are all involved in the property and auctioneering business. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit here today. We also have students from St. Mogue's National School in Cavan, guests of Deputy Brendan Smith. I hope they, equally, enjoy their visit here today. As is customary here, there will be no homework for the rest of the day.”
“With regard to third level education, different Ministers for higher education have invested in the film industry. Many people study film through the ETBs and the technological universities, the former institutes of technology. A number of jobs are created in that way. That has to be welcomed. I have highlighted a few of the different initiatives in this Finance Bill that I believe we lead to the creation of sustainable jobs, providing an uplift for all areas of Ireland.”
“The fact that there is now a tax relief for landlords to renovate such apartments will encourage them to do so. They can claim the tax back in the same year. Many companies are involved in research and development, and this leads to job creation. We are losing sight of this in the Finance Bill in the context of tax relief. It is about supporting companies in their research and development. Many of them are expanding based on what they find. On the tax relief relating to film, Senator Malcolm Byrne referred to Wexford. Limerick has a big film industry, with the old Dell factory having become Troy Studios. Film Limerick has won many awards locally, nationally and internationally. It covers the mid-west. Film is a growing industry.”
“I, too, support the Finance Bill. There has been much debate in the Chamber, both for and against. The VAT rate is not just about the hospitality industry, it also affects hairdressers. Many hairdressers have been lobbying on the VAT rate which closed some of them down. It is certainly most welcome that this reduction is to be extended not only to the hospitality industry, and especially to the smaller businesses because they are suffering, but also to hairdressers. With regard to the VAT rate and tax relief for apartments, many of us who have been around here for a while have dealt with people who are living in very difficult situations. Their apartments are not up to standard and there are many issues with them. I recently stood in an apartment with a young couple. There was dampness and the whole lot.”
“Parents need to be warned to be very careful about purchasing e-scooters. Legally, children under 16 cannot use them. Those who can use them should wear a helmet at all times. That is a really important message. We need to run an education programme to warn parents about the dangers involved.”
“I compliment everybody involved in President Zelenskyy's visit, including the Cathaoirleach, the Clerk of the Seanad and all of the team, as well as the staff of the Parliament as a whole. It was a very successful visit. Well done to all involved. I wish to raise the issue of e-scooters and children under 16. It is illegal for children to ride e-scooters. Legislation was introduced to legalise the use of e-scooters on our roads, but many people on scooters do not wear helmets. There has been an increase in the number of children with acquired brain injuries as a result of e-scooter accidents. Last year, 25 children were admitted to children's hospitals who had suffered brain injuries in e-scooter accidents. The average length of stay for those children was up to 19 days in hospital and some of them are still being treated as outpatients.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad shall adjourn today until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 2nd December; Standing Orders 31 and 32 shall stand suspended; and the Order of Business shall be proposed at 6 p.m.”
“I also acknowledge the hardworking staff and everybody who is helping to bring this together, including consultant Terry Hennessy, who sat on the HIQA report team locally. I am looking forward to working with the Minister for greater delivery for the mid-west.”
“Hopefully that will help and the Minister will take that into account. As far as I am concerned, options A and B have to happen as quickly as possible. I was in HSE West for a number of years and I listened to colleagues in Galway talk about University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital, and how they were working so well in tandem. That is what I envisage for Limerick hopefully. The more acute patients will be in the main hospital and the less acute patients in the new section. It will mean greater efficiencies, but safety for all and people experiencing better healthcare. I acknowledge the people who have died in the hospital system. Sometimes, we do not know the circumstances.”
“It is good to see they are delivering above their weight in terms of discharges and other issues that are happening at the hospital. We have the surgical hub coming on board. I understand that is opening in the middle of next year. That will help. Option A has to progress as quickly as possible. The foundations have started and it has gone out to tender. I hope with the memo from Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Deputy Chambers, that things will be able to happen in a more proactive manner. We might be able to provide more beds. We cannot pre-empt what is going to be in the memo, but it is about doing things more efficiently. The private hospital in Limerick went up in 18 months. The public hospital has ties to the Department.”
“on a Friday, so if somebody went to the doctor after that, they were sent to UHL and spent the weekend waiting to have their bloods taken, whereas all those practices have changed and that is leading to greater efficiencies. From the very beginning I have been very clear that options A and B need to happen in unison, which will eventually lead to option C. I compliment all my colleagues across all parties and none who came together as a unified voice right across the mid-west. This is the first time all voices have come together because they are so concerned about the future for the mid-west and the safety of patients and staff. It is great we have a unified voice from most parties on the future of what should happen at UHL. The buy-in from the staff has been really important. There are many volunteers working in the hospital.”
“I really hated to hear that being said because if somebody is sick, he or she needs to go to the hospital. I would like to pay compliments to the other hospitals in the region, namely, St. John's Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, Ennis Hospital and Croom Hospital because they are all part of that UHL configuration. There are extra beds going into some of those hospitals, like St. John's Hospital, which is a Nightingale hospital. Many older people feel so comfortable going there, with the care and attention they get there. I compliment the staff in all those other hospitals. It has been about greater efficiency and greater use. I recall raising a Commencement matter about the blood clinic closing at 12 p.m.”
“When the Minister took over the brief, she put in greater efficiencies and put emphasis on the fact that consultants were not working on the weekend, people were not being discharged and there was bed-blocking. A lot of those practices have changed and that is down to the staff in the hospital and to the Minister's thoughts on how it should operate differently. It took buy-in from the staff to achieve that so that has certainly helped an awful lot. The impact of the new 96-bed block has been shown in terms of trolley numbers, but some days it does shoot back up again and comes down. However, the staff have worked there under horrific circumstances as have the patients attending the hospital over many years. Some people were afraid to go in there.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this all-important issue. This is my ninth year in the Oireachtas, and I would not like to count how many times I, and many others in the Chamber from Limerick, raised the issue of UHL. I thank the Minister for her openness and transparency in terms of her thoughts and whole process, but also the fact she is taking the report from HIQA into account. It is very clear this is about capacity. I would like to compliment Catherine Peters and Sandra Broderick as well. It has been a breath of fresh air. The Oireachtas briefings have been very open and forward thinking in terms of what their thoughts are and how we can solve the issue. It is very clear that it is about capacity.”
“I welcome Oisín Corrigan from Ringsend. He is a transition year student who has a keen interest in politics. He is a guest of Senator Andrews. I hope he enjoys his interest, and I wish him the best of luck for his future in politics.”
“Before I move on to the next speaker, I welcome Senator Comyn and her guests, the transition year class from Our Lady's College in Drogheda, along with teachers Una McGorry and Eileen O'Sullivan. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit. I also welcome Deputy John Connolly and his guests and the guests of Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan. Everyone is very welcome and I hope they all enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the new childminding regulations for home-based childcare providers. Senator Noel O'Donovan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the proposed building works at Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, County Cork. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected Senators McCarthy and Mullen, who are sharing their time, Cosgrove, Ní Chuilinn and Cathal Byrne and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the recognition process for internationally qualified dentists to work in Ireland. Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to make a statement on the flood relief scheme in place for Killybegs, County Donegal. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the number of kilometres of regional and rural roads being maintained on an annual basis. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for financial services, credit unions and insurance to provide an update on the action plan on insurance reform.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senators Aubrey McCarthy and Rónán Mullen - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the release of the students and staff abducted from St. Mary's Catholic primary and secondary schools, Papiri, Nigeria. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the status of the major building project for Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, Sligo. Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on developing a national allergy strategy, to include access to relevant testing and additional clinical supports for allergy sufferers.”
“He was a strong contributor and supporter. He represented the constituency of Clare very well over the years. May he rest in peace.”
“I rise today to pass a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Donal Carey, a former Minister of State with responsibility for the arts and the Gaeltacht. He served in that position for two years. He also served as a Senator for a year from 1981 to 1982. He was elected in 1982 to Dáil Éireann, where he served until 2002. He was replaced by his son Joe, who took his place in the Dáil in 2007. Joe was a Member of the Dáil until very recently. Donal was a great character of a man and was very knowledgeable. He was certainly a great support to all, especially to people as they entered politics. He will be remembered by so many. I pass a vote of sympathy to our former colleague Joe and his siblings Leonora and Donal junior. Donal was at home with them all the time and he lived with Leonora. He will be missed by many people.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach. As convenor of the group, I wish to welcome the ambassador, Georgeta and the team form the embassy and congratulate them on their national day. I know they are having their celebration next Monday and I am looking forward to that. The ambassador and his team have been very proactive in meeting people around Ireland, encouraging people to get involved in politics, not pushing any parties or whatever, but just encouraging people to participate and get involved in Irish life. That is really important. I join with the Cathaoirleach in making this day of celebration.”
“I acknowledge Deputy O'Flynn and his guests in the Gallery. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. I also welcome the students and teachers from Our Lady's National School Ballinteer. I hope they enjoy their visit. It is the tradition that they get no homework for the rest of the day when you come here to visit.”
“I would like to acknowledge our colleague, Seanadóir Blaney, in the Public Gallery. He is accompanied by Alex Corrigan. Alex's aunt, Maria Corrigan, was here from 2007 to 2011. I hope you enjoy your visit here today. I would also like to acknowledge two transition year students, Alex O'Hagan and Kathleen Kinsella, who are interning in Deputy Cormac Devlin's office. They are in the Public Gallery as well. I hope you enjoy your experience here today.”
“I welcome representatives from the Wexford Rape Crisis centre. They are guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. I thank them very much. I call Senator Andrews.”