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 9 of 14.
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Pauline Tully, Teresa Costello, Cathal Byrne and Manus Boyle and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan.”
“Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to make a statement on the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme, in particular the protection works in Inver, County Donegal. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the programme for Government commitments in respect of the access and inclusion model, including supporting funding to ensure that children with disabilities can fully participate in the early childhood care and education programme. 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 Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on additional special needs assistants allocation for Cavan No. 1 National School, Cavan town, and the establishment of a special class in the school in September 2026. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide funding for domestic violence support training for all elected representatives. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the completion of the M11 motorway extension from Oylegate to Rosslare.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Health Information Bill 2024 on 19 November 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 on 19 November 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Before Senator Ryan comes back in, I welcome a group from Scoil Fhursa Boys National School who are guests of Deputy Cian O'Callaghan. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House and I thank them for being here.”
“I welcome staff from the Irish embassy in Berlin. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House today and thank you for all of the work that you do. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, and thank him for coming to the House today.”
“I think it is a great honour for him and for Ireland that he is now going to work in Washington and I wish him all the best. Lastly, I agree with the comments Senator Brady made about scooters because recently I saw an older lady get an awful fright when she was nearly knocked down by a person on a scooter on a footpath. We need to bring in proper regulation and ensure the use of scooters is controlled and regulated not only by the Garda but by traffic wardens. I believe that traffic wardens should be given the right to issue tickets to people who unnecessarily use scooters and bicycles on footpaths because many older people do not hear a scooter or bicycle coming behind them. We should have a debate on the use of scooters.”
“I rise today to be associated with the words of sympathy towards the families of the five young people who were killed in that horrific road crash over the weekend. No family wants to receive tragic news. It is terrible to hear that five young people lost their lives when they were going out to have their night. My sympathies to them, and to their families and friends. Obviously this tragedy will have a knock-on effect on their outer circle of friends, as well as their family circle. I wish to thank Paschal Donohoe for his contribution to Ireland with his 20 years of public service, not only as a Minister but as a local councillor. I wish him and his family all the best in his new role. It certainly was a big shock for everybody today to see a steady pair of hands announce that he was stepping down.”
“I agree with Senator Kyne. Certainly, any pressure the Minister of State can put on at all would be welcome. As he mentioned in his speech, there is a one-size-fits-all approach, but it does not fit all, particularly in this case.”
“While I understand the significance of green cars and how we should all be moving in that direction, I also understand what is impeding tourists and the car rental sector.”
“I thank the Minister of State very much for coming to the House. As Senator Kyne said, it is putting pressure on car rental companies and especially for people coming into the country. It is not about people who are here; it is about tourists who are coming in. Many of them find that they are going to the west of Ireland and different places in the car and it is not always feasible to charge the car. That is one of the biggest issues. Car rental companies should be exempt from this rule if it is to go ahead because we want to encourage tourists to come here. It is putting pressure on the car rental companies in terms of the number of people who do not want to take a car that they have to charge.”
“While Senator Collins was speaking, Deputy Tony McCormack and his guests were in the Gallery. They are gone now, but just to acknowledge that they were here. I understand that Senator Cosgrove is sharing time with Senator Stephenson. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery Deputy Michael Murphy, accompanied by his son, Alex Murphy, and their friend, Eoin Murphy. To my right, I acknowledge the students from UCC who are guests of Deputy John Paul O'Shea. I hope they enjoy their experience in Leinster House.”
“Before I ask the Deputy Leader to outline the Order of Business for the day, I welcome Anna Molloy and Sarah Dolan, transition year students from the Holy Child school in Killiney, County Dublin. They are guests of our colleague Senator Casey. They are welcome today and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House. They are in capable hands with Senator Casey.”
“The Cathaoirleach has selected those raised by Senators Kennelly, Nicole Ryan, Cosgrove, Sarah O'Reilly, Ahearn and O'Loughlin and they will be taken now. Senator Lynch may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.”
“Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline the steps being taken to ensure fairness in recycling obligations for online retailers, including whether consideration is being given to the introduction of a pay-on-behalf model. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - the need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the management plan for the Curragh plains, County Kildare. Senator Eileen Lynch - the need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the inclusion of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and colitis in the long-term illness scheme. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make provision to recognise special needs assistants as mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015. Senator Nicole Ryan - the need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on Reach funding for 2025. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the status of the major devolved project for Ursuline College, Sligo. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on applicants who missed out on the forgotten farmers scheme.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I welcome Deputy Aird and his guest to the Gallery. I know the Minister of State welcomed them. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Healy-Rae, as ucht teacht isteach sa Teach inniu agus páirt a ghlacadh sa díospóireacht.”
“I welcome guests of our Government Chief Whip, Senator Garret Ahearn. They are Liam Ahearn, Garret's dad and a former councillor and cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council; Marie Keating, the former principal of Grange National School; and former members of Grange National School board of management. They are all very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.”
“As we are heading into the Christmas season and people are beginning to look at shopping and so on, a number of online scams are going on. I know that Sergeant O'Halloran, a local sergeant in Limerick community policing, was advising people not to click into apps, or if they were asked for bank account details or other details, not to click into it. Many of these are scams. As we head into the season of Christmas shopping, I encourage people to shop locally. Many small businesses are feeling the pinch. While some of them are doing well, others are finding it difficult. In terms of job creation and keeping and sustaining jobs, we need to shop local and support local. Many small SMEs out there have so many quality goods on offer, be it Irish goods or local goods. It is about keeping the person employed in their position.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, to the House. Before I call him to speak, I welcome Terry Sexton, Bill Houlihan, Patrick McCaul, Craig Capri and Martin McCormack to the Public Gallery. They are from the USA and are guests of our bar manager, Darren Brady. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“As I come from a publican background, Billy asked me to sign the document on drinking on Good Friday. At the time, the Government was not really supporting it so it was difficult. However, we did support it in the end, which is the main thing. Billy certainly put huge work into that. As I say, he will be remembered by all. I am grateful that he touched my life over a number of years. He will be fondly remembered. It is a pleasure to be here today.”
“I certainly have very fond memories of Billy. His first cousins were the Kellys from Ardrahan, Brian Kelly and his family, who now live in Limerick. I remember when Billy was appointed, they were all so proud of the fact that he was a Galway man living in America who was being appointed as the Senator for the diaspora. He did an amount of work with undocumented people and trying to get them recognised. It is really important we remember him for the Trojan work he did. I never took Billy up on his offer of a visit to Chicago. It was just mentioned that somebody was in trouble and Billy was to the forefront in trying to help people. His kindness to everybody right across the House, but also to anybody who ever came in contact with him, will be remembered forever and a day.”
“Confidence and supply was going on at the time and there were one or two times when I think the people sitting to my left may have been voting against the Government. Gabrielle McFadden was the then Government Chief Whip and she had to ask Billy could he ever go missing for a little while. Once or twice he did so discreetly; Members might not have noticed but he did.”
“I spent a number of years staying in Buswells Hotel and before that in the Mont Clare. Billy stayed there as well, so we often hit reception at the same time, maybe in the evening, and Billy would say we would have to have nightcap and a chat. We continued the conversation about whatever happened here during the day, but also about other things. I have to say that his renditions and his stories about life in Ireland and also life in America were absolutely wonderful. As Senator Paul Daly said, he was a fantastic man to listen to and to learn from. He really was. I remember, when he was appointed by then Taoiseach Enda Kenny, he said to me, "Well, you know I was Fine Gael but I am kind of independent now, but sure we will see how it goes." I thought that was a great start.”
“I welcome Anne and the extended family. I know Tracy worked with and looked after Billy so well down through the years. It is good see former Senator Ian Marshall again. I also welcome the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. I had the pleasure of serving here with Billy from 2016 to 2020. We had an old family connection in that my father served in the Licensed Vintners Association with Billy. They were very good friends down through the years. When I first started here, at the same time as Billy, he said to me, "You are a daughter of Bobby's. We have to look after you". He was so welcoming and so kind. He was always so courteous and cordial to everybody. It did not matter whether he did or did not agree with you. Billy loved to have the conversation and to have that balanced chat.”
“I welcome Stephen, Jennifer and Claire, who are staff of the south western drugs task force. They are guests of our colleague Senator McCarthy. I hope they enjoy their visit. I welcome the second lot of students from St. Clare's College, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan. They are guests of Deputy Brendan Smith and Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Enjoy your stay here today.”
“Before I move on to the next speaker, I welcome the students from St. Clare's College, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan. I hope they have an enjoyable day. They are guests of Deputy Brendan Smith and Senator Wilson.”
“I appreciate the Minister of State's response and that he will go back to the Minister, Deputy Browne, in relation to this. I received this feedback from a number of local authorities, not just one. They all had the same issue. While I understand the majority of the money needs to be spent on those purchases, as that is the key issue with regard to the scheme, perhaps the local authorities could look at this. Not all of them are under pressure in this regard, but some are. If there was a small pot available, they could appoint someone part-time to get it up and running. I am sure the Minister of State will bring the matter to the Minister. I appreciate that and thank him.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, for coming to the House to discuss the tenant in situ scheme. I spoke to some councillors around the country who said that the issue they were finding in the local authorities was that the authorities did not receive extra funding, nor did they have the staff, to administer the scheme. The tenant in situ scheme plays an important role. I welcome the fact that the scheme has been extended and that, when it was stopped for a while, it was brought back. It has worked out very successfully in a lot of local authority areas but we need to make sure it is run as efficiently as possible. Certainly, we must ensure that people who may be in their homes long term end up staying in the same homes they are used to. It has been a wonderful scheme but it needs to be implemented as soon as possible.”
“The Cathaoirleach has selected the matters raised by Senators Maria Byrne, Mark Duffy, Mary Fitzpatrick 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 Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the status of the major devolved project for Ursuline College Sligo. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the need to ensure that social media companies protect real information and remove misinformation on social media platforms. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make provisions to recognise special needs assistants as mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the construction of a new multistorey secondary school in Coachford College, Coachford, Cork. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“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 Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on funding for administration of the tenant in situ scheme within local authorities. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on the expansion of the living city initiative to all towns with over 10,000 in population. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the timeline for commencement and completion of the purpose built Teach An Saol, Dublin. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on plans to provide funding for a new maternity hospital in the mid-west region.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 on 5 November 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 5 November 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Before we commence, I remind Senators that they may speak only once on Report Stage, except the proposer of an amendment, who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. Also, on Report Stage, each non-Government amendment must be seconded. We move to amendment No. 1 in the names of Senators Flynn, Black, Higgins and Ruane, which arises from Committee Stage proceedings.”
“As the Taoiseach said, we have come a long way but we have a lot more to go. I know the Minister, with whom I have been working, hopes to bring her paper to Cabinet this side of Christmas. I know the Taoiseach and the Government will not be found wanting in delivering for the mid-west. It is important, as the Taoiseach said, to have a safe opportunity not only for staff but also for the patients. I thank the Taoiseach for coming here today. We look forward to working with him into the future.”
“Given we are heading into the European Presidency, it is important that we have somebody with the Taoiseach's experience at the helm, somebody who has those contacts and has built those opportunities with countries right across Europe. It is great to have somebody of the Taoiseach's calibre there to represent us and to drive on the Irish agenda as Ireland takes up the Presidency next July. I am aware of the Taoiseach's firm commitment to sport as well because I have met him at many a sporting occasion. I am sure he will be in the Aviva over the weekend to support Munster. It is important that the Taoiseach has set out his goals and his priorities for the country going forward. I am looking forward to working with him. I will be local, I suppose, and raise University Hospital Limerick.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach as ucht teacht anseo inniu chun a chuid smaointí agus a chuid tosaíochtaí a roinnt linn. It is definitely a great pleasure for me to thank the Taoiseach on behalf of the Seanad for coming here today to put forward his priorities and his thoughts into the process, and also for the leadership that he has shown here today in highlighting the different things that need to be done. Infrastructure and research and development are two key areas the Taoiseach highlighted. That goes into everything that the Taoiseach spoke about here today, from transport to housing, health, education, justice, arts, the Gaeltacht and agriculture.”
“Senator Linda Nelson Murray - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on funding and support for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected those raised by Senators Nessa Cosgrove, Mike Kennelly, Joe Conway and Tom Clonan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Pauline Tully - the need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on making the Retrofit Ready pilot programme permanent and extending it nationwide. Senator Patricia Stephenson - the need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the Department's position on the EU-Israel trade agreement in advance of the EU Foreign Affairs Council next week. 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. Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on his communications with the European Commission in respect of the impact of tariffs on the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors.”
“Senator Tom Clonan - the need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on amending capital acquisitions tax rules for beneficiaries of childless citizens. Senator Sharon Keogan - the need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the number of unaccompanied minors from Ukraine who are under the care of Tusla since March 2022; and the number currently in aftercare with Tusla. Senator Noel O'Donovan - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update and timeline on the renovation and construction works at Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, County Cork. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on applicants who missed out on the forgotten farmers scheme.”
“The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme. Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the timeline for introducing national planning guidelines and policy on solar farm planning applications. Senator Joe Conway - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the application for an extension for Scoil Gharbháin, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, County Waterford.”
“Before the Minister of State gets up to speak, and as Senator Conway has said, a light rail system in Limerick would be welcome any time. I just want to put that the record. The Minister of State is very welcome.”
“I welcome Deputy Cormac Devlin and his guests, the Rev. Chris Hudson and his brother, Fintan, to the Gallery. I hope they are enjoying their visit to Leinster House today. They are very welcome. I understand that Senators Nelson Murray and Brady wish to share time. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome the Ukrainian ambassador to this debate. I also welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, and the staff from the Department. I understand Senator O'Loughlin is sharing time with Senator Paul Daly.”
“I will interrupt the Senator for one minute to acknowledge our visitors in the Gallery from the Ledley Hall Boys and Girls Club in east Belfast. They are visiting Leinster House today and meeting members of the Good Friday Agreement committee. I hope they enjoy their visit.”
“Today we share strong cultural ties, with Spanish people being the fifth largest tourist group in Ireland and countless Irish people having made previous memories on holiday in Spain, given 2.3 million Irish people visit Spain every year. Many Spanish people travel to Ireland, not just for tourism but to learn English and Spain is Ireland's second largest EU market for English language training. The result has been a huge number of Spanish people having spent time in Ireland during their adolescence, continuing and strengthening our centuries-long friendship. To the 40,000 Spanish people who call Ireland home and to everyone in Spain, we wish them a happy national day. I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“Before we move to the Order of Business, I welcome the head of mission to Spain and the staff from the Spanish Embassy here to mark Spanish National Day. They are accompanied by Deputy Michael Cahill, who is the convenor of the Ireland-Spain Parliamentary Friendship Group. They are very welcome and I hope they have an enjoyable day on their national day. Ireland and Spain have enjoyed a centuries-long relationship that goes all the way back to the 16th century, with the signing of the Treaty of Dingle in 1529. This bond has only grown as the centuries have passed, with many Irish pilgrims making their way along the Camino de Santiago, and those who have sought refuge in Spain in the aftermath of the Flight of the Earls in 1607.”
“Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the application for an extension for Scoil Gharbháin, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, County Waterford. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected Senators Boyhan, Stephenson, Nelson Murray and Costello and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the support for elderly parents to forward-plan for the care of their children who have disabilities when they can no longer provide care. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the number of unaccompanied minors from Ukraine who are under the care of Tusla since March 2022; and the number currently in aftercare with Tusla. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the additional supports requested by the survivors of industrial and reformatory schools who are currently on hunger strike outside Leinster House.”