Mark Daly
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Before I go to the next question, as this is the last sitting day before we break up for the summer, I thank Martin and all the Seanad staff, all the ushers, all the people who work in catering and all the people in the Oireachtas community, including the staff who work around the Upper House, for all their work.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Senator Frances Black and her guests: Shay Black, brother of the Senator, and Erica Pagels, from San Francisco – or, more accurately, Berkeley, which is just outside San Francisco – which is a nice part of the world. I thank Ms Pagels for coming over.”
“I welcome again to the Gallery the Black family. Shay Black was here already with Erica Pagels, but Martin Black, another brother of Senator Black, is now here and is also most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Martin told me there were no hard feelings after the Dublin-Kerry game, but that Dublin was robbed. That is according to Martin.”
“I welcome to the Gallery two special guests of Senator O'Loughlin, Joeleen Dyland and her son James, who has a huge interest in politics. We look forward to James coming back to Leinster House in the future, perhaps to work in the office with Senator O'Loughlin and maybe later as an elected Member of Seanad Éireann or Dáil Éireann.”
“The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its considerations of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No.”
“There are 10,000 to 15,000 Irish people working in Belgium, many of them EU staff. This year is the 20th anniversary of Belgium GAA, which includes the EC Gaelic Club in Brussels. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Conradh na Gaeilge, the Irish language organisation, also have branches there.”
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“I welcome again to the Gallery the Black family. Shay Black was here already with Erica Pagels, but Martin Black, another brother of Senator Black, is now here and is also most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Martin told me there were no hard feelings after the Dublin-Kerry game, but that Dublin was robbed. That is according to Martin. It is not the official result. I thank the Black brothers for being here. When is it proposed to sit again?”
“I hope the Senators all enjoy the weather and come back safe in the new term. I thank the Senators all for being here. Is amendment No. 2 being moved?”
“Before I go to the next question, as this is the last sitting day before we break up for the summer, I thank Martin and all the Seanad staff, all the ushers, all the people who work in catering and all the people in the Oireachtas community, including the staff who work around the Upper House, for all their work. Martin and all the Seanad team have done a great job this year guiding us all in what sometimes can be quite challenging times. I also thank those members of the Garda Síochána who keep us safe in here, but also the Senators' own staff and all the staff, as I said, within the Oireachtas, particularly Grace Coyle and Sarah and Caoimhe in my own office. I am sure all the Senators' staff are looking forward to seeing them leave in many cases, and giving them a small break for a few weeks.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Senator Frances Black and her guests: Shay Black, brother of the Senator, and Erica Pagels, from San Francisco – or, more accurately, Berkeley, which is just outside San Francisco – which is a nice part of the world. I thank Ms Pagels for coming over. I thank Senator Black for bringing her guests here. I am sure Shay is her favourite brother, just as the last brother she had here was also her favourite. Shay is most welcome to Seanad Éireann.”
“As it is now 7.45 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: "That amendment No. 16 is hereby negatived in Committee; section 11 is hereby agreed to in committee; in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Title is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Bill is accordingly reported to the House without amendment; Fourth Stage is hereby completed and the Bill is hereby received for final consideration; and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“Before putting the question, I welcome Senator Aubrey McCarthy to the Gallery. He is not in the Chamber because he is with some guests, Ann Thompson, Ann Lane, Mary Kennedy, Tracy Piggott and Liz O'Donnell. I thank them for being here. Mary gave great joy to many people down through the years through her work with RTÉ and her work with charities and community organisations. I thank her for being here. Tracy Piggott also gives great joy to people and a lot of great tips. I thank her for being here and for her work with the horse racing industry. Liz O'Donnell did great work behind the scenes and in front of the scenes during the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement. I thank her for work in the Department of Foreign Affairs at a pivotal moment in Irish history.”
“I remind Senators that we are nearly at 7 p.m. and we are still on section 1. I am allowing a lot of latitude. It is up to the Senators themselves but we will not get next or near a lot of amendments.”
“Before I call the Minister, I welcome Senator Casey to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. He is there because he has a large delegation with him, including family members John, Thomas, Peter and Helena, Councillor Pat Kennedy, Ann and Jim Lehane and the legendary Sonia. She has been a great friend to us in Leinster House. I thank her for being here and I thank Senator Casey for bringing them all. They are here to mark the anniversary of the passing of Senator Casey's mother. We remember her fondly too.”
“I welcome the guests of Senator Eileen Flynn, Deputy Catherine Callaghan, Deputy Cormac Devlin, Senator Fiona O'Loughlin and Deputy Ken O'Flynn. I welcome the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to the House. Amendments Nos. 1, 4, 7 and 17 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome the men of Sagres, who are intrepid walkers. Tadhg O'Brien, Harry Canning, Pat McEvoy, Gabriel McHugh, Tom Cunnane and Brendan MacNamee are guests of Senator Joe Conway. Apparently they have done the Camino a couple of times, so anyone looking for spiritual guidance will find them in the Visitors Gallery.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, to the Gallery, along with the Belturbet hen’s shed from Cavan. We are delighted to have our County Cavan crew here today and that the Minister of State is able to meet and greet them during her busy schedule while they are in the Seanad. I thank them for being here today.”
“There are 10,000 to 15,000 Irish people working in Belgium, many of them EU staff. This year is the 20th anniversary of Belgium GAA, which includes the EC Gaelic Club in Brussels. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Conradh na Gaeilge, the Irish language organisation, also have branches there. This year marks the fifth anniversary of Irish being an official language of the European Union. As we mark Belgium's National Day in Seanad Éireann, we are delighted to have the ambassador here. We look forward to building further relationships with Belgium, including at the EU. We are delighted also to welcome members of the parliamentary friendship group, including the convenor and the Leas-Chathaoirleach, who are with the ambassador in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I thank them for being here.”
“Brigid's Day. A part of St. Brigid's cloak is in kept in the cathedral in Bruges. After the Flight of the Earls in 1607, a tragic time in our history, the Earl of Tyrone, Hugh O'Neill, and the Earl of Tyrconnell, Rory O'Donnell, spent time in Leuven with their families that winter. The Franciscan friars of the Irish College of St. Anthony hosted many of the O'Donnell clan and they are buried in the college. Later, nearly 11,000 Irishmen were buried in the Flanders fields and throughout Belgium during the First World War. The relationship between our two countries has flourished as a result of our shared membership of the union of nations that is the European Union, where we have worked together on issues of multilateralism, shared interests and support for the United Nations.”
“I welcome to the Gallery two special guests of Senator O'Loughlin, Joeleen Dyland and her son James, who has a huge interest in politics. We look forward to James coming back to Leinster House in the future, perhaps to work in the office with Senator O'Loughlin and maybe later as an elected Member of Seanad Éireann or Dáil Éireann. We are delighted to have him here and we look forward to seeing him again in the Houses of the Oireachtas in the very near future. It is also my pleasure to welcome the Belgian ambassador to Ireland, H. E. Nicolas Nihon. We will mark Belgian National Day later this month. There is a long and enduring friendship between our two countries dating back through the centuries to the time of St. Brigid, St. Dymphna and St. Foillan, who apparently spent time in Bruges. The Deputy Leader has been a great advocate of St.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the roll-out of a nationwide DNA dog testing trial. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for older people to make a statement on the provision of funding for further expansion and roll-out of the falls management exercise programme. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Stephenson, O'Loughlin, Fitzpatrick and Kennelly and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on funding to ensure adequate transport is provided for national sporting events. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the timeline for a comprehensive review of the design manual for urban roads and streets. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the decision not to allocate an additional junior infant teacher to St. Corban's National School, Naas, County Kildare. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the approval of tender documents for the construction of the eastern Garavogue bridge and approach roads in Sligo.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the third phase of the women's health action plan. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health to provide an update on an early intervention youth mental health service for Kildare. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the Government's response to the recommendations from the local democracy task force final report, in particular the local electoral boundary review.”
“The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its considerations of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No. 3) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No. 4) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No. 5) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No. 6) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No. 7) Regulations 2026, and the Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations 2026.”
“Amendment No. 3 has been ruled out of order because of a potential charge to the Exchequer. Amendments Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 8 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will wait for the Minister.”
“I welcome some guests from Liffey College with Councillor Ammar Ali and Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, and guests of Senator Joe O'Reilly and the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and thank you for being here.”
“Instead, the amendment seeks to make provision in law for a wholly new policy matter, that is, the creation of a strategic master plan by each local authority in the State setting out planning matters for their functional areas for a 30-year basis. The amendment specifies matters to be assessed in those plans and specifies that the plan shall be reviewed every ten years. This is a significant policy development which would give rise to a significant work within the Department of housing, but also within the 31 local authority areas. The scope of the matter proposed to be examined in this report could not feasibly be seen as within the existing resources of the Department and could not be covered by the concept of the flexible service. Therefore, unfortunately, I have to rule that out of order.”
“Amendment No. 4 is in the name of Senator McCarthy. The Senator has requested that the reason behind the ruling out of order of amendment No. 4 be read into the record. The amendment by the Senator would oblige the Minister to conduct a report within two years of enactment, detailing how each planning authority shall prepare a report detailing the arrangements for the preparation of a 30-year strategic master plan by planning authorities. While most report-style amendments seeking reviews of the operation of policy containing within a Bill to be enacted, this amendment is not related to reviewing existing policy within the Bill.”
“They are all heading to Valentia Island for the great twinning between Valentia Island and Heart's Content in Newfoundland in Canada where the cable from Valentia connected the new world with the old, transformed the way we communicated and brought our two countries closer together. To James and all the delegation, we are delighted to have them back so soon. This is going to become a monthly event, I think. James was here last month with the Canadian Prime Minister. We look forward to the Prime Minister and a delegation coming back again soon. I thank them for being here today.”
“How about the French and the Spanish? Let us not forget Argentina and England tomorrow. I cannot wait to hear everybody's comments on that one. Before I call on Seanadóir O'Reilly, I welcome H.E. Dennis King, ambassador of Canada to Ireland. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I also welcome my good friend James Maloney, MP, head of delegation for the Ireland-Canadian friendship group, along with Senators Raymonde Saint-Germain and Manuelle Oudar; and Elisabeth Briere, MP; Patrick Bonin, MP; and Kevin Waugh, MP. We also welcome the association's secretary, along with Anne-Marie Therrien-Tremblay, here as association advisor, and Jackie Ellis.”
“I welcome to the Gallery, all the way from the Roughty Valley in Kerry, Mr. Christy Hussey. He has soldiered long and hard on hurling fields in Kerry in matches between our nearest neighbours, Kilgarvan and Kenmare. I have participated in some of those battles myself. I use that word because they were far closer to being battles than hurling matches.”
“I welcome my colleague from Kerry, the former Senator Ned O'Sullivan. It is great to see him back in the Seanad. I am sure he is missing us but, as he would know, it was Pádraig Kennelly of Kerry's Eye who used to say that a day outside Kerry was a day wasted. I am sure Ned is enjoying life in Listowel and an active retirement with the Listowel Writers' Week Literary Festival and everything else. It is great to see him back here in Seanad Éireann. Anois, an Seanadóir Andrews.”
“I join with the Senator in welcoming Councillor Duffy to the Gallery. She is most welcome. In a strange twist of events I think I spent an extended period of time in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with her sister. There is a whole story behind that but I will buy Councillor Duffy a coffee and explain that one to her.”
“I remind Members about public utterances and, obviously, the balance between the public good and the right of individuals, and to make sure that we do not cause injury or harm as they are not here to defend themselves. However, the public good is of the utmost importance to all Senators in their contributions in the Chamber.”
“A few people got a copy of "The Wind That Shakes the Barley", back in the day when DVDs were DVDs. I thank the deputy head of mission for being here on this very busy day as France celebrates its national day, and wish France all the best in the World Cup this afternoon.”
“France is obviously now our nearest EU neighbour, and there are 200 flights and 40 maritime connections on a daily basis between Ireland and France. We look forward to more of its people coming to Ireland, given the fact that our weather is slightly better than the weather over there at the moment. Educational links between Ireland and France go back to the 20th century. The Centre Culturel Irlandais and the historic Irish College in Paris were places of learning when those opportunities were not available here in Ireland. We have won a few awards at the Cannes Film Festival, not least for "The Wind That Shakes the Barley", with which I am very familiar and which was filmed in our part of the world.”
“He returned to Ireland to fly a tricolour flag for the first time on 7 March of the same year. The links between us go back centuries but we also are glancing forward on this day as we recognise that Ireland and France have links on economic as well as strategic fronts. France is our fifth largest trading partner and France is Ireland's fourth largest source for tourist destinations. We have agencies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland working hard through our embassy in Paris, and there are 30,000 French people employed by Irish companies across the Republic. There are approximately 12,000 French people living here in Ireland, no doubt getting ready to celebrate their day of national unity in the sense of the 1790s, but also the storming of the Bastille.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the deputy head of mission from the French Embassy to Ireland. Today is Bastille Day, marking France's national day, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which defined the French Revolution. It is also the celebration of French unity in 1790. The French Revolution gave truth to the ideas of liberté, égalité and fraternité, which resonated in Ireland at the same time, with the rebellion here in 1798. In the room adjoining this Seanad Chamber is the portrait of Theobald Wolfe Tone in the French colours. Of course, the French national flag was the inspiration for, and the origin of, the Irish flag, which was presented to Thomas Francis Meagher in March 1848.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the roll-out of a nationwide DNA dog testing trial. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Sharon Keogan, Joanne Collins, Mark Duffy and Shane Curley and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the Government's response to the recommendations from the local democracy task force final report, in particular the local electoral boundary review. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the approval of tender documents for the construction of the eastern Garvoge bridge and approach roads in Sligo. Senator Victor Boyhan - The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the AshforFuture research project on ash dieback. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on funding to ensure adequate transport is provided for supporters travelling to national sporting events.”
“Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of funding to deliver the Limerick BusConnects programme. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the measures being taken to improve accessibility for people with disabilities within our towns and villages. Senator Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the establishment of a dedicated school support dog grant scheme to support the placement of highly trained school support dogs in schools. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the clinical pathways for young adults with spinal and urological surgical needs who migrate from child to adult services.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the expansion of the free travel scheme to Northern Ireland. Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on school transport and in particular the need for increased capacity in County Limerick. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the development of a new Mayo headquarters for Tusla on Moneen Road, Castlebar. Senator Shane Curley - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the need for a health technology assessment for the use of continuous glucose monitors by patients with type 2 diabetes.”
“Amendments Nos. 27, 28, 32 and 34 are related. Amendment No. 28 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 27. Amendments Nos. 27, 28, 32 and 34 may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Amendments Nos. 2, 8 to 12, inclusive, 15 and 17 are related. Amendment No. 9 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 8. Amendments Nos. 11 and 12 are physical alternatives to amendment No. 10. Amendment No. 12 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 11. Amendments Nos. 2, 8 to 12, inclusive, 15 and 17 may be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Catherine Callaghan, and also, from the University of Galway, a group who are guests of Deputy Mairéad Farrell. I think they are here about economic policy. I also welcome the guests of Deputy Holly Cairns. They are all welcome to Seanad Éireann. I call Senator Harmon. Is she sharing time?”
“He was from Bundoran, in County Donegal. I thank Senator Cosgrove, who brought many of the family members to Leinster House today as part of the recognition of their service all those years ago. This recognition is long overdue. I thank Linda and Conor and all the family members who are here in Seanad Éireann today.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome family members of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. We also have Linda and Conor McManus, who are part of a group of families of those who were the last prisoners of the War of Independence to be released. The were known as the Peterhead Ten. Many of them suffered in the prison in north-east Scotland, in Aberdeenshire, where there were held until 100 years ago. They were released in 1926, many years after the War of Independence and all other prisoners had been released. Those prisoners were: Sean Flood; Jim Davis; William Reilly; Joseph Lee; Frank Reilly; John Kiernan; Bernie Sweeney; Charlie Reynolds; John Joe Griffin and Joseph Reynolds. The very last prisoner released was a Thomas McShea who may have served in Seanad Éireann for six months.”
“Senator Clonan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 20 would be taken before No. 1." It was seconded by Senator McCarthy. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.”
“-----after a Senator had completed their speech. You can interrupt a Senator during their speech but you have to ask permission. If the Senator allows you to do so 30 seconds time will be added on to the Senator who gives way. After the speech it becomes the next Senator's time.”
“I will give the Senator more time, but just so everyone is aware of Standing Orders 52 and 53, the balance of those is that anybody who speaks in this House must be conscious of any utterances they make injuring the "occupation, trade, office or financial credit" of the person or entity they are speaking about balanced with the public good. Every Senator who comes in here has that obligation of doing both, so they have to take that into account when they are doing it. Senator Andrews, if he would like to continue.”
“I welcome the guests of Deputy Noel McCarthy in the Public Gallery along with two work experience students, guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, as well as Lucan Youth Fun Group, guests of Deputy Gogarty. I do not know about their definition of fun but I am sure being in the Seanad must be high on the list of fun things to do in Dublin. I now call Senator Clonan.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the future expansion of the basic income for the arts scheme. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the expansion of the free travel scheme to Northern Ireland. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Costello, Martin Conway, Clonan and Cosgrove, so nearly all the C surnames today. Senator Keogan may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.”
“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 Health to make a statement on measures being taken to improve access to lymphoedema services across Ireland. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the establishment of a consultant-led air ambulance base to provide emergency cover for the west Clare area. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the mandatory reporting guidelines where healthcare professionals are obliged to immediately report child safety concerns and to outline any circumstances where these guidelines should not be followed.”
“Before I call Senator O'Reilly I welcome guests of Deputy Sheehan from the United States of America, as well as guests of Deputy Malcolm Byrne, who are teachers with a Gorey connection, I think. Enjoy the school holidays.”
“I remind Senators that when they are making comments in relation to entities or people, they must be mindful of balancing the common good and the public interest with the rights of those entities or people their good name and reputation.”
“Tiernach's Park, Clones, County Monaghan. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the future expansion of the basic income for the arts scheme. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Maria McCormack, Eileen Lynch, Dee Ryan and Robbie Gallagher and they will be taken now. Senator Nessa Cosgrove may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.”