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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“Before I call the next speaker I welcome a guest of Senator Mary Fitzpatrick. Eoin Williams from Castletroy College is most welcome here today. I hope you enjoy your visit. Anois, an Seanadóir Cosgrove.”
“The fact that the song “The Wonder of You” was sung at his funeral was a fitting tribute to Brian. He received recognition outside of electoral politics, including membership of the Council of State during the Presidency of Mary McAleese. His influence was not only through his electoral record but an example of his life in public service was his great reputation with his European colleagues. Beyond his public achievement, he was devoted to family. On behalf of this House, I wish to express our deepest condolences to his mother, Sally, his brother Niall, and his sisters Maeve, Deirdre and Fiona. I ask Members to be upstanding.”
“His presence in Leinster House alone meant that it had to be made wheelchair accessible for the first time. Brian Crowley faced long periods of illness during his later years as a Member of the European Parliament, spending long periods in Ward 2B in Cork University Hospital. His family and all of us extend our greatest gratitude to the staff there. He retired in 2019 after 25 years of public service in Europe. In addition to his political life, Brian had a deep interest in music and community. Before entering public life, he fronted the band Galaxy, performing on many an occasion at the Rose of Tralee and throughout Munster. His musical ability, humour and sociability were often remembered by family, friends and colleagues this week, and he often performed at Shanley's Bar in Cork.”
“His constituency performance was such that you could weigh his votes easier than you could count them. During his time in Europe, he spent a lot of time on the ground at constituency focus. His personal engagement with voters all across Munster was widely recognised, doing extensive door-to-door canvasses - unusual for European elections. He was a once-in-a-generation politician who was greatly supported by Manus O'Callaghan and Annette Lawson. We spent many an hour on the campaign trail together. His European career included contributions to various legislation. A notable one was extending copyright protection in the European Union for the music industry, which he loved so much. Throughout his time in Europe, Brian advocated strongly for people on the margins, drawing from his own experience.”
“Despite the life-changing events, he continued to pursue his ambitions with determination, after a period of rehabilitation in Dublin. His mother and father were told that he would not live beyond the age of 25 when they met with the consultants. He beat those odds, as he beat many other odds. He studied law and became increasingly active in politics, being appointed in 1993 to this House by the then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. In 1994, he sought a place on the Fianna Fáil ticket for the election to the European Parliament at the convention in Cork City Hall, where I voted for him myself for the first time. This marked the beginning of an extensive run of electoral successes, from 1994 to 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014, representing Munster and then Ireland South in the European Parliament.”
“Members will have been saddened to hear of the death on Friday of former Senator and MEP Brian Crowley. His life, as described by his brother yesterday at the funeral, was defined by family, friends, faith and fun. The thing Brian always said is that when people need your help, you should be there for them. This was informed by his incredible faith. As Niall said, if Brian does not have a front-row seat in heaven, the rest of us are in serious trouble. Brian was born into a family deeply connected to public life. He grew up immersed in constituency politics, spending weekends with his father Flor, going around the constituency clinics in Cork listening to the people. At the age of 16, he sustained life-transforming injuries, being permanently paralysed in the lower limbs.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators O'Loughlin, McCarthy, McCormack and Gallagher and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the location of a site for a purpose-built special school for children in County Monaghan. 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 Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the planned expansion of the family resource centre programme this year. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the removal of the restriction in special schools on the attendance of students after their 18th year.”
“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 Health to make a statement on ensuring that delayed breast construction for mastectomy patients is considered to be part of the whole treatment process. 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 Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of supervised detoxification beds in Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, County Laois.”
“It is very important that the Border between the North and South remains open to prevent a return to the violence we fought so hard to get rid of. I invite the Leas-Chathaoirleach to say a few words of welcome to the ambassador, if that is okay.”
“As well as wishing everybody a happy Christmas and all the best in 2025, I welcome H.E. Ms Kara Owen, the Ambassdor of the United Kingdom to Ireland. The ambassador is most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. We are delighted to have her in here on this, our last day before the recess. Before we get into 2026, we look forward to working with the ambassador in relation to sustaining the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement, which was only made possible through the great collaboration between the British and Irish Governments, the European Union and the United States of America. I said to the ambassador earlier - I do not think I am breaking confidence - that we miss the United Kingdom in the European Union. We are sorry that it left but I thank the ambassador for her co-operation when it comes to the outworkings of Brexit.”
“I thank the Minister so much for coming into Seanad Éireann today for all Stages of the Appropriation Bill 2025. Before I call on the first speaker, I wish everyone a happy Christmas. I thank all the staff - Carmel, Martin and all the crew - for their work throughout what has been more than an interesting year in terms of our throughput of work. I thank all the Senators for their co-operation, the ushers and all the people who make Leinster House work so well. I thank the Ministers for their great attendance and I thank the Minister, Deputy Chambers, for being here today.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome guests of Senator Brady. They are Councillor Anna Grainger, Séamus Kane from Longford and Tommy Conroy, who has come all the way from the United States. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Gabhaim buíochas leo for being here.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Con Quigley, Dr. Úna Ní Bhroiméil, Eanna Ó Coigligh and Oisín Mag Fhógartaigh to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery. They are guests of Senator Dee Ryan and they are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they are enjoying their visit. I thank Senator Ryan for bringing them here. I believe that to describe Dr. Ní Bhroiméil as a big fan of history would be an understatement.”
“I welcome guests of Deputy John Paul O'Shea to Seanad Éireann. They are here from the Committee for Communities in Stormont. I thank them for being here. Senator Harmon has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 10 be taken before No. 2", which has been seconded by Senator Collins. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.”
“Now we are joined by staff and pupils from St. Brigid's National School in Clonegal, County Carlow. I was wondering why our other visitors looked so bemused. Our visitors are wearing the Carlow colours and are very welcome. They are guests of Deputy Catherine Callaghan. If they bump into the visitors from the other school, please apologise to them for the mix-up. The pupils from St. Brigid's are most welcome. I love the Carlow colours in their school uniform. As we said to the other school, there will be no homework for the rest of the year.”
“Before I call on the next speaker I welcome pupils from Clonegal National School in County Carlow who are guests of Deputy Catherine Callaghan. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and they will have no homework for the rest of the year. I think that is the new ruling.”
“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. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Robbie Gallagher, Chris Andrews, Eileen Lynch and Dee Ryan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“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 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. 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.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Robbie Gallagher - the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for local and regional roads in the Cavan and Monaghan area. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the omnibus package negotiations. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on community groups and not-for-profit organisations paying commercial rates for water and wastewater connection fees. Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the recommendations arising from the HIQA review of HSE mid-west.”
“I welcome Scoil Mhuire from Trim in County Meath, guests of Deputy Dempsey. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. One of the protocols of Seanad Éireann is there is no homework for the rest of the week. Make sure you tell your teacher that.”
“Before I read out the question, I remind visitors to the Gallery that the only people allowed to speak in this Chamber are Members of the Seanad and the Ministers who are here to take the legislation. If there are further contributions from the Gallery, they will be removed.”
“Again, that relates to Standing Order 42 of the Seanad, which I have read out. Amendment No. 40 provided that a child could not be placed in an adult unit for more than 72 hours before being transferred to an age-appropriate environment in close proximity to their home. The restriction of use of adult facilities could give rise to a charge on the Revenue as the State would be required to provide increased availability of age-appropriate centres across the country. Again, I go back to the point on the issue of Standing Order 42 in relation to charges. Any amendment that proposes that charge, whether the amendment has broad support or not, if it is introduced by a Senator and not by the Government, has to be ruled out of order under Standing Order 42.”
“Deleting "in so far as is practicable" has the effect of removing any flexibility in the provision of such services and may require the State to provide increased availability of age-appropriate centres throughout the country. The amendment therefore was ruled out of order. That has nothing to do with the merits of any amendment put forward by any Senator. That is in relation to the ruling of the House. It is regarding the Standing Orders of the House, which were agreed by all Members, on the issue around having an amendment that has a charge or potential charge on the Revenue. It is nothing to do with the amendment itself; it is in relation to Standing Order 42 and the potential charge.”
“In regard to amendment No. 39, the ruling is under Seanad Standing Order 42. The Standing Order of the Seanad is in relation to Bills and amendments that involve charges. I will read into the record Standing Order 42. It states: An amendment to a Bill, which could have the effect of imposing or increasing a charge upon the people or upon the revenue, may not be moved save by way of Government amendment. Amendment No. 39 deleted the clause "in so far as is practicable" from section 10(1)(d), which provides that a guiding principle in respect of children shall be that, "in so far as is practicable, that care and treatment shall be provided in an age-appropriate environment, and in close proximity to the child’s home or family".”
“I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. Amendments Nos. 37 and 38 are related. Amendment No. 38 is a physical alternative amendment No. 37. The amendments may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its consideration of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 9 December 2025.”
“As the time permitted for this debate has expired, I am required to put the following question in accordance with an order of the Seanad of this day: "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, the Bill is hereby received for final consideration and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“As it is 3 o'clock and we are supposed to take the Finance Bill now, I have to call the Leader to respond on the Order of Business. I apologise to the Senators who have just arrived. We normally give 50 minutes for the Order of Business.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for local and regional roads in the Cavan-Monaghan area. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Seán Kyne, Maria McCormack, Evanne Ní Chuilinn and Fiona O'Loughlin and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the new Curragh Community College at Magee Barracks, Kildare town, County Kildare. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the omnibus package negotiations. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on plans to address the national waiting list for cataract surgery. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on community groups and not-for-profit organisations paying commercial rates for water and wastewater connection fees.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the current bovine tuberculosis compensation ceiling limits, in particular when there is a removal of an entire pedigree herd. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the new regulations for blister packs due to be introduced in January 2026. Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on increased funding to ensure completion of works to ensure reliability and connectivity of bus routes, in particular the 80 bus route in Chapelizod, County Dublin.”
“Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the action plan for Irish in English-medium schools, in particular to ensure it is aligned with the primary language curriculum and the Common European framework of Reference for Languages. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the omnibus package negotiations. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Gallagher, Kennelly, Keogan and Noonan and they will be taken now. Senator Andrews may give notice on another day of the matter that he wishes to raise.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on amending legislation to introduce first aid and CPR to the driver theory test. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide greater investment in rural transport, in particular Local Link and demand-responsive transport services. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the non-commencement of section 6 of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014.”
“Dáil Éireann passed the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 10 December 2025, without amendment. Dáil Éireann passed the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 11 December 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“I welcome the Minister to the House and I apologise for the late start for this item. The debate will follow the normal pattern. The Minister will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes and all other Senators five minutes, and the Minister will be called on to reply no later than 10.20 p.m.”
“Senators Kelleher, Andrews, Joe O’Reilly, Keoghan, Brady, Craughwell and Rabbitte have indicated. In order to facilitate everyone, I ask that Senators keep their contributions to about two minutes each. I call Senator Kelleher.”
“I welcome guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Colm Brophy, Deputy Maeve O'Connell, and Senator Shane Curley. There is another vote in the Dáil Chamber and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, must leave.”
“We will continue with our consideration of the Bill. The Minister must come back in by order of the House at 8.10 p.m. and then Senator Frances Black will make her concluding remarks. As we have been interrupted by a Dáil vote, I will ask Members instead of the six minutes to contain their contributions to four minutes and then they will share time as we get closer to the end. We have about half an hour. I call Senator Joe Conway who has four minutes.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Mr. William Buttimer, who is the youngest brother of the Minister of State, Deputy Jerry Buttimer. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank him for coming here. The Minister of State has signed him in for the next two hours, so we look forward to his presence here for the next two hours. I hope he enjoys his time in Leinster House.”
“Amendments Nos. 36, 193, 200, 204, 208, 209, 213 to 216, inclusive, 219, 220, 223 to 227, inclusive, 230, 232, 239, 257, 283, 285, 287 and 289 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call Senator Ruane, I want to welcome Virginia McGregor and her husband, Bob, from Scranton, Pennsylvania. They are here on a trip from the US. I am delighted they are able to be here. The Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania are among the many Irish American organisations involved in the ad hoc committee for the protection of the Good Friday Agreement. I thank her for doing all she does on the America 250 Commission. She is also the treasurer of the Democratic National Committee. Virginia and Bob are most welcome. I thank them for being here today. I know they met the Government Chief Whip earlier. They can discus war stories about politics in general.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the students from Clarin College in Athenry, County Galway. I thank them for coming. As is our policy, there is no homework for the rest of the week for any school visiting the Seanad.”
“As Minister for Justice between 1973 and 1977, he faced one of the most challenging periods in our history. He will be remembered for his tremendous hard work and as someone who had a genuine passion for politics and improving the lives of his constituents in Longford and Westmeath. He remained active in the community after his service to the State. He was a great lover of rugby and history. All those who knew him will remember him for his wisdom, kindness and generosity of spirit. As a mark of respect, we will stand for a minute's silence. I pass on our condolences and sympathies to his children, Mark, Michael, Edward and Catherine, his sisters, grandchildren, and all his extended family and wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
“Members would have been saddened to hear of the passing of a former Member of this House and of Dáil Éireann, former Minister and MEP, Paddy Cooney. He was educated in Castleknock College and studied at UCD before moving to Athlone to work as a solicitor. He devoted his life to public service, starting as a county councillor in 1967. He was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1970, when he started a long career in national politics serving as a TD for Longford-Westmeath, as a Minister and Senator, and as Westmeath's first and, to date, only Member of the European Parliament. He had a distinguished career in Cabinet, serving as a Minister for Justice, Defence, Education, Transport and Posts and Telegraphs. In each role, Paddy brought courage, clarity and a deep sense of responsibility.”
“Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youthwith 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 matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Duffy, Boyle, O'Loughlin and Black and they will be taken now. I regret that I had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Lynch on the ground that the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Frances Black - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on supports in place for artists to ensure suitable alternative studio place is provided for those currently located at Ormond Art Studios and The Complex in Dublin. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the policy of Irish Water whereby community groups and not-for-profits have to pay commercial rates for water and wastewater connection fees. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide greater investment in rural transport, in particular Local Link and demand responsive transport services.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to amend the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 to allow for additional choice for persons in selection of birth certificates and privacy of records. Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the restoration of school dental services in Killybegs, County Donegal. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the second bridge for Newbridge, County Kildare linking Great Connell Road and Athgarvan Road.”
“The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its consideration of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 27 November 2025.”
“Amendments Nos. 15 to 17, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 16 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 15. Amendments Nos. 15 to 17, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”