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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“As it is now past 5.20 p.m. I am required to put the following question in accordance with the 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 Schedule is hereby agreed to in Committee; and the Title is hereby agreed to in Committee." Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome a former colleague of Senator Noel O'Donovan to the Gallery, from New Ross, Garda Kevin Burke and his son Evan. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Thank you for being here today. I hope you enjoy your visit.”
“Before I put the question, I welcome fourth year students from the Intermediate School, Killorglin, Deputy Cahill and Councillor Cahill. I thank them for coming today. It is the unwritten rule and protocol that there is no homework for the rest of the week when people visit Seanad Éireann. I just want to make sure that is known. Senator Cosgrove proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 14 be taken before No. 1", which was seconded by Senator Harmon. The Leader indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment.”
“I welcome the students from Kiltra music school. They will perform in the main hall at 5 o’clock for the Christmas lights ceremony. It will not be outside just in case anyone gets blown away. I thank the guests of the Ceann Comhairle.”
“I wish to let Senators know that we will be doing a minute's silence for the late former Senator, Minister and TD. I pass on our sympathies to his family and friends, and his constituents, whom he worked so hard for down through the years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
“Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of hereditary ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegias and myalgic encephalomyelitis in the long-term illness scheme. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the measures in place to ensure the safe use of e-scooters. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Alison Comyn, Gerard P. Craughwell, Victor Boyhan and Gareth Scahill and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the extension of the local authority drawdown scheme for local development levy waiver scheme applicants who met commencement timelines but did not apply for the waiver on time. 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. 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.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the new school building for Marymount National School, Ballsgrove, Drogheda, County Louth. Senator Gerard P. Craughwell - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the regulation of the taxi sector, in particular the current fixed pricing issues. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the provision of services in Tailte Éireann and the resources available to it to carry out its functions.”
“His passing is a great lost to his homeplace of Clarecastle, to County Clare and to Ireland. His legacy will be enduring in the policies that he shaped and the example that he set. On behalf of this House, I am sure that we express our deepest condolences and sympathies to his children, Leonora, Joe and Donal, his brothers, sisters, grandchildren and all his extended family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I ask Members to be upstanding to the memory of former Senator, Donal Carey.”
“He was appointed Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for western development and rural renewal and also a Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, with responsibility for the Gaeltacht. In those roles, he was a champion of rural communities and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impact on rural Ireland. He dedicated his career to ensuring rural Ireland had a strong voice at national level. He was a proud member of the Clarecastle GAA club. He served there in numerous capacities: chairman; secretary; treasurer; and president. In a statement, the club said they had lost a favourite son who left a legacy that would not be matched. Donal's life was one of service, one of integrity and one of dedication.”
“I welcome Deputy Cleere and Tom Dalton from Boolyglass, on the latter's 70th birthday, to the Seanad. Before the Order of Business, I unfortunately must inform the House of the death of a former Member who passed away suddenly, the former Minister of State, Donal Carey from Clarecastle in County Clare. He was educated at St. Flannan's College and University College Dublin. He had a committed life of public service since 1974 when he was elected to Clare County Council, topping the poll as a Fine Gael candidate. He entered national politics as a Senator on the labour panel in 1981 before being elected to Dáil Éireann in 1982 where he served for two decades.”
“I appreciate the Minister of State is taking this on behalf of the Department. It is not her Department but, this time, we will ask for the Minister or a Minister of State from the Department to come in and actually answer the question. I ask any Senator who feels they are in a similar position to Senator Ryan, where they put in a question and it is not even referred to in the answer, to please let me know so we can address this issue. I know it is an issue that has come up in the Dáil in relation to TDs getting similar answers that do not refer to the question they have posed. We will picking this for a third time.”
“I thank the Minister of State. We will be taking this Commencement matter again. This will be the third time I have had to pick this Commencement matter. It is not because of the Senator or the question; it affects all Senators. I will read out the full question: the need for the Minister for Transport to extend Leap card fares access and improve train service for students travelling from north Cork, including Banteer and Millstreet, to Cork city. The reply does not mention Banteer or Millstreet. It mentions Cobh and Midleton. The answer does not provide any reference to the particular towns that were mentioned. I understand about the operational issues. I understand all of that, as we all do, but there are elements in this that have no relevance to the answer the Senator was looking for.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, is most welcome to Seanad Éireann this morning. The first Commencement matter is from Senator Nicole Ryan. The Senator submitted it previously but the answer provided by the Department did not even address one of the matters raised in the question. I have used the rules of the Seanad to allow this Commencement matter to come back in again.”
“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 I have selected those raised by Senators Nicole Ryan, Joe Conway, Alison Comyn, Noel O'Donovan, Shane Curley and Linda Nelson Murray, and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the extension of the local authority drawdown scheme for local development levy waiver scheme applicants who met commencement timelines but did not apply for the waiver on time. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on measures in place to ensure the safe use of e-scooters. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the provision of additional funding to local authorities to ensure the maintenance of local roads, in particular in County Cavan.”
“Senator Shane Curley - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the fast-tracking of school extension applications for secondary schools in Loughrea, County Galway, in the next round of capital funding. 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 for Insurance Reform. 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 Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on plans to address the national waiting list for cataract surgery.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: 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 Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of the shingles vaccination free of charge to all persons over 65. Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the restoration of funding for the Red Door Project, Drogheda, County Louth. 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.”
“Senator Rabbitte has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated he is willing to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.”
“Before I call on the next speaker I welcome Deputy Michael Cahill here today, along with a constituent who is from Ukraine but living in Killarney. I thank Deputy Cahill and his constituent for being here on this historic day when we had the address of her President.”
“Our guiding star must be international law and rules-based order, with respect for sovereign nations. It is the only way we can ensure a stable and just Europe, a Europe that rose from the ashes of conflict in pursuit of a peaceful future. There must be peace; it must be a lasting peace. We on this island have known violence and struggle, a violence that devastated our communities, but we now know peace. Ireland and Europe have stood with and will continue to stand with Ukraine, and we hope Ukraine finds a just peace in the near future. As Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, and on behalf of the Members of Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann, I thank you for being here today, Mr. President, and I thank all those who made it possible. A Uachtaráin, thank you for addressing the Houses of the Oireachtas. Go raibh míle maith agat. Slava Ukraini.”
“There are children in Ukraine who have never known a day's safety, never known a day's peace, whose parents go to sleep in often freezing temperatures without power or heat, wondering if they will be awakened by air raid sirens. They continue to endure that terrible reality. There is no explanation that you can give a child for what is happening in Ukraine. That is not because they are too young to understand; it is because what is happening is wrong and cannot be justified. In the 21st century, in a world facing many challenges, we cannot accept the devastation that has been put upon innocent children and their families, some of whom are here today, who had to flee their homes and their livelihoods and journey thousands of kilometres into the unknown. We must resist aggression at every turn.”
“When we met with you in your office I wondered how you remained so calm amid all the chaos. There we witnessed first-hand the harrowing consequences of Russia’s war. In Bucha we saw the mass graves of those killed by the Russian army. In Irpin on the outskirts of Kiev we met with those citizens who had turned soldiers and who had stopped the Russian army and turned them back. Mr. President, during your inauguration speech in 2019, you told your officials not to put your picture on the walls of their offices but to put pictures of their children on the walls of their offices and to look at them each time they made a decision. This, a chairde, cuts to the core of our Irish and European values, values that promise freedom, integrity and equality.”
“A Uachtarán Zelenskyy, a Cheann Comhairle agus a dhaoine uaisle, President Zelenskyy, Ceann Comhairle and distinguished guests, on behalf of Members of both Houses and on my own behalf, I thank you for being here today at the heart of our democracy, and for the address delivered to this joint sitting of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. In 2022, when I had the privilege of giving the closing remarks to your online address to these Houses, I said that as we sat here in Dublin, missiles and bombs were descending on the innocent women, children and men of Ukraine. I could not have imagined that three years, seven months and 26 days later, Russia’s war of aggression would be continuing to visit unspeakable atrocities on the people of Ukraine. A month after that address I travelled to Ukraine with the then Ceann Comhairle.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the Bolton Street class of 1991 to 1994. If Members want to know any secrets from my days in college, they are the people to ask. Thankfully, there was no social media back then so absolutely nothing happened and everything is a rumour and hearsay. They will be in the bar later and if Members want to hear about my time as the class representative, and there was some issue about calculators, though I cannot remember the details, they will tell them all about it.”
“Before I call the Leader to respond to the Order of Business, I welcome the guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, to the Gallery. I believe there are guests from the United States here as well.”
“We acknowledge Ilinca, who is not in the Chamber at the moment, who works in the Seanad office and who has given me some of the pronunciations, which I am not getting 100% right. We thank her for working here, having made the journey from Romania herself. On this, the national day and to mark the friendship between Ireland and Romania we thank the ambassador for taking the time out to mark 1 December. La muli ani, România. I think that is the pronunciation; Ilinca did her best. Before I ask the Leader to outline the Order of Business, as the Leas-Chathaoirleach is the chair of the friendship group and to mark Romania's national day, I ask her to say a few words.”
“It was not easy, having to endure many years of communist oppression, but in December 1989 the courage and sacrifice of the people of Romania was seen live on our television screens in Ireland, returning Romania to the European union of nations and eventually to being a member of the European Union, along with ourselves, and working together on many issues across the world and across Europe. We established diplomatic relations in 1990 and the latest census states there are 40,000 Romanians in Ireland, but the ambassador tells me there might be quite a few more. As ever, in a global world, people come and go in the European Union and the Romanian language is taught in some of our schools.”
“Before the Leader proposes the Order of Business, I welcome the ambassador of Romania to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery along with members of the staff form the embassy here. We are marking Romania's national day. Our Leas-Chathaoirleach is also chair of the friendship group between Ireland and Romania. I welcome them here in advance of their national day. On 1 December 1918, Romania took its first steps towards statehood, had a national assembly in Alba Iulia - I think that is the city - and proclaimed the unification of the people of Romania, a defining moment on Romania's long journey to statehood.”
“Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on cardiologist waiting times at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare. 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 in Sligo. 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 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. I have selected Senators Costello, Ruane, Lynch and O'Loughlin and they will be taken now.”
“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 Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the mechanisms in place for local authorities and approved housing bodies to deal with recurring breaches of tenancy agreements by tenants. Senator Lynn Ruane - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review housing legislation to ensure children do not have to attend court proceedings in respect of local authority tenancies in which they are occupiers. 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.”
“I thank the Minister of State for joining us in Seanad Éireann today and thank all those who spoke on the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025. When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?”
“I welcome Deputy Pádraig Rice and his guests to the Gallery. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Just so they know, people wearing school uniforms always deserve to have no homework for the rest of the week. We can do that in the Seanad; I do not think they can do it in the Dáil. I thank the Deputy for being here.”
“Before I call Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, I welcome Sonya Stokes, Shaneda Daly and Leona O'Callaghan, three amazing women who are guests of Senator Maria McCormack. I believe we also have guests here of Senator O'Loughlin from Network Ireland. They are most welcome.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Alice-Mary Higgins, Robbie Gallagher, Gareth Scahill and Patricia Stephenson and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for financial services, credit unions and insurance to provide an update on the action plan on insurance reform. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the status of Portlaoise courthouse. 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 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.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the programme for Government commitments to the access and inclusion model including supporting funding to ensure children with disabilities can fully participate in the early childhood care and education programme. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the current treatment pathways for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 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 in Sligo. 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.”
“I have to inform the House that a letter dated 20 November 2025 has been received from the Secretary to the Government regarding the resignation and appointment of members of the Government and the appointment of Ministers of State. The letter will be recorded in the Journal of the House. I congratulate all those Ministers who were appointed. I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Alice-Mary Higgins - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the cultural capital scheme and the artist workspaces capital scheme. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the progress made on the re-establishment of town councils.”
“I have to inform the House that a letter dated 20 November 2025 has been received from the Secretary to the Government regarding the resignation and appointment of members of the Government and the appointment of Ministers of State. The letter will be recorded in the Journal of the House. I congratulate all those Ministers who were appointed.”
“As fewer than five Senators have risen I declare the question defeated. In accordance with Standing Order 61, the names of Senators who stood will be recorded in the Official Report and the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.”
“As fewer than five Senators have risen, the amendment is defeated. In accordance with Standing Order 61, the names of Senators who stood will be recorded in the Official Report and the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.”
“Before I put the question, I welcome guests of Senator Malcolm Noonan from the Third Age Foundation and AgeWell. Apparently, they will be giving out advice later to any Senators who want to join the foundation. They are led by Jimmy Lenihan, who is from Kilkenny. He is a master thatcher as well. He will be giving out advice on thatching roofs as well as ageing well. I also welcome Mike Murphy. I would say Mike Murphy from RTÉ. Mike, you look exactly the same as you did when you were on the "The Live Mike", so if anyone has the secret of ageing well it is Mike Murphy. Everyone will always remember the sketch with the late, great Gay Byrne. It must be one of the most iconic moments on Irish television. It was at Trinity College, where you pretended to be French. The former Minister of State, former Deputy Áine Brady, is also most welcome.”
“There is 15 minutes left and there are five speakers. Will the speakers limit their contributions to three minutes? I also welcome the former general secretary of Fine Gael, Ivan Doherty, and his wife to the Seanad. They are most welcome. They are guests of Senator Joe O'Reilly and are most welcome.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh from the Association of Retired Ambulance Personnel. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for all their service down through the years. It is greatly appreciated by all the families and friends of those who they have attended in their time of need. I also welcome guests of Deputy Mattie McGrath from Bridgewater House to Seanad Éireann. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.”
“Before I ask if the Order of Business is agreed to, I welcome Deputy Cormac Devlin to the Chamber with Eimear Kelly and Debbie Baron. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for coming today.”
“I am sorry to interrupt the Deputy Leader. I welcome Millstreet Community School. I know they are on a tour and have to keep to a timeline. They are guests of Deputy Aindrias Moynihan. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. As is the unofficial rule of Seanad Éireann, there is no homework for the rest of the week when you visit. I thank the Deputy Leader for wishing us all a happy International Men's Day.”
“I would like to thank you for sharing your lived experience and thank Senator Nelson Murray for bringing up that important matter today. I welcome guests of Senator Fiona O'Loughlin: Tony O’Halloran, Colm Somers and Alex Byrne. You are all welcome to Seanad Éireann.”
“I welcome to the Gallery Senator Cosgrove, her niece and nephew Sadhbh and Seán O'Callaghan, her sister-in-law Tara and their friends Muireann, Aisling and Tom. I am glad the Senator is looking after them.”
“1 National School in Cavan town and on the establishment of a special class in the school in September 2026. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Dee Ryan, Linda Nelson Murray and Malcolm Noonan and they will be taken now. Senator Garret Ahearn had to withdraw his Commencement matter because he was not able to be here today. Senator Pauline Tully may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.”
“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 Malcolm Noonan - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on plans for a national children's health record system for Irish healthcare services. Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on remuneration packages for local authority councillors and to outline any planned reforms. Senator Pauline Tully - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the additional special needs assistants allocation for Cavan No.”