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.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,010 lines we hold for Mark Daly, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 13 of 21.
“Senator Joanne Collins - the need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the effects of wind farms on rural communities. 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 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 genuine information and remove misinformation on social media platforms. 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.”
“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 Noel O'Donovan - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the renovation and construction works at Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, County Cork. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the completion date for the new school building for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, Dominick Street, Dublin 1. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on funding allocations to support the League of Ireland.”
“Senator Seán Kyne - the need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on speech and language therapy for children in Galway and plans to expand services, particularly in Connemara. 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-of model. Senator Gareth Scahill - the need for the Minister for Social Protection to increase the telephone support allowance by a minimum of €7.50, to develop an appropriate benchmark for this payment, and to expand its use in the context of broadband charges.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Malcolm Noonan - the need for the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy to provide an update on progress regarding the publication of marine protected areas legislation and the timeline for introduction to the Dáil and Seanad. Senator Dee Ryan - the need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the gap in funding for the CCTV monitoring system in Limerick. Senator Maria McCormack - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on Rathdowney fire station, County Laois.”
“Anois, before I call the Leader, I welcome the ambassador of Georgia to the House. He is a guest of Senator Joe Conway and Senator Aubrey McCarthy. We also welcome the ambassador of Barbados, who is a friend of Senator Joe Flaherty. They are both welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for being here. I call the Leader to respond on the Order of Business.”
“As the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland will have heard, Senator Ahearn has invited him to Tipperary for his next visit. If the Speaker does not have time to go there on this visit, I am sure the Senator will put him up in his house on the next occasion. However, he will always be welcome in County Kerry and can stay with me there. We will make sure he enjoys the scenery. The food is quite good there as well.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland. He is most welcome. I thank him for coming to Seanad Éireann today. He is joined by his ambassador and MPs [ Mikko Savola ] and [ Jenna Simula ]. They are most welcome. We had a great discussion on the importance of working together in the EU, recognising the immediate threat to Finland from its nearest neighbour, Russia, and how we should all work together in the EU to ensure that threat does not impinge on Finland’s security or sovereignty. We look forward to working with the delegates in the months and years ahead.”
“Before I call the first speaker, I welcome from County Clare Barefield National School from Doora-Barefield. They are most welcome. Would this be in the same area as St. Joseph's Barefield? Thanks for coming in. I also welcome Deputy Cormac Devlin with his guests. The Deputy is most welcome.”
“As Ireland assumes the Presidency of the European Union in the latter half of 2026, we look forward to working with the ambassador and the people of Austria in making sure the people of the EU and the world enjoy peace and prosperity together. I thank the ambassador for coming in here in advance of Austria's national day. Go raibh míle maith agat.”
“I welcome the ambassador from Austria here today. The ambassador is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. In October Austria celebrates its national day and we celebrate with them in the many and enduring links between Ireland and Austria. Obviously, as two militarily neutral countries in the European Union, we share a great interest in the work of the United Nations and work on peace and peacekeeping. Our connections go way back to the Wild Geese where many of those who left Ireland served in the continental army and in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Their long service is long remembered. One Irishman, Maximilian O'Donnell, who had been exiled from Ireland, became a prime minister under the Emperor Franz Josef and he saved the life of the emperor many years ago. Of course, our links now relate to peace and security in the European Union.”
“On behalf of this House, I express deepest condolences and sympathy to all his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I ask Members to be upstanding for one minute's silence in respect of the late former Senator, Michael Calnan.”
“Members will be saddened to have heard of the death of the former Member of this House, former county councillor and Chair of Cork County Council, Michael Calnan. Michael had many interests and talents. He had a great interest in Manchester United, I understand. He was a long-serving member of the council, was vice-principal of Maria Immaculata Secondary School in Dunmanway and a founding member of Dunmanway Credit Union. Michael was a proud member of the Labour Party and to his Labour Party colleagues, I express my deepest sympathies. He was an active member of the ASTI. Michael was elected to the Twentieth Seanad on the agricultural panel and he had a great knowledge of the Standing Orders of this House and of the county council. He had a long career, both in national and local politics. He had a love of music and played the guitar.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, to the House. Before I call Senator Keogan, I welcome Hanna Gregor and Hanna Steil from Cologne in Germany. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann. I also welcome the school from Athlone and thank the students for coming in today. I apologise if it is a transition year class. What happens is students get no homework for the rest of the week when they visit Seanad Éireann. If the students are from a transition year class that is not much good to them, but it carries over into fifth year if that is any help. There is no homework for the students from the Athlone school visiting today.”
“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. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on funding for the N85 realignment project, Ennis to Inagh, County Clare. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Sharon Keogan, Aubrey McCarthy, Garret Ahearn, Nessa Cosgrove, Dee Ryan and Robbie 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 Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the content of the proposed Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill 2025. Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the introduction of licences for the sale of tobacco and nicotine-inhaling products and if she will consider a derogation for small retailers and grocers. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on when spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency will be included in the heel prick test. 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 have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: 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 Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on his plans to address homelessness and the housing crisis. Senator Garret Ahearn - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on his communications with the European Commission to date in 2025 in respect of the impact of tariffs on the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors.”
“I am aware it is in the public domain. However, the Senator has a right to say things here that are not allowed to be said in the public domain and do not get put in the newspapers. What she might say here can be put in the newspapers regardless of any rules in relation to other people. I just want her to be aware of it. All Senators are aware of the Standing Orders. I just want the Senator to be careful.”
“I will allow the Senator extra time. I know many Members have raised issues of ongoing investigations that will lead to criminal procedures. I want the Senator to be very careful that she does not prejudice any criminal case against anybody by saying anything that would make that criminal case unprosecutable. I want her to be careful when using language. She is entitled to use any language she wants but she must be conscious.”
“Ireland and the United States share the distinction of having a statue of the President of the Czech Republic in their legislative assemblies. This October, on behalf of the Seanad and the people of Ireland, we wish the ambassador a happy independence day. I thank him for being here in Seanad Éireann today.”
“With the communist takeover following the Second World War, relations between Ireland and Czechoslovakia changed somewhat but we were delighted to see the re-establishment of an embassy here in 1993, and the Irish Republic established an embassy in Prague two years later. We share a common interest in the European Union. We thank the Czech Republic for its support for Ireland during the Brexit negotiations. Even though they feel like a lifetime ago now, we are still working our way through them. We will work closely together during our Presidency of the European Union next year. In this week of presidential elections, we are delighted to have a statue of a former President of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel, in Leinster House.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome my friend, the ambassador from the Czech Republic, Pavel Vošalík. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. In October of each year, the Czech Republic celebrates its independence day. It was in 1918 that an independent Czechoslovakia was declared in Prague. As we all know, many countries got their independence on foot of the end of the First World War. Ireland, curiously enough, was the only country of a winning power to gain any level of independence after the First World War. The Czechoslovakian republic was one of those who became an independent state as a result and in 1929 established a consulate here in Dublin.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on when spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency will be included in the heel prick test. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Nicole Ryan, Pauline Tully, Alison Comyn, Mary Fitzpatrick, Linda Nelson Murray and Mike Kennelly 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 of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to provide an update on the 1916 commemorative centre at the national monument 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin 1. 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. Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for the local improvement scheme. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the content of the occupied territories Bill.”
“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 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 Alison Comyn - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the process of formally recognising Drogheda as a city.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I thank the Taoiseach for his leadership and for coming to Seanad Éireann. We look forward to engaging with him and the Government in the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and being part of that discussion on the future of Europe again. Thank you for being here in Seanad Éireann, for meeting the Members and for discussing a huge range of topics. Go raibh míle maith agat. In accordance with the order of the Seanad of 14 October 2025, the Seanad stands adjourned until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 21 October 2025.”
“Under the rules of the House, the groups are allocated time. They allocated the time themselves. That was up to the groups. I spoke to the groups and they allocated the time. That is the way the Seanad works. The Senator will need to bring it up with her group.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the guests of Senator Pat Casey from the Wicklow Montessori Primary and Pre-school. Their teacher is Melanie Shortt and the pupils are from the third, fourth and fifth classes. As Senator Casey will tell you, there is no homework for the rest of the week when you visit Seanad Éireann. Anois, I call Senator Tully.”
“When Ireland takes over the Presidency from Cyprus in July, it will allow us to lead by example, to reaffirm the values and principles of the European Union and to advocate for a stronger Europe, one that upholds peace, democracy and solidarity in a challenging wold. I thank the Taoiseach for being here today. We look forward to his contribution.”
“Heretofore, EU legislation was being added to by Government Departments and being signed into Irish law by Ministers without the opportunity for Senators, TDs and Oireachtas committees to see them, bypassing the democratically elected Members and avoiding legislative scrutiny. Thanks to the Taoiseach's leadership, that will no longer happen. Next year, for the first time since 2013, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the European Union. The Presidency represents an opportunity for Ireland as a small nation to be at the heart of the European Union and to set the agenda at a pivotal time for the EU.”
“MEPs engage with the Seanad on a regular basis to ensure direct connection between the Seanad and the European Union. Europe has always been a theme of reports on Seanad reform. As Cathaoirleach, working with all the leaders and the groups, we sought the establishment of a committee on the scrutiny of EU legislation. The Taoiseach's leadership resulted in a Cabinet decision which has been implemented by the Seanad on the establishment of a committee on the scrutiny of EU legislation and a committee on transparency. This reform is more important now than ever. In any given year, the Oireachtas passes approximately 50 pieces of legislation whereas substantive EU legislation can account for 70 to 80 pieces of legislation, running to hundreds of pages.”
“During the Taoiseach's address to the Seanad in 2021, he spoke about the shared island unit working for the future of the entire island in a positive, practical and ambitious way and engaging with all communities and traditions. In that regard, he is literally building bridges. There have been a dozen reports on Seanad reform and we have implemented the reforms it is within the power of the Seanad to implement. Senators now can review the recommendations and reports of Oireachtas committees with the Ministers responsible for their implementation, to see in fact if those recommendations by TDs, Senators and committees are actually being put in place. Another reform which we have implemented is whereby Senators can invite their nominating bodies and panels to the Seanad to debate with the relevant Minister topics of concern and interest.”
“In his contribution on the 100th anniversary of the Seanad, the Taoiseach said, "The Seanad’s discussions about the future of our island are also very welcome." The Seanad Public Consultation Committee subsequently held hearings and discussions on the future of the island of Ireland, hearing the voices of young people from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We also heard from the Rev. Kyle Paisley, son of Ian Paisley. He participated in a discussion with other leaders of all religious faiths in the Seanad Chamber. That again shows how the Seanad can be a place of differing opinions and views, respectfully shared and, more importantly, listened to.”
“Local government is the basis and foundation for democracy in Ireland. Many people in Ireland, including the Taoiseach, began their political careers and lives in local government. We in the Seanad have engaged with all voices in our public consultation on the future of local democracy. One of the key recommendations, the establishment of a task force, was included in the programme for Government and that task force is now doing its important work. During our discussions on the future of local democracy, we had a councillor from the Democratic Unionist Party in the Seanad Chamber to discuss local democracy in Northern Ireland. That shows how the Seanad can be a bridge and how we can work together and learn from one another to improve the lives of all the people on this island.”
“I will have to check to see if that is in Standing Orders. We are deeply honoured that An Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Martin, is addressing us today. I ask Senators to be upstanding for the Taoiseach. I thank the Taoiseach for being with us in Seanad Éireann today. In his address to the Seanad on its 100th anniversary, he said the Seanad is "a place where it is possible to have a more reasoned and respectful debate". As 33 Senators are here for the first time, they may not have heard the Taoiseach's wise words but I am sure they agree with the sentiment that this is a place for respectful debate. Ireland has been one of strikingly few continuous democracies for the past 100 years. In an era when democracy is under attack on many fronts and from all sides, it is a lesson that we should never take for granted democracy in Ireland.”
“Students from St. Brigid's Boys' National School in Foxrock are in the Gallery. It is Harry Keane's 12th birthday. Harry, you are 12 years old today and you are in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Thank you for being here for the Taoiseach's address. I know he is looking forward to meeting you. As is traditional in the Seanad, and as it is Harry's birthday, there is no homework for any visiting school for the rest of the week.”
“The other guests from South Dakota State University are Rosemarie Nold, assistant dean and director of global agricultural leadership, and Joseph Santos, academic director and professor. They are most welcome to Ireland. I note they were out earlier with staff from University College Dublin, building on collaboration. Ireland is a gateway to Europe, but South Dakota, like Ireland, is a small state where you can get things done and you are always about one phone call away from the person who can make it happen. I thank our guests for coming to Seanad Éireann today.”
“Before calling the next speaker, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery our great friends from South Dakota State University: Dennis Hedge, the provost and vice-president for academic affairs; Sally Gillman, director of the study-abroad programme; and Dr. Joseph Cassady, dean of the department of agricultural, food and environmental sciences. I am not sure if Dr. Cassady is any relation to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
“Before I call the next speaker, from Kilcormac, I welcome our guests from Active Retirement Croí Óg and Coláiste Naomh Cormac. I thank them for being here today. We hope they enjoy their stay in Leinster House.”
“He was elected to the Fourteenth Seanad in 1981 and, with his knowledge, served this House with distinction. He was admired by all of his colleagues. On behalf of this House, I express our deepest condolences and sympathies to his loving wife Caroline, his sister Lelia, brothers Patrick and Matt, and all of his extended family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I ask Members to be upstanding for a minute's silence for former Member, Professor James Doolan.”
“Before I ask the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I know Members will be saddened to have heard of the death of a former Member of this House and a pioneering academic, Professor James Doolan. James was born in Cork and moved to Dublin. He graduated from University College Galway with a degree in English and French and qualified as a chartered accountant. He had many academic abilities, including being the first academic from Ireland to receive an MBA from Harvard Business School, in 1959. He joined the World Bank in Washington and was involved in many of its development projects. He went to lecture in UCD and the United States and also taught in Harvard Business School. He arrived back to Ireland in the 1970s and was appointed as a professor at University College Galway. He was part of its first MBA course.”
“I have selected Senators Boyhan, Ahearn, O'Loughlin and Gallagher and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters 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 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 in relation to solar farm planning applications. 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. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - the need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the timeline for the completion of the replacement facility at Clogher House, Rathcorrick, County Cavan. 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 Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on farmers who missed the application window for the forgotten farmers scheme.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Victor Boyhan - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the closure of mink farms and the status of the compensation scheme agreed with the affected operators. Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the recent €50 million funding announcement for the tillage sector. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - the need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health to make a statement on the funding of a Jigsaw project for Newbridge, County Kildare.”
“Senator Stephenson has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 11 be taken before No. 1". The amendment was seconded by Senator Frances Black. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call the Leader, I join our colleagues in extending our sympathies to the family of Senator Teresa Costello and to Senator Costello herself on the sad passing of her father, John Francis. I extend my sympathies to Councillor Niall "Botty" O'Callaghan from the Fáilte Hotel in Killarney, the home of hospitality in the kingdom, on the passing of his brother, Paudie, and also to my cousin, Councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald, on the death of his dad, Bob, who served as a garda and a teacher but was a farmer first and foremost. My sympathies to all of the Fitzgerald family on their sad bereavement.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I encourage Members to be on their best behaviour because members of the Claremorris Kickboxing Club are in the Gallery today as guests of Deputy Paul Lawless. It is nice to have a bit of enforcement in and around the House. Thanks for coming, lads.”
“In relation to naming people in the House - and I am sure the Senator has permission from the people in question but I am concerned that he is bringing other family members into it, children whose names will remain on the record - I advise caution.”
“Before I call the Leader on the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, all the way from the state of Maryland, Delegate Ken Kerr. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Ken has represented his community with distinction in District 3 and served as an English professor in Frederick Community College. He was also involved in committees on health and government operation, so if he has any advice on government operations, we would be most appreciative for any of his thoughts. He was involved in establishing the Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission, which he lifted and carried on his back single-handedly. For that, we are forever grateful. Go raibh maith agat.”
“That was an issue that was also raised. Phraseology and language are important. The decision was the following day, but it was not even alluded to in the answer. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I thank the Senator for raising that issue.”