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 15 of 21.
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, as you all know our great friend and Clerk of the Seanad, Martin Groves, and the assistant clerk, Bridget Doody, retired over the summer. They let us know in their notification to us that they will miss us dearly in their retirement. I want to thank them sincerely on behalf of Seanad Éireann for their great service to Seanad Éireann and the roles they occupied, their professionalism and the incredible knowledge they had on the workings of the Oireachtas and the legislative process and their great advice to all Senators down through the years and decades in relation to the Houses, especially for new Members. I wish Bridget and Martin health and happiness in their retirement.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Murphy O'Mahony, Joe O'Reilly, Craughwell and 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 Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to increase the holiday earnings income disregard to €12,000 and to allow students to work throughout the year and not just during non-term times. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the funding of multiple sclerosis services in the north west. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to address water issues in Macroom, County Cork. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the future of the Kostal Ireland plant in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the extension of the nitrates derogation. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the upcoming action plan on collective bargaining. Senator Gerard P. Craughwell - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the expansion of the respiratory syncytial virus vaccination programme for older adults.”
“I thank the Leader. I join with him in thanking Bridget Doody and all the staff in the Seanad Office. I thank Martin Groves for his great work and wish him a happy, long and successful retirement. I thank all the Senators for their courtesy to everybody on the Seanad team. We do not always agree but we always agree that the part we play in democracy is important in terms of scrutinising legislation. Holding Government and the institutions of the State to account is an important part of democracy and that is part of what we do. The people who make that happen are those who help out and keep the lights on and the cameras rolling; people who have to work long hours. We are looked after with great courtesy by all the staff and we thank them for that.”
“They are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. They are most welcome and please God we will all bring home Sam Maguire the weekend after next. I thank them for coming in. Senator Joe O'Reilly is next, who does a great version of The Gallant John Joe about Cavan and how they won the all-Ireland final.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome my fellow county men and women who are here today. They are guests of Deputies Danny and Michael Healy-Rae. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they have enjoyable day in Dublin. We will all be back up the weekend after next for another enjoyable day in Dublin, please God, and we will be bringing Sam Maguire back home.”
“We have put in place the structures to reinvigorate our opportunities as a result of it. Our historical connections go way back through the annals of history to Irish missionaries going to Belgium and Irishmen leading battles in the Belgian Army. Many Irish diplomats have made Brussels their home and enjoy working with the ambassador's colleagues in the Belgian Government. We wish the ambassador every success as she leaves Ireland after her four long years of service. We mark her national day and celebrate it in advance. I thank her for being here today.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome the Belgian ambassador to Ireland, Karen Van Vlierberge, who is leaving us shortly. She is going back to Europe. She tells me that she is bringing an Irish dog and an Irish cat with her, so she will be taking a small part of Ireland. She is joined by Deputy Catherine Callaghan, who has been appointed as the convener of the Ireland-Belgium Parliamentary Friendship Group. We greatly appreciate the support of the Government and people of Belgium during the Brexit process. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but it was all very important at the time, and it continues to remain important as we deal with the ongoing fallout of Brexit. Ireland and Belgium were the two countries most impacted by Britain's decision to leave the European Union.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding for local and regional road maintenance to address rising construction and materials costs. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Health to reform the long-term illness scheme to include inflammatory bowel disease as a long-term illness. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected those raised by Senators Kennelly, Harmon, Stephenson and Higgins and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Alice-Mary Higgins - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the 40 students from Gaza who have secured placements at Irish universities and the steps the Department is taking to ensure these students will be in a position to commence their studies in Ireland in September. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on his proposals to promote the welfare of greyhounds. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the proposed provision of a national children's science centre; and the possibility of a collaborative development of the new centre with the existing Explorium science centre in Sandyford, Dublin 18.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on concerns regarding irregularities in registration on the main and supplementary voting registers and the inappropriate use of polling cards. Senator Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the student contribution fee to be paid in September 2025 and the measures being put in place to support third level students. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on her plans for improving respite care services.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Deputy Martin Daly to the Visitors Gallery, along with Nicholas Scanlon from Roscommon, a retired garda officer who served with An Garda Síochána for many years. I hope he is enjoying his retirement and I thank him for all his service to the State throughout his many years in the force.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Wall and the retired nurses from Tralee General Hospital who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. They are most welcome. Taylor from Connecticut is here as well and is most welcome.”
“I am sorry Senator Ní Chuilinn, but I forgot to mention and welcome the Grangecon group here today who are guests of Deputy Edward Timmins. I understand the population of Grangecon is about 200 people, so I would say this is about 10% of the population. I thank them for coming to Seanad Éireann today.”
“It is fitting and appropriate that we welcome the CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor, from Cork, famed for her camogie and footballing prowess, and 12 all-Ireland medals, both codes and dual all-stars as well. I thank her for being here as a guest of Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn. Also here, as interns just completing their internships with Senators Cathal Byrne and Gareth Scahill, are Camelia Hatimi and Shabeena Jehan. They are both welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for all the work they did for the lads. I am sure they greatly appreciate it. We hope they enjoyed their time in Seanad Éireann.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome to Seanad Éireann the members of Knocklong Men's Shed, who are guests of Deputy Richard O'Donoghue. One of the most famous rescues in Irish history happened in Knocklong many years ago during the War of Independence. Pat O'Dea from Dromod is here as well, along with Maurice and Ellie from Granard and Templeglantine. I thank them for being here. They are in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. If they were in school, I would tell them they had no homework for the rest of the year, but my guess is they may have left national school last year or the year before.”
“Senator Clonan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 51 be taken before No. 1 without debate." Senator McDowell has seconded the proposal. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.”
“Sin a bhfuil. I know that was a long Order of Business, but I think everybody wanted to make sure they got their points across as we will not be back. I know we are sitting tomorrow, but then we will not be back until September. Anois, the Leader; I thank him for his patience.”
“We would all join in those thanks to Bridget and all the staff in the Seanad Office along with those who provide assistance in drafting Bills, those who work in the catering service, the ushers and all those who keep us safe here in Leinster House. We thank them for all their work and hope they have a break over the summer, including a break from us.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senator Robbie Gallagher, Senator Patricia Stephenson, Deputy Mark Wall, Senator Joe O’Reilly, Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher and Deputy John Clendennen. They are most welcome here today. I also welcome Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick. I do not know which ones of those he is under the umbrella of, but he is most welcome. All of them, I assume, are all the way from Kilkenny. Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick is former leader of the AILG and he does great work on behalf of local authorities around the country.”
“I welcome guests of Deputy John Connolly and Senator Ollie Crowe: Mick and Caroline Walsh, their kids Dylan and Lucy and, more importantly, dad Tom Walsh. It is great to have them here from Rosscahill near Oughterard.”
“Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the proposed provision of a national children’s science centre; and the possibility of a collaborative development of the new centre with the existing Explorium science centre in Sandyford, Dublin 18. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Seán Kyne, Robbie Gallagher, Mike Kennelly and Tom Clonan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on child safeguarding in the HSE West and North West mental health services arising from the non-disclosure of information to Tusla. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on his proposals to promote the welfare of greyhounds. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on her plans for improving respite care services.”
“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 Transport to provide an update on proposals for a Gluas light rail system for Galway and whether the project will be included in the national development plan. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the delays for driving tests in counties Cavan and Monaghan. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on a commencement date for flood relief works in the Listowel and Killocrim area of County Kerry.”
“As it is now past 9.30 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: the Government amendments undisposed of are hereby made to the Bill; in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the sections, or as appropriate the sections as amended, is hereby agree to in Committee; the Title, as amended, is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Bill, as amended, is accordingly reported to the House; Fourth Stage is hereby completed; the Bill is hereby received final consideration; and the Bill is hereby passed.”
“Amendments Nos. 3 and 13, amendment No. 1 to amendment 13, amendments Nos. 14 to 16, inclusive, amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 16, amendment No. 25 and amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 25 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome Andrew and Gavin to the Gallery. They have been working very hard in my office over the past number of weeks in fairly warm weather. They are all the way from Kansas and have been doing a lot of envelope packing as well as a lot of research. Thanks for that, lads. Thank you for all your work in the office and throughout Seanad Éireann.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the proposed Order of Business, I welcome the guests of the Leader, Paul Stewart and a group from Oughterard active retirement group. The guests of Senator Seán Kyne are most welcome here to Seanad Éireann.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the delays for driving tests in counties Monaghan and Cavan. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Conway, Goldsboro, O'Loughlin and Cosgrove and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, to the House. He is most welcome. The first Commencement matter is from Senator Conway.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the standardisation of signage available to local authorities relating to the presence of ticks and the risk of contracting Lyme disease. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to review the timeframe for applications for partial capacity benefit to include people who find themselves unable to work to their full capacity after they return to work. Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to review the prolonged delays in the domiciliary care allowance appeals process. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on child safeguarding in the HSE West and North West mental health services arising from the non-disclosure of information to Tusla.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the Government's plans to remediate the significant decline in Irish personnel in European Union institutions. Senator Imelda Goldsboro - The need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health to ensure the future sustainability of the Cluain Training and Enterprise Centre in Clonmel, County Tipperary. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on Teach na nDaoine centre in Kilcullen, County Kildare.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the daughter of Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn, Peigí, who is in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Peigí, you are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. You might come here yourself as a Seanadóir, b'fhéidir, lá éigin. Anois, glaoim ar an Seanadóir Imelda Goldsboro.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Deputy O'Donoghue from County Limerick. I welcome Tom and Catherine Lyons and Vicky, Alex, Daniel and Lily, who are from Ardagh. I believe we also have Deputy Fitzmaurice's wife in the Gallery and she is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. She is hiding in the corner.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome guests of Deputies Michael Fitzmaurice and Ciarán Ahern. They are most welcome. I also welcome guests of Deputy John Connolly and Senator Ollie Crowe: Ms Fiona Frain, Mr. Eoghan Frain and Mr. Tom King. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here today. I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“I have selected those raised by Senators Cathal Byrne, Gareth Scahill, Nessa Cosgrove and Robbie Gallagher and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of better diagnostics, financial and community-based care supports for the estimated 137,000 persons living with heart failure in our local communities. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide ring-fenced funding for transport services for those in receipt of adult disability day services to transport them to and from their service. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on his proposals to promote the welfare of greyhounds. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the provisions in place for controlled burning on mountains throughout the country, with regard to land management and reducing the risk of wildfire during the dry periods of weather. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on his Department's remote working strategy and the targets for his term. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the status of an application for a new school building for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim.”
“Before we deal with the motions, I welcome guests of Senator Tim McEllistrim, a proud Ballylongford man from north Kerry. He is most welcome. I am sorry, I mean Senator Mike Kennelly. I am mixing up my Kennellys. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they enjoy their time here. I played a few football matches in Ballylongford. I think it was the drive up that did us in, but the footballers were kind of handy too.”
“Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome the Neighbourhood Management Team from Derry. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they have a great day in the Seanad and we look forward to them coming back again soon. I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide ring-fenced funding for transport services for those in receipt of adult disability day services to transport them to and from their services. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Mark Duffy, Victor Boyhan, Fiona O'Loughlin 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 Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on her overall plans for the campus at St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, County Wexford. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on his plans to develop and publish a comprehensive national strategy for the effective utilisation of surplus renewable energy. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of better diagnostics, financial, and community-based care supports for the estimated 137,000 persons living with heart failure in our local communities.”
“Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the timeline for completion of refurbishment and upgrade works at Riverbank Arts Centre and the adjoining Newbridge library, County Kildare. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on rural school bus routes in Kerry, including the extension of services into north Kerry to ensure all students have equitable access to Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the status of an application for a new school building for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim.”
“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 Housing, Local Government and Heritage to expand the croí cónaithe cities scheme to include towns of 10,000 persons and over in population and to consider a sliding scale scheme tailored for each market town to support housing regeneration projects. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the decision not to proceed with the construction of social housing units and a community building in Ardew, Athy, County Kildare.”
“Before I put the question, I welcome guests of Deputy Eoghan Kenny from the Mallow Women for Women group of Mallow, County Cork. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for saying hello.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank him for his contribution. I welcome to our Distinguished Visitors Gallery, born in Memphis and now a state Senator in Mississippi from district 15, which is halfway between Memphis and Jackson, I believe, two great cities, Bart Williams, his wife, Cynthia, and daughter Emily. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann. Bart is a great friend of lieutenant governor Delbert Hosemann who is a great friend of Ireland and a big supporter of Notre Dame as well. Bart, Cynthia and Emily are most welcome. Thank you for being here.”
“1, I welcome to our Gallery friends of Deputy Ivana Bacik, who served here for many years and we miss her greatly, and a group from Rathmines University of the Third Age. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. I also welcome the group from the North Wexford Historical Society, who are guests of another former Member of the Seanad, Malcolm Byrne, now a TD.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the House. No. 1 is the motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending EU Regulation 2024/1348 as regards the establishment of a list of safe countries of origin at Union level; No. 2 is the motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending EU Regulation 2024/1348 as regards the application of the "safe third country" concept; and No. 3 is the motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a Council recommendation on a co-ordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine. All three motions will be debated together and decided separately. Before I call the Acting Leader to move No.”
“I welcome the Minister back to the House. I was saying earlier that we could give her honorary membership because she has been here so many times today. I thank her for taking No. 2, Report and Final Stages of the Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024. I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery Tom and Eileen Ryan, and their son Sean, who also happens to be a councillor in Tipperary. They have come all the way from Tipperary, the home of hurling, I am told. They are here with their and our great friend, Imelda Goldsboro. A Sheanadóir, thank you for bringing Tom, Eileen and Sean to Seanad Éireann today.”
“Thank you. We join with the Senator in extending our sympathies to the Capuchins and thank them for all of their work, especially on the sad passing of Brother Crowley. May he rest in peace. I call Senator Brady.”