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 to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, and rightly they are there, retired members of our Defence Forces. I can see from their badges that they all served with the United Nations. I thank them for that service. They are all from Cork and Midleton. Quartermaster Tommy McCarthy brought them here today. I thank him for bringing former members of the Defence Forces who served with distinction with the United Nations and all across the world to the Seanad Éireann today. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. I call Senator Stephenson.”
“Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business being proposed, I welcome St. James’s Primary School from Basin Lane in Dublin 8. The pupils are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Thanks for the wave. As is protocol, there is no homework for the class for the rest of the week for coming to Seanad Éireann. What did they get in the Dáil Chamber? Did they give you anything like that? No. I see. I thank our guests from for coming.”
“I welcome the Minister for Justice, Deputy O'Callaghan back to the House. We could give him the title of honorary Senator he has been here so many times this week. The first Commencement matter is from Senator Maria McCormack.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the implementation of a dedicated Bus Éireann secondary school transport route to Tralee along the R557, specifically to service the communities of Lixnaw and Abbeydorney. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Maria McCormack, Robbie Gallagher, Garret Ahearn and Eileen Lynch and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to publish the guidelines linked to the national biomethane strategy regarding the locations of biomethane plants. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to make a statement on the acquisition of Airbus H145M helicopters. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the eligibility criteria and protocols in place for accessing IVF through the public health system in cases where consent has been given by a deceased partner.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on initiatives to prevent antisocial behaviour in urban communities, in particular initiatives to deal with ongoing teen crime in County Laois. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the current policy on electronic tagging of people on probation, bail or temporary early release. Senator Garret Ahearn - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the timeline for sign-off on the agreed new security allowances for councillors.”
“I welcome the guests of Deputy Currie from Corduff Football Club, who are here wearing their club colours, and guests of the Minister, Deputy McEntee, Niall Foster and his father. I thank them for being here as well.”
“Senator Nicole Ryan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 8 be taken before No. 1, which was seconded by Senator Collins. The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed. Senator Malcolm Noonan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 9 be taken before No. 1, which was seconded by Senator Cosgrove. The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call the Leader, from SIPTU in Dublin I welcome Ms Rhonda Donaghy and her colleague from the trade union movement in Austria Ms Martina Schlegel. I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the eligibility criteria and protocols in place for accessing IVF through the public health system in cases where consent has been given by a deceased partner. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to introduce a minimum wage for all workers. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the current policy on electronic tagging of people on probation, bail or temporary early release. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Dee Ryan, Gareth Scahill and Manus Boyle, who are sharing time, Joe Conway and Pauline Tully and they will be taken now.”
“Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to make a statement on the measures being taken by the Government to safeguard all subsea communications cabling in Irish waters. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of paediatric insulin pump therapy at Cavan General Hospital. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to publish the guidelines linked to the national biomethane strategy regarding the locations of biomethane plants. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to make a statement on the acquisition of Airbus H145M helicopters.”
“Before I read out the Commencement Matters, I welcome students from Penn State University. It was great to meet some of them earlier. I also welcome the Minister for Justice. I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, in particular recommendation 20 relating to non-core police duties such as the provision of security at courthouses. Senators Gareth Scahill and Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the lack of dental hygienist course places in Ireland.”
“I welcome guests of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, former councillor Mary Greene from Waterford and Nuala Kennedy from Carlow. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann. I ask the Deputy Leader to move the expression of sympathy for former Senator Paddy O'Toole.”
“I welcome more guests of Deputy Grace Boland. I welcome the pupils from Rush national school in County Dublin. It would be remiss of me not to give them a night off from homework, because otherwise there would be a small bit of problem. I also welcome Ellie Griffin from Trinity College Dublin, who is an intern of Senator Tom Clonan. She is most welcome here today.”
“Before I call Senator Duffy, I welcome his intern and guest in the Gallery, James Cafferkey from St. Muredach's College in County Mayo. We are delighted to have him here and I hope the Senator does not work him too hard.”
“I welcome guests of Deputy Malcolm Byrne from Carnew National School to Seanad Éireann. Is that everybody dressed in blue? I welcome the boys and girls of Wexford. As is the tradition in Seanad Éireann, there is no homework for the rest of the week. Thank you for coming to visit. As well as getting an education, you get off homework.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Senator Cathal Byrne from County Wexford and his uncle James, aunt Jackie, Sarah Egan and cousins Mary and John Byrne. I am sure this is payback for canvassing. I thank them for coming to Seanad Éireann. Maybe it is credit in the bank for canvassing into the future. They are most welcome. They can rest assured that Cathal makes a great contribution to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for being here.”
“He was also a Gaeilgeoir, a proud Irish speaker. He was dedicated to Mayo. Indeed, he was one of the few people to see his county win all-Ireland championships. Please God he will see Mayo winning an all-Ireland from heaven at some stage in the future. Paddy was steeped in his community and his political career was marked by public service. Despite all his successes, he was a humble man who always had his feet on the ground. I convey our condolences to Paddy's wife, Jacqueline, his children, Jackie, John, Padraig and Helen, his sister, Maureen, his grandchildren and his friends and other family members. The Leader will propose a minute's silence at the end of the Order of Business. I welcome to the Gallery students from Rush National School, who are guests of Deputy Grace Boland.”
“Yesterday, a number of Members mentioned the death of a former Member of the House, Paddy O'Toole. Paddy was known as a hard-working Cabinet member from 1977 to 1987. Prior to that, he served in the Thirteenth Seanad from 1973 to 1977 and in the Seventeenth Seanad in 1987. He was a native of Doolough in Erris in north County Mayo. He was a primary school teacher just outside Ballina prior to his political career. He was nominated to the Seanad in 1973 and elected to the Dáil in 1977, and remained a Deputy for a decade. In that time he served in various ministerial roles, including Gaeltacht, defence, fisheries and forestry. He served Ireland during the very difficult times in the 1970s and made a significant contribution to public life. He was known as a skilled politician, as evidenced by his remarkable political career.”
“Before I call on the Leader, I welcome the Chairman of the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, along with two hard workers in his office, Joss Brooks and Oisin Twohig, who are transition year students. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to review the offer made to a family in Listowel, County Kerry under the national relocation flood programme. Senator Garret Kelleher - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on section 39 funding for Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, County Cork. Senator Eileen Lynch - the need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to publish the guidelines linked to the national biomethane strategy regarding the location of biomethane plants. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Robbie Gallagher, Nessa Cosgrove, Manus Boyle and Mike Kennelly, and they will be taken now.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they wish to raise the following matters: Senator Robbie Gallagher - the need for the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings that occurred 51 years ago this week. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to suspend implementation of GAEC 2 until 2026 to allow time for the identification of all peatlands and wetlands impacted and to inform affected farmers. Senator Manus Boyle - the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on future funding allocations for road safety initiatives, in particular at Dunkineely National School, County Donegal.”
“As fewer than five Members have risen I declare the question carried. In accordance with Standing Order 61 the names of the Senators dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.”
“Senator Chris Andrews has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11 be taken before No. 1, which has been seconded by Senator Tully. The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.”
“Anois, a chairde, we are all aware of the sad passing of Garda Kevin Flatley in the line of duty. Every time a member of An Garda Síochána goes out on their day's work, there is always a chance they will not come home. On behalf of Seanad Éireann and all the Seanadóirí, I express my deepest condolences to Garda Flatley's family, friends and colleagues. I ask Members to be upstanding for a minute's silence.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, who is a former Member of the House, back to Seanad Éireann in his new capacity. I think I saw his father in Leinster House earlier. He might be coming back to visit us as well.”
“Senator Chris Andrews - the need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on An Post services in south Dublin city. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - the need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the online booking system for immigration appointments at Burgh Quay, Dublin 2; and to assist a person who has issues making a booking. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Boyhan, Scahill, Duffy and Ryan and they will be taken now. I regret I had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Andrews on the ground that the Minister has no official responsibility in that area. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mark Duffy - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the mechanisms to shorten the planning process to deliver critical infrastructure, including amending legislation to allow Uisce Éireann to avail of the Part 8 planning process in partnership with local authorities. Senator Dee Ryan - the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for the expansion of metropolitan bus services in east Limerick. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to suspend implementation of GAEC 2 until 2026 to allow time for the identification of all peatlands and wetlands impacted and to inform affected farmers.”
“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 Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on engagement with Dublin City Council on the regeneration of the Pearse House residential complex. Senator Gareth Scahill - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to conduct a review of the fire brigade service areas nationally to ensure the provision of services and response times reflect the most recent census data.”
“Before I read out the Commencement matters, I note that Senator Ahearn has guests in the Visitors Gallery who got married on Thursday. Congratulations to John and Mairead Casey. As a honeymoon visit of all visits, I question their choice of location. I hope she likes politics. I thank them for coming to the House and I thank Senator Ahearn for bringing in the Caseys. I congratulate them and wish them long life and happiness. We have guests of Deputy Cormac Devlin visiting. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. We also have some county councillors from Tipperary. I thank them for attending. John O'Heney and Liam Browne are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Senator Keogan had coffee with them earlier and we had a bite to eat. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann.”
“The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, is most welcome to Seanad Éireann for the debate on the motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B.”
“I welcome to the Gallery visitors from the Arbour Hill education centre, who are guests of Deputy Jen Cummins. I was at Arbour Hill this morning. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. The next speaker is an Seanadóir McCarthy, who is sharing time with Senator Clonan.”
“I welcome the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Lawless. The motion will be proposed by Senator Mike Kennelly and seconded by Senator Cathal Byrne. The debate will follow the normal pattern of six minutes each with the proposer and seconder both sharing 16 minutes.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery the aunts and uncle of Albert Dolan TD. Annette, Nuala and Peter are most welcome and I thank them for being in Seanad Éireann. I am sure this is payback for all the canvassing they had to do during the election campaign.”
“The first matter is from Senator McCarthy, whom I believe has a number of guests in the Gallery with him from An Saol Foundation, which is the topic of his Commencement matter this afternoon. I welcome Pádraig Schäler, who is in the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery, as he should be, along with Mary Davie, Patricia O'Byrne and Reinhard Schäler from An Saol Foundation. They are most welcome as guests of Senator McCarthy. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Niamh Smyth, to Seanad Éireann, for what I believe is her first Commencement matter with us.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Aubrey McCarthy, Nessa Cosgrove, Nicole Ryan, Joanne Collins, Victor Boyhan 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 Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review residential tenancy legislation in order to regulate the landlord functions of local authority-owned dwellings and ensure local authority tenants have access to the Residential Tenancies Board. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to exempt from commercial rates registered charities running community and charity shops. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on her plans to improve access to suicide prevention services in Dublin. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the proposed building for Saplings Special School, Graiguecullen, County Laois.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the allocation of funding to An Saol Foundation for the Teach An Saol capital project in Dublin. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to introduce legislation to mandate breast density reporting for all women undergoing mammograms. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the delay in the development of the Kanturk primary care centre, County Cork. Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on waiting times for decisions on domiciliary care allowance appeals.”
“Before we move to the next speaker, I welcome back to Seanad Éireann former Senator Micheál Carrigy, now Deputy Carrigy, and the Ballymahon Vocational School from County Longford. You are most welcome here to Seanad Éireann today. There was a second school in during this debate but the rules still apply, as the former Senator will know, that there is no homework for any visiting school that comes to Seanad Éireann. Deputy Carrigy will be able to get a letter to that effect if he needs it.”
“Before we hear from the next Senator, I welcome guests of the Minister of State, Deputy James Lawless, a school group from Drimnagh Castle Secondary School. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. As is protocol in Seanad Éireann, a visiting school has no homework for the rest of the week. If you need that in writing, we will send it on.”
“Before we hear from the next speaker, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery my good friend, Deputy Michael Cahill, and his friends who have come all the way from Kerry, Phyllis O’Sullivan and Dermot and Stephen Toumy. I thank them for coming to Seanad Éireann and hope they enjoy their visit. They brought the fine weather from Kerry too, for which I thank them.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming into Seanad Éireann today. Thank you, Minister, for being here as part of our ongoing celebrations of Europe Day and marking it over the coming week. The Minister of State will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons also for ten minutes and all other Senators for five minutes. We will begin with the Minister of State, Thomas Byrne. Minister, you are most welcome.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome from Offaly County Council guests of Deputy Tony McCormack. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here. Senator Nicole Ryan is sharing time with Senators Collins and Andrews. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Deputy Niall Collins, to Seanad Éireann. The debate will follow the normal procedure, with the Minister and group spokespersons speaking for ten minutes and all other Senators for five minutes.”
“Before I call the Leader, we have the parents of Senator Cathal Byrne's partner here today, Michael and Judy Ryan. They are most welcome. They can rest assured Senator Byrne is making a significant contribution. I thank them for being in Seanad Éireann today. Anois, I call the Leader to respond to the Order of Business.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the students from Mount Sackville Secondary School to the Public Gallery. They are most welcome. As is the unwritten of Seanad Éireann, when students visit Seanad Éireann there is no school homework for the rest of week. If they need that in writing, they should give me a shout.”
“I welcome students from St. Cronan’s Senior National School in Swords to the Public Gallery. I presume some teachers are with them or possibly the students are doing a self-guided tour. I welcome the teachers as well.”
“Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the provision of a school bus service to Crossmolina National School for 20 students in the Eskeragh area of Crossmolina, County Mayo. Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs to provide an update on negotiations on the next EU multi-annual financial framework covering the period 2028 to 2035. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Eileen Flynn, Maria Byrne, Mike Kennelly and Fiona O'Loughlin and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on waiting times for decisions on domiciliary care allowance appeals. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on the shortage of appropriate residential settings for adults with intellectual disabilities and severe autism. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the women's health action plan and to outline the actions being taken to improve women's experiences and health outcomes within the healthcare system.”
“Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the provision of funding for water infrastructure, particularly in the Newbridge area. Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the financial arrangements in place for local authority members when they are ill. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to introduce legislation to mandate breast density reporting for all women undergoing mammograms. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the protocol for the use of a deceased partner's stored sperm in assisted reproduction through the publicly funded IVF system.”