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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“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Eileen Flynn - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on students, in particular students with special educational needs and of Traveller and Roma ethnicity, being placed on reduced school days during the 2023-24 academic year; and what measures are being taken to ensure these students receive appropriate support. Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the provision of a second model 4 hospital for the mid-west region. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Health to implement mandatory cardiac screening for competitive athletes between the ages of 12 and 18 to reduce the occurrence of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.”
“Anois, an t-Aire Stáit. I thank him for coming to Seanad Éireann to discuss this important topic, which has been well explored. He took on the portfolio in a very difficult time, especially with the storm that levelled hundreds of acres of forestry. I thank him for his ongoing work.”
“Senator Fitzpatrick has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 9 be taken before No. 1", which was seconded by Senator Comyn. The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment to the Order of Business agreed? Agreed.”
“I join the Senator in wishing Martin Groves all the best in his retirement. He did it without ceremony, which is how he did a lot of his work here in the Seanad, quietly behind the scenes. He wanted to make sure we were in recess before he announced it as he would not welcome the tributes in public many members have given him for his long and distinguished service of four decades to the State. I thank everyone for their kind words and wishes. He will be around the House from time to time. I am sure he will appreciate Members saying it to him in person.”
“We have worked together on UN duty with UNIFIL and our collaboration in that regard continues. In advance of the celebration of the national day, we acknowledge Poland's great support for Ireland during Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement. I thank the chargé d'affaires for being here. I wish him a happy Polish Constitution Day. I welcome visitors from CBS Secondary School Kilkenny, who are guests of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy John McGuinness. They are most welcome here today. I thank them for coming. Anois, I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“In 2019, the Polish Embassy produced an exhibit, A Forgotten Polish Hero of the Great Irish Famine: Paul Strzelecki’s Struggle to Save Thousands, which was opened by President Michael D. Higgins. Another exhibit, which is open to everybody, in Dublin Castle, is on Constance Markievicz, who of course is so much part of our history, not only here in the Houses of the Oireachtas as a Member but also as somebody who struggled as part of our struggle for independence and freedom. The last census showed there are more than 122,500 people in Ireland who have Polish heritage or were born in Poland. There is a Polish cultural and social association in Ireland that has done great work in supporting its neighbours from Ukraine. There are more than 40 Polish schools here and I also believe Polish is an exam subject in Ireland.”
“I note the Leader will be proposing a minute’s silence for the passing of Pope Francis at the end of the Order of Business. Before I ask the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the chargé d'affaires from the Polish Embassy, who is most welcome. Poland will be celebrating its national day on Saturday, 3 May, but I am assured by the Leader that the Seanad will not be sitting that day. I thank the chargé d'affaires for being here. There are long and enduring links between Ireland and Poland, going all the way back centuries, and decades in terms of being part of the European Union, which has helped transformed both our countries - two small countries that struggled long and hard for freedom, which we now both enjoy thanks to the relentless work of successive generations.”
“We will see what we can do for cake. We will definitely get you a creamy bun or something like that. Before I ask the Leader to move the suspension of the House, I welcome the guests of Deputy Richard O'Donoghue to Seanad Éireann. They are members of the Coolcappa Women's Cave, not women's shed. Am I right? Yes, it is women's cave. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they enjoy their day. If there is a lot of flooding in your part of the world, you are here on the right day. You have the right man. All you have to do now is give him a cake and he will do whatever he can for you.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the community CCTV scheme and plans to ensure it is available in all towns and villages. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the establishment of a stakeholders' forum for licensed firearms holders. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Shane Curley, Cathal Byrne, Tom Clonan and Nessa Cosgrove and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of funding for people with disabilities, particularly those with Down's syndrome regression disorder, DSRD, and similar conditions. Senator Eileen Flynn - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on students, in particular students with special educational needs and of Traveller and Roma ethnicity, being placed on reduced school days during the 2023-24 academic year and what measures are being taken to ensure these students receive appropriate support. 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.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Shane Curley - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the increase in Central Applications Office, CAO, applications for the current year and her plans to ensure grade inflation does not disadvantage first-time leaving certificate students. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the proposed new campus for the South East Technological University in Wexford. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the provision of a visa for an individual who is critically ill in hospital in Egypt to facilitate evacuation on medical grounds.”
“I welcome to the Gallery Deputy Geoghegan, along with a delegation of students from UCD. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann and we hope they enjoy their visit and learn a lot. They might come back at some stage in the future on the other side of the Chamber.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the House for this very important debate on disability services. Group spokespersons will have ten minutes, all other speakers will have five minutes and the Minister of State will reply no later than 8.50 p.m. Statements are to conclude by 9 p.m.”
“Senator Kennelly has proposed a minute's silence in honour of the passing of Mick O'Dwyer. I join Senator Kennelly in expressing my condolences to the family, friends and supporters of the great Mick O'Dwyer, who brought such joy to many in the Kingdom, but also to the people of Clare, Kildare, Laois and Wicklow. He made teams believe in themselves beyond their own beliefs. He brought joy to people who loved Gaelic football, our national game. I ask Members to rise for a minute's silence.”
“What is done in the other Chamber is a matter for the other Chamber. Senators have ample time - all the time in the world - to raise whatever concerns they have. I will afford Senator Keogan the opportunity to do so. However, the Dáil's arrangements are issues for the Dáil.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the school from Ballyvourney, guests of Aindrias Moynihan. We also have guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy, and of the Leader of the Opposition, Mary Lou McDonald. They are all welcome to Seanad Éireann today.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on an exemption from commercial rates for registered charities running community and charity shops. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected those raised by Senators Alison Comyn, Chris Andrews, Gareth Scahill and Garret Kelleher and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of respite care services for people with disabilities. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the provision of a visa for an individual (details supplied) who is critically ill in hospital in Egypt in order for evacuation with his family on medical grounds. Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the reasons blue whiting caught for human consumption is being sent to a fishmeal plant for processing.”
“Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on funding for Scoil Eoin boys' national school in Ballincollig, County Cork, to facilitate the construction of additional classrooms for pupils with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the timeline for the construction and delivery of the Thornton Hall prison facility. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for disability to make a statement on the provision of funding for people with disabilities, particularly those with Down's syndrome regression disorder and similar conditions.”
“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 Rural and Community Development to make a statement on the continuation of the community centre investment fund to facilitate capital funding for community centres such as the Moneymore townland community hub in Drogheda, County Louth. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on his plans to increase the betting tax rates, and for these increases to benefit funding for the FAI and the League of Ireland. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of dentists in the public system to meet the demand from medical card holders.”
“I welcome to the Gallery Katie Merriman, a transition year student from Harold's Cross Educate Together school. She is most welcome. I also welcome Olivia D'Arcy from Tipperary who is here on work experience. She is in charge of Cahir Youth Tidy Towns, plays a bit of football and I can assure the House she will be in and around these halls in a few years to come. They are both very welcome and I thank them for being here.”
“Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - the need for the Taoiseach to make a statement on the proposed timeline for implementation of the recommendations of the Dublin city task force. There was mix-up with the Commencement matter tabled by Senator Comyn and I understand it might be submitted on another day. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Cosgrove, Keogan and O'Loughlin and they will be taken now. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick may give notice on another day of the matter she wishes to raise.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on Government policy on the importation of liquid natural gas into the State, and how this relates to our climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Senator Sharon Keogan - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on extending the exemption from commercial rates to the constituency offices of county councillors. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - the need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline when the military swimming pool at the Defence Forces training centre at the Curragh, County Kildare, will be brought back into full use.”
“Before I put the question on the Order of Business, I welcome the second group from the Malahide Active Retirement Association. They are here as the guests of Aoife Hayes and they are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the Minister of State, Deputy Niamh Smyth. She is most welcome here today, as are her parents Maura and Des, as well as relatives of the Smyth family: Kathy, Eddie and Breda Neville from Beckenham in Bromley. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann today and I thank them for being here. Our next speaker is Senator Keogan.”
“I welcome to the Gallery the guests of Senator Curley, namely, Patricia Gaffney, Mary Harney, Loretta Gibbons and Richard Moore. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here.”
“I welcome to the Gallery guests of Aoife Hayes, the Malahide Active Retirement Association. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I am afraid we are not providing all the excitement of what is happening in the other House but nonetheless we are getting on with business and we are delighted that they are here today.”
“James Joyce insisted the cover of Ulysses be published in the Greek colours such was his love of all things from Greece. In fact, books were being published in Greek in Dublin before they were being published in Greece in their native language. Next year, 2026, will be the 45th anniversary of Greece joining the European Union, which, I think we can all agree, transformed both our countries. For Greece's support during the tough and challenging Brexit negotiations, we thank our visitors. On their national day, we thank them for being here and wish them a happy national day and independence day. Anois, I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“I welcome to our Distinguished Visitors Gallery the ambassador from Greece. Today is Greece's national day and we are delighted to have our friends from Greece here to mark the beginning of the Greek revolution. The ambassador is joined by his wife. It is more than 200 years since the beginning of the Greek revolution in 1822, a war that involved a Corkman, General Richard Church, who led the Greek army in the latter stages of the war and ended up becoming a Greek senator and a Greek citizen. There are more than 5,000 Greek citizens in Ireland. The Hellenic Community of Ireland was established in 1964 and runs the Greek school in Dublin. Nearly 150 children from that Greek community are taught in the school. Our cultural links go a long way back.”
“Senator Patricia Stephenson - the need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on online safety in relation to the prevention of gender-based violence, in particular the use of algorithms in online culture, and the supports being given to the Department of Education in its work with schools and youth to prevent gender-based violence. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the criteria for local authorities to access funding for traffic calming measures. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Andrews, Tully, McCarthy and Stephenson and they will be taken now. Senator Nelson Murray may give notice on another day of the matter she wishes to raise.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Chris Andrews - the need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on her decision not to hold a statutory inquiry into abuse at St. John Ambulance Ireland. Senator Pauline Tully - the need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on her plans to increase capacity in the school transport scheme. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the current national planning framework and plans to increase housing targets.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome people from St. Joseph's school, Rush, to the Gallery. They are most welcome. It is tradition in Seanad Éireann that there is no homework for the rest of the week. Always come on a Tuesday.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly – the need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding to complete proposed road improvement works on the national route N69 from Bolton's Cross to the Tim Kennelly roundabout in Listowel, County Kerry. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the changes made to the croí cónaithe towns fund vacant property refurbishment grant. Senator Joe Conway - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the further measures he proposes to introduce to incentivise the enforcement and collection of the derelict sites levies by local authorities. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and they will be taken now.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Victor Boyhan – the need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the emigrant support programme in the United Kingdom, in particular the ongoing funding opportunities provided by the Irish Government to UK-based support groups and organisations. Senator Sharon Keogan - the need for the Minister for Finance to review the current capital acquisitions tax regime, in particular the inheritance tax system, to ensure it is in compliance with the State's obligations under the Constitution.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery Deputy Cahill and two students who are working with him in Leinster House this week: Stella Tongour, a third-year university student from Boston, and Lucy Dunne from Portlaoise, a third-year student at UCC. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. I hope they learn a lot.”
“I must inform the House that a letter dated 25 February has been received from the Secretary to the Government regarding the appointment of Ministers of State. The correspondence will be published in the Official Journal of Proceedings.”
“Before I call Senator Higgins back in, I welcome Bridget Clare, who was the sixth class teacher of Senator Ruane when she was in school. She taught her and taught her well, obviously. We are delighted she is here. She is here for a particular Commencement matter but we welcome her and thank her for being here.”
“Senator Chris Andrews - the need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on her decision not to hold a statutory inquiry into abuse at St. John Ambulance Ireland. Senator Pauline Tully - the need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on her plans to increase capacity in the school transport scheme. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Higgins, O'Loughlin, Cosgrove, Ruane and McDowell, who will be sharing their time, McCormack and Byrne, and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senators Lynn Ruane and Michael McDowell - the need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the underfunding issues facing Scoil An Chroí Ró Naofa Sóisir in Killinarden and to outline the measures being taken to ensure the school can continue at full operational capacity. Senator Maria McCormack - the need for the Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health to make a statement on the interim funding requirements of Save Our Sons and Daughters, SOSAD, Laois and nationwide, to prevent its closure. Senator Cathal Byrne - the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to provide an update on the Enniscorthy flood relief scheme.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Alice-Mary Higgins - the need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on steps taken to dissuade or respond to Lithuania's formal withdrawal from the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - the need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the implementation of the national fares strategy. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the rationale which underpinned the relocation of the Donegal Education Support Centre from Donegal town to Letterkenny, including the business plan, evidence of consultation with stakeholders and the status of the staff currently employed.”
“Senator Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on his plans to address the deficit in student housing, to include an update on the planned student housing strategy. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Victor Boyhan, Manus Boyle, Mike Kennelly, Chris Andrews, Pauline Tully and Cathal Byrne 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 O'Donnell, to the House.”
“Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to make a statement on how proposed changes to remove the triple lock mechanism will ensure Ireland's neutrality; and how future deployment of Defence Forces personnel would be in compliance with the UN Charter. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the rationale that underpinned the relocation of the Donegal Education Support Centre from Donegal town to Letterkenny, including the business plan, evidence of consultation with stakeholders and the status of the staff currently employed.”
“Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to make a statement on the development of the proposed science museum at the National Concert Hall and its likely impact on the Iveagh Gardens. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the application for an extension to Milltown National School, Belturbet, County Cavan. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Transport to introduce a designated active travel fund for small rural towns and villages.”
“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 the timeline for the full publication of the Planning and Development Act 2024, to include an update on the IT projects proposed within the Act. Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to provide an update on the emergency flood relief measures for Bridge Street, Killybegs, County Donegal. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the commencement of the minor flood relief scheme, post-Storm Bert in the Listowel and Killocrim areas in County Kerry.”
“Before I call the Minister, I again thank her for twice accommodating the extension of the time allowed for the debate. I welcome Councillor Claire Murray from Offaly and Liam to the Gallery. They are most welcome here for this debate.”
“I know I am not sticking to time but I am conscious that Members are speaking not only for themselves. They are also speaking for the many women around the country who have never been listened to. It is important we hear those voices they are representing - the people they know in their communities - and that we hear their own stories as well. I call Senator Nelson Murray.”
“Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank the Minister for staying for an extra 15 minutes. I ask Senators, given the fact that 12 Senators have offered, it will have to be a case of loaves and fishes, with about two minutes apiece. Is that possible?”
“Before I call the Minister of State, I wish to thank him for his work in this area. In fact, I was happy to be appointed by Micheál Martin in 2013 to the role of spokesperson for the Irish overseas and the diaspora. Fianna Fáil was the first political party to come up with the spokespersonship for that particular role. We developed a policy paper regarding the matter. The number one item was the appointment of a Minister of State for the Irish overseas and the diaspora, so I am delighted to see the Deputy Richmond as the successor to Jimmy Deenihan, my own county man, who was the first Minister of State in that position. It is a very important role and I know that he is doing a great job in it. Long may that continue.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on increased allocations of funding in roads to restore resurfacing levels with particular reference to County Cavan. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Clonan, Stephenson, Gallagher, Kyne, O'Loughlin and Lynch and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they have raised. Before I call the Minister of State, I welcome Kelly-Marie Moore, mum of Eve Lynn Woods. She is in the Gallery and a guest of Tom Clonan.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the rationale which underpinned the relocation of the Donegal Education Support Centre from Donegal town to Letterkenny, including the business plan, evidence of consultation with stakeholders and the status of the staff currently employed. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the commencement of the minor flood relief scheme post Storm Bert in the Listowel area, County Kerry. Senator Noel O'Donovan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that funding for the upgrade works required at the Dunmanway wastewater treatment plant is provided for in the next investment cycle under the National Development Plan 2021-2030.”