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 Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on endometriosis care. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on housing provision and on support to deal with the growing number of people with intellectual disabilities who can no longer be cared for by their parents in their own homes. Senator Dee Ryan - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the introduction of electronic monitoring for appropriate categories of offender. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the future of St.”
“As it is now after 6 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the Order of the Seanad of this day: "That the Government amendments undisposed of, including those in respect of which recommittal would in the normal course, be required, are hereby made to the Bill, that Fourth Stage is hereby completed and the Bill, as amended, is hereby received for final consideration and the Bill is hereby passed." Is that agreed?”
“Before I call on the first speaker, I welcome to the Gallery the former footballer, Gareth Farrelly. He played for Aston Villa FC, Everton FC and Bolton Wanderers FC. I thank him for coming here. As a guest of Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn, he is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I would love to hear his views on the World Cup and who we should back for the final. Anois, an Seanadóir Pat Casey.”
“The debate will follow the normal pattern. The Minister of State will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes, all other Senators for four minutes and, with no other Senators offering, the Minister of State will conclude the debate. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, to the House.”
“The debate will follow the normal pattern, with the Minister of State having ten minutes, group spokespersons having eight minutes and all other Senators having four minutes, with the Minister of State to reply no later than 9.20 p.m.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome guests of former Senator, Ivana Bacik, a Member of the other House and leader of the Labour Party. They are from the New York University summer in Dublin program. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here. Anois, an Seanadóir Sarah O'Reilly.”
“I welcome guests of Deputy Michael Murphy from Cashel rehab centre and Knocklofty rehab centre. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for being here today. The Minister of State, Deputy Ardagh, is here as well. I thank her for being here. She can go to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. As a former Member, she has that privilege.”
“Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the establishment of a consultant-led air ambulance base to provide emergency cover for the west Clare area. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the proposed extension of the retirement age for retained firefighters. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Curley, O'Reilly, Nelson Murray and Stephenson and Cosgrove, who are sharing time, 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 Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on an automatic reminder system to alert passport holders before their passport expires. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on housing provision and supports to deal with the growing number of people with an intellectual disability who can no longer be cared for by their parents in their own homes. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Taoiseach to make a statement on progress on the implementation of the Dublin City Taskforce, in particular the role Dublin City Council and its elected members will have over its functions, policies and spending.”
“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 Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the health professions admission test exam for entrance to college courses in the medical field. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the reduction of the student to teacher ratio from 23:1 to 19:1. Senators Patricia Stephenson and Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on future funding for local development programmes, including the LEADER and the social inclusion and community activation programmes.”
“Dáil Éireann has passed the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 on 30 June 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 on 30 June 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“I thank Senators and the Minister. I thank David and his family for their presence on the occasion of the passing of this legislation. It will now move on to the Dáil. From there, it will go the President for signature.”
“I remind Members that amendments Nos. 9 to 14, inclusive, and 19 are related and the House agreed to discuss them together. Amendment No. 11 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 10. Does anybody with to contribute?”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. The time limit for the proposer and seconder is 16 minutes. All other Senators have six minutes. The debate will follow the normal pattern. The Minister of State will be called on to contribute from the Government's side when he indicates and will have 15 minutes.”
“I am sure the Leader and myself would be honoured on behalf of the Seanad to write to the Bell family who turned tragedy into something positive and have helped thousands of families in their darkest hours. Many Members of Seanad Éireann have turned to them at those times of tragedy in our own communities, when people have lost loved ones overseas and do not know who to turn to. Those in the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust have been those people and have done extraordinary work. Their service was for the people of the whole island and another extraordinary aspect is that they served everybody with great distinction and great compassion. I call on Senator Tully.”
“Glaoim ar an Seanadóir Murphy. I make the point to the Senator that in relation to the Commencement matter this morning, we will be dealing with that issue. I apologise; that should never happen in the Seanad. Unfortunately, it will happen twice this year.”
“I thank Senator Collins for raising that issue which happened to her father but is obviously something that can happen to anyone at any time, particularly in relation to a shift change issue. Time might be limited in terms of having a debate but the Senator may wish to put in a Commencement matter, work with the Seanad Office on the phrasing of it and ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to come to the Seanad for that particular topic.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Emer Higgins, to the House. Before I call on Senator McCarthy, I welcome the new Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Field, to Seanad Éireann. I thank her for being here and congratulate her on her election last night as Deputy Lord Mayor. I heard some of the speeches made about her and her fantastic work in her community and now for the city of Dublin. I thank her for being in Seanad Éireann today. She is most welcome.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators McCarthy, Murphy O'Mahony, Murphy and O'Loughlin and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the reduction of the student to teacher ratio from 23:1 to 19:1. Senator Shane Curley - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the health professions admission test exam for entrance to college courses in the medical field. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the establishment of a consultant-led air ambulance base to provide emergency cover for west Clare. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on plans to provide supports to boost rural economies, including rural pubs.”
“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 Health to make a statement on steps to reduce waiting times for autism assessments and early intervention services. Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the regulation of the taxi sector to ensure there is an adequate taxi supply. Senator P. J. Murphy - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the licensing of firearms. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on initiatives to prevent antisocial behaviour in urban communities, in particular, initiatives to deal with antisocial behaviour in Newbridge.”
“Before we start, I welcome from Butte, Montana, Scott Drain and Sheri Drain. Butte, Montana, of course, is famous in our part of the world because so many people from south Kerry and west Cork ended up working in the mines in Butte, Montana, which at one stage had more people from Ireland living there than any other city in the United States west of the Mississippi.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome Declan and Cliodhna Deegan, Gerry, Isobel and Jodie Carter, Jim Fitzsimons, Alan MacGinty and Michael and Niamh Duffy. They are here as guests of Deputy Cormac Devlin, Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.”
“I welcome the Minister, Deputy Browne, to the Chamber. Before I call on the proposer, I welcome New Mexico State Representative Mark Murphy and Tyra to Seanad Éireann. They are on a visit to Ireland and have, of course, been to Kerry and Westport. That is for the Mayo people so that we do not try to dominate the whole tourism market. I thank Mark and Tyra for coming here today.”
“I welcome guests of Senator Joe Conway to the Gallery - Councillor Joe Kelly and his wife Frances, along with Councillor Declan Barry and Sally, as well as Councillor Sandra Conway. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for being here today. There was an amendment to the vote as one Senator inadvertently voted the wrong way.”
“Before we go to the next item of business, I welcome William C Davis, Professor of History and director of Virginia Tech civil war institute as well as John Dooley and his wife, Lisa. John was vice president of Virginia Tech and CEO of the Virginia Tech Foundation. He is since retired but I am sure it is an active retirement. I also welcome Greg and Susan Beato, Pete D’Amore, Jeanne Stosser and Elizabeth McClanahan. I welcome them and thank them for being in Seanad Éireann. I think William is the author of nearly 20 books on the civil war. I congratulate him. That is a lot of knowledge gathered onto paper, which is more important now than ever.”
“Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to make a statement on amending inheritance tax thresholds for individuals who have no children of their own. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the recent proposals made by the Vintners Federation of Ireland in its pre-budget submission. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on measures currently in place to prevent counterfeit and unsafe toys from entering the Irish market. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Clonan, Cosgrove, Duffy and Maria Byrne and they will be taken now.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the implementation of the national service plan 2021 and to fully fund the nationwide multidisciplinary teams for mental health of intellectual disability. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the delivery of the pay deal for resource persons and adult educators working in community training centres. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the introduction of a scheme similar to the immigrant investor programme to allow access to overseas funding.”
“I thank the Leader and congratulate him on his first official Order of Business as Leader of Seanad Éireann. I join with him in welcoming former Senator Cummins and the Minister of State. Both are most welcome to Seanad Éireann, as are all his family and the two young fellows who, like all the Senators normally are, were impeccably well behaved.”
“In relation to that particular topic, we were discussing it earlier with the President of the European Parliament. It was one of the two elected topics: one is agriculture and the other one is the issue around the Good Friday Agreement, part of which is the discussion about the constitutional future of the island of Ireland. We look forward to everybody's engagement on that particular topic.”
“We join in extending our sympathies to Pauline, Deirdre and all of the family of Teresa, one of the great activists in the Senator's community. We all know people like that, and they deserve recognition on their passing.”
“It has become less easy over the years due to online abuse. I know that our new Seanad Leader will do a great job and has done so in an acting capacity. We pay tribute to the former leader, Seán Kyne, congratulating him again on his election to the other House. Laura, Jamie, Daniel, Liam, and the two brothers are most welcome to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery for an Seanadóir Garret Ahearn's first Order of Business as the official Leader of Seanad Éireann.”
“This is quite a distinguished Order of Business because an Seanadóir Garret Ahearn is here to officially take his first Order of Business as the new Leader of Seanad Éireann. I congratulate Garret on his appointment, not only for himself but also for his friends and family. His dad, Liam, who I met last week, and his brothers, Liam and Scott, and children, Jamie and Daniel, are here. Jamie and Daniel will be on their best behaviour today, and I think there is a promise of more ice cream too, if possible. Laura is here too, of course, and I thank her for being here. It is a great honour for Garret and for all of them because the families, friends and relations are the unsung heroes of political life. Many sacrifices are made by family members on behalf of their loved ones who are in political life. It is not an easy job.”
“I welcome to the Gallery guests of one of our ushers, Damian Kelly: Mícheál Smith, treasurer of Fórsa; Julia Flood, vice president of Fórsa; and the Dublin City branch executive of Fórsa. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here. Anois, an Seanadóir Higgins.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Ardagh. The combined opening speeches of the proposer and seconder shall not exceed 16 minutes. All other Senators have six minutes, the Minister of State has 15 minutes and the proposer has five minutes in which to reply.”
“Dáil Éireann has passed the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Bill 2026 on 17 June 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, changed from the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026, on 17 June 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Before I come to any Senators to reply, I welcome the guests of the Garda College from the United States of America, the National Executive Institute of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I am sure the Minister and our colleagues here in the Seanad welcome you as well. I hope you enjoy your stay in Ireland and thank you for all the work that you do in your collaboration with our Garda College. No Senators are indicating to reply. Is the Senator pressing the amendment?”
“I welcome from Dexcom in Galway, Columba McGarvey, Adrian Furey and Orla Lovett, who are guests of Deputy Peter Roche. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for being here. I welcome the Minister back to the House. Amendments Nos. 5 and 10 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“-----is you. I have allowed it before. I can say that the Minister does not come back in, just to be helpful to the House, but the proposer gets to speak twice. Do you want to press the amendment, Senator?”
“Before we commence, I remind Senators that they may only speak once on Report Stage except the proposer of an amendment who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. On Report Stage, each non-Government amendment must be seconded. The Minister is most welcome back to Seanad Éireann.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the guests of Senator Cathal Byrne, Maeve, Marian and Angelina and the Senator's intern Charlie. I welcome them to Seanad Éireann. I call Senator Mary Fitzpatick.”
“I welcome guests of Senator Sharon Keogan. I also welcome Councillor Gráinne Maguire, her intern, Noel Monahan, and his mother and grandmother, who are in a supervisory capacity for his time in Leinster House. I also welcome Nessa and Angie Teehan.”
“Before I call the first Senator I welcome, as guest of an Seanadóir Mary Fitzpatrick, Sonya Lennon of Lennon Courtney and Dublin Chamber of Commerce. She is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Thanks for visiting here today.”
“Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on core funding for the childcare sector and the recent reduction in childcare rates. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Nessa Cosgrove, Gareth Scahill, 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 Education and Youth to make a statement on the criteria for enrolment in special classes for children with developmental language disorder or speech sound disorder as set out in Circular 24/2025. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on capping the number of breeding females permitted within a dog-breeding establishment. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, engagement officers in Laois and the midlands.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters on the commencement of Seanad Éireann today: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of osteoarthritis in the chronic disease management programme. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on driving test waiting lists in County Kerry and, in particular, the establishment of a driving test centre in Listowel to reduce waiting times. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on the reintroduction of the community support fund.”
“I join with the Minister in welcoming the Poole family to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery and I thank them for their work on behalf of the memory of Jennie and all those who are affected by domestic violence. I now call on Senator Gallagher.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome guests of Senator Nessa Cosgrove to the Gallery, who are the staff and students of the Sligo and Leitrim Community Training Centres. They are most welcome and I thank the Senator for bringing them in today. Anois, an Seanadóir Mullen.”
“Before I call on the next Senator, I welcome from Derry and Belfast members of the Identity Project, who are guests of Deputy Mary Lou McDonald. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I welcome also a guest of Senator Cathal Byrne who is in the Gallery, Paul Sinnott from Ballagh, which has an excellent hurling team, Oulart-The Ballagh, in Wexford. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann as well.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome Evan Shine from County Tipperary to the Visitor's Gallery. He is in transition year and a guest of Senator Mary Fitzpatrick. He is most welcome to the Seanad.”