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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“Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the management of the Curragh Plains, County Kildare, including the prohibition of illegal encampments on these lands. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Curley, McCarthy, Tully and O'Reilly and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on driving test waiting lists in County Kerry, in particular the establishment of a driving test centre in Listowel to reduce waiting times. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on funding for STEM engagement officers in Laois and the midlands. 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. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on waiving road tax for blood bikes and vehicles used exclusively for the transport of cancer patients.”
“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 0024/2025. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on a universal system where all taxable Department of Social Protection payments are automatically reported to the Revenue Commissioners. 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.”
“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 and Youth to make a statement on the provision of an additional 1,000 teaching posts for the 2026-27 school year. Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to make a statement on updating legislation to facilitate tokenism in the Irish funds industry. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on children's disability network team services in Cavan. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of Addison's disease in the long-term illness scheme.”
“What I love about the statue is that the arc of history and justice bends very slowly, but after Queen Victoria sent so many Irish people to Tasmania and Australia, the Irish people eventually sent her. Does Senator Ryan wish to say anything while the school is here?”
“I thank her for visiting the House as well. She might give the school some tips. Previously known as Van Diemen's Land, some famous Irish people went to Tasmania as guests of the Crown, which is another way of saying "prisoners". We used to have a statue of Queen Victoria at the front of Leinster House that we eventually sent to Sydney in Australia. If any of the students ever end up in Sydney on a visit, they should go and see the statue outside the Queen Victoria Building in the downtown area. There is a plaque that says the statue used to be outside the Parliament of the Irish people and was given through the generosity of the people of the Republic of Ireland.”
“I suppose it is not much good to them, but I was talking to Senator Ryan earlier about how one of the rules of the Seanad was that when a school came to visit, there was no homework for the rest of the week. However, I get the sense that there is probably no homework for the rest of the month, so the students might get no homework for their first week back, if that is alright. If they need a letter or anything in writing, they can send it on to me and we will make sure that the teachers obey the rules of the Seanad when they go back to school. I look forward to meeting the taoiseach. I believe the school has a ceann comhairle and leas-cheann comhairle as well. We could take lessons from the students in relation to running the school and the class, so I thank them for being here. All the way from the Parliament of Tasmania is Jen Makin.”
“Before I call the Minister of State to respond, I welcome the teachers and students from Lisnagry National School in Limerick. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann, especially Tess Ryan. Tess's mother is Senator Dee Ryan. It is great to have Tess and all the class here. I believe they had elections last week and they elected a taoiseach. The students all had different political parties and the election of the taoiseach was followed by a motion of no confidence. It had something to do with chocolate and Tayto. The proper consumption of healthy food is an issue that we are struggling with in this House, and it is always a debate worth having. We are delighted to have Tess and the rest of the school here, especially with Senator Ryan here as well. I thank the teachers for bringing them here.”
“The debate will follow the normal pattern. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, to the House. He will contribute for eight minutes; group spokespersons for six minutes; and all other Senators for three minutes. The Minister of State will then reply at the end of the debate. Before I call on the Minister of State, I welcome guests of Deputy Edward Timmins, all the way from Blessington Active Retirement Group in Wicklow. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. It is great to see you here; thanks for coming. Anois, an tAire Stáit, más é do thoil é.”
“As it is now past 10 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 are hereby made to the Bill; in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section or, as appropriate, the section as amended, is hereby agreed to in Committee; Schedule 1 is hereby agreed to in Committee; Schedule 2, as amended, is hereby agreed to in Committee; Schedule 3 is hereby agreed to in Committee; and the Title is agreed to in Committee."”
“I thank the Minister. Before I ask Senator McDowell to continue I welcome the Minister of State to the State to the House. I think this is her first visit to the House since her appointment. Congratulations on her appointment. I am sure she is delighted to be back in Seanad Éireann. We are delighted to have her back for this Bill and I am sure all the Members of Seanad Éireann are delighted for her elevation to high office”
“I am sorry to interrupt, Senator, but I want to remind the House that because the amendments were tabled by Senators Ruane and Black but they are not here, we must get written confirmation from them that somebody else can move their amendments. The Senator can continue speaking on amendment No. 6, which has already been moved, but that is the situation.”
“I welcome the Minister back to the House. He is our favourite Minister at the moment. We are resuming on amendment No. 6. Senator Ruane was in possession when we reported progress. Amendments Nos. 6 to 13, inclusive, are related. Amendments Nos. 10 and 11 are physical alternatives to amendment No. 9. The House agreed previously that amendments Nos. 6 to 13, inclusive, would be discussed together. Does anyone else wish to speak on the amendment or the grouping?”
“I welcome Jody Blake, former Clerk Assistant of the Seanad. It is good to see her and other members of staff who served in Leinster House over the years. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Jody is rightly in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I thank her for all her work for the Seanad down through the years.”
“I call on the next speaker and the seconder of the motion. I welcome the members of the Limerick Rotary Club, who are guests of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Maria Byrne, to Seanad Éireann. They are most welcome. Anois, an Seanadóir Frances Black.”
“As the guests will hear quite often, Mayo is quite good at world leaders, but they just cannot win the all-Ireland football final.”
“Before I go to the proposer and seconder, I welcome the Social Democrats leader, Deputy Cairns, and members of the Social Democrats Party: Deputies Gannon, Rice, Whitmore, Cummins and Farrelly and Councillor Caroline Winstanley. They are all welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. We would have brought everyone from the Canadian side over there, but they would not all fit. I thank them all for being here for this Private Members' Bill from their party's Senator and the Cross-Party Group. Over in our Public Gallery, we have guests from the Ireland Canada Business Association. I welcome them to the Seanad Éireann. Their Prime Minister will be joining us in Dublin. I am looking forward to that visit and his visit to County Mayo. We had another Head of State visiting Mayo not so long ago.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, back to Seanad Éireann. The Minister of State will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes and all other Senators for five minutes. The Minister of State may reply not later than 4.20 p.m. Statements will conclude at 4.30 p.m.”
“Senator Collins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: “That No. 12 be taken before No.1”. It has been seconded by Senator Andrews. The Leader has indicated that he is willing to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“The only time a Senator can be interrupted is when they are actually speaking. Otherwise, they are not actually being interrupted. I point out that it is only an interruption while a Senator is speaking. Under Standing Order 40 Senators can ask to interrupt other Senators. We try to do things politely here. The Senator can ask and if the Senator in possession wants to give way, the Senator in possession can give way. Are we clear on that?”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome a health delegation from Türkiye, and the deputy minister, to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery. They are most welcome to Ireland and to the Seanad. As they have probably been told a number of times, during the Famine, the people of Türkiye, the Turkish nation and the Sultan of Türkiye gave a donation to famine relief in Ireland that far exceeded the donation that was given by Queen Victoria. We tell that story many times when we have friends from Türkiye over here to remind us of our long-standing connection. I thank them for being here.”
“I wish Ambassador João Pedro de Vasconcelos Fins do Lago, his embassy and all the people from Portugal in Ireland a happy national day. I thank the ambassador for being here.”
“Our relationships, however, go a lot further back. We believed in a zero-tariff area in the 15th century. There were close trade connections between my home county of Kerry and Portugal. I do not think anyone believed in paying tariffs back then. It took a few centuries to formalise that under the European Union. The connection included selling of silverware, wine, textiles, port, ceramics and leather goods from Portugal to Ireland, and of fish, beef, wool and timber to Portugal from the west coast of Ireland. We wish the ambassador and all the Portuguese community in Ireland, about 15,000, a happy national day. I will do my very best Portuguese: Feliz día nacional , which is, I think, something around "Happy Portuguese national day".”
“I welcome to our Distinguished Visitors Gallery the ambassador from Portugal on Portugal Day, which celebrates its great poet, Camões, whose death occurred on this day in 1580. He famously wrote the epic poem, The Lusiads , which celebrates Portuguese history, culture and identity, and is a symbol of Portugal's great nation. This day not only celebrates Portugal's culture, but also unites Portuguese people around the world. Nearly one third of Portuguese people live outside of Portugal. That is why Ireland and Portugal share such a unique history, having so many people scattered to the four corners of the world. We also established diplomatic relations at a challenging time in the world, 1942, when we had a chargé d'affaires in Lisbon and then a full embassy in 1975 after we joined the European Union.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the promotion of the Key to the EU programme for teachers. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeline for a dialysis service to be operational in Ennis, County Clare. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Manus Boyle and Maria Byrne, who are sharing their time, Senators Lorraine Clifford-Lee, Teresa Costello and Joe Conway and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of osteoarthritis in the chronic disease management programme. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on a draft national planning statement. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to make a statement on a universal system where all taxable Department of Social Protection payments are automatically reported to the Revenue Commissioners. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on domestic waste water treatment system grant schemes.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senators Manus Boyle and Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the status and timeline on making givinostat available to Irish patients. Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on opening a minor injuries unit in Balbriggan, County Dublin. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the specification and standards applicable when sourcing tactile paving slabs. Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the timeframe for approval to proceed to tender and construction at Newtown School, Waterford.”
“Dáil Éireann has passed the Gas Safety and Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2026, changed from the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2026, on 27 May 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Please note this message supersedes the message read yesterday on 9 June.”
“Before I read the message from Dáil Éireann, I welcome guests of Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn from Loreto in Crumlin. I believe they are here for the day. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. The Senator was in touch with me earlier about making sure that they had no homework for the rest of the week. If that does not bring her a few votes in a few years' time I do not know what will. If the teachers have any issue with that, they need to give us a call.”
“Amendments Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 5 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 4. Amendments Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I remind Senators that a Senator may speak only 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. Amendment No. 1 has been ruled out of order.”
“Senator Andrews has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, seconded by Senator Keogan: "That No. 2 be taken at 5 p.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, adjourn at 9 p.m." Is the amendment being pressed?”
“I thank Senator Duffy for his tribute to a former Member of this House. The Senator outlined a life well lived in a fitting tribute to Ernie’s service not only to Seanad Éireann and the country but also to his hometown and, as the Senator said, Mayo and Sligo at different times. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Before I call on the Leader to respond to the Order of Business, I welcome the father of the Minister of State, Deputy Niamh Smyth, and family and friends who are here in the Gallery, along with guests of Deputy Aisling Dempsey, who are associated with the Ballivor St. Patrick’s Day parade. The guests of Deputy Eoghan Kenny from Mallow, County Cork, are all welcome to Seanad Éireann too. I call on the Acting Leader to respond on the Order of Business.”
“I remind members in relation to the Standing Orders on the public good that there is a balance between that and the Standing Orders in terms of naming people in the House. I trust Members' judgment but I want people to be aware of it. A lot of the issues the Member brought up are in the public domain but I just want to make sure we do not say anything in this House that could affect any process in the future. I call Senator Scahill.”
“On behalf of this House, we extend our deepest sympathies to his children Liam, Declan, Elizabeth and Miriam, and to his grandchildren, extended family and the large circle of friends he leaves behind, as well as members of the Fine Gael Party. We express our deepest sympathies. I ask Members to be upstanding for a minute's silence.”
“He represented the communities of north Mayo and west Sligo and left a legacy of enduring commitment. He was central to the creation of Moy Valley Resources, a community development organisation established in 1990 to support enterprise and voluntary projects at a time when unemployment and emigration in that part of the country exceeded 30%. He had a great interest in sport and was involved in Castleconnor GAA club, where he received the club's hall of fame award in 2009. He is fondly remembered as setting up the club in the 1950s. He was a remarkable sportsman in his own right who competed at national and international level into his 70s in track and field events, including sprinting, long jump and shot put. Beyond public life, he was a devoted family man.”
“Members will have been saddened to hear over the weekend of the death of a former Member of this House and former councillor, Ernie Caffrey. A proud Mayo man, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the people of Ballina and the wider region. He served on Mayo County Council and Ballina Urban District Council. He was also a Member of this House from 1997 to 2002, serving on the Industrial and Commercial Panel. He had a genuine desire to improve the lives of those he represented and among whom he lived. He was privileged to serve in this House and he had the qualities of integrity, loyalty, humility and kindness. He was widely regarded as a gentleman, listening attentively and acting thoughtfully, as well as ensuring the people he represented were central to everything he did.”
“Of course, Chicago and Galway have a great link. I thank them for being here. They had meetings today in relation to trade, investment and, critically, the Good Friday Agreement, the ongoing support by the United States and state legislators for the peace process. As I have said many times, there are people alive in Ireland today because the United States got involved but also stayed involved in the peace process. For that, we are truly grateful. Our first Commencement matter is from Senator Stephenson.”
“I welcome our Cabinet member and Minister, Deputy James Lawless, to the House. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I am sure you will join me in welcoming from the Illinois Senate its president, my good friend Don Harmon, Senator Laura Murphy, the assistant majority leader, Senator May Cappel, state Senator, Representative Jackie Haas, assistant leader, Jeff Keicher, conference chair, Natalie Murphy, state Senator, and the extremely honourable Fran Hurley, who is one of the national co-chairs of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. She is one of the founding members and has served and continues to serve in many ways in the Illinois House of Representatives. I thank Fran, Don and all the team from Illinois for their visit to Ireland. They are going to go to Cork and I think they are joining the Galway crew later in the week.”
“Senator Shane Curley - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the status of the local democracy task force report. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Stephenson, Byrne, McCormack and Gallagher and they will be taken now. Senator Shane Curley may give notice on another day of the matter that he wishes to raise.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the future of staff employed by Carlow College following the planned closure of the college. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the use of certified athletic therapists to address HSE waiting lists for physiotherapy. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on waiting times for neurology services. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to make a statement on the introduction of a tax rebate or tax credit for individuals purchasing gym and fitness club memberships.”
“We now move onto No. 60(1), motion regarding the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The time limits of the combined speeches of the proposer and seconder shall not exceed 16 minutes and all other Senators have six minutes.”
“Before I bring in Senator Andrews, I welcome guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy, from Our Lady's Island National School. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. We also have guests of the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, joining us in the Seanad. They are also most welcome.”
“Before I call the Minister of State, I welcome the guests from Pittsburgh: Christina Cossotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, Vince Gastgeb, Tyler Laughlin, Bryan Dietz, Rich Fitzgerald, and John Robinson, Rob Vescio and Matt Smith. I thank Senator Devlin Robinson for bringing them in. The Senator is welcome back to the Seanad. He was here four weeks ago. At this stage, he has been here so long he might end up a Member of this House if he is not careful. I welcome everybody from Pittsburgh International Airport. This week saw the first flight from Pittsburgh as part of Aer Lingus's new strategy within the United States of America. I really appreciate our visitors taking time out of their busy schedules to be here in the Seanad today.”
“When we were dealing with amendment No. 10, the House agreed that amendments Nos. 10 to 13, inclusive, could be discussed together, by agreement. They were discussed together, by agreement, under amendment No. 10.”
“Before I put the question, I welcome the group from St. Pius X Girls National School student council. They are visiting the Seanad today as guests of Deputy John Lahart. They are most welcome. Deputy Lahart may have made them aware that there is no homework for the rest of the week for students who come to the Seanad, so there is no homework tomorrow for the student council.”
“Senator Andrews has moved amendment No. 1 to the Order of Business: "That No. 1 be taken at 11.30 a.m. and adjourned at 2.30 p.m. if not previously concluded." It was seconded by Senator Tully. Is the amendment being pressed?”
“That academic and folkloric contribution has made an indelible mark on our history and memory as Ireland transitioned because of our shared membership of the European Union. It is there where we work closely together on those issues that face the world. The ambassador and I had a long conversation about the issues of climate change and climate justice. Nearly 4,000 people from Sweden live in Ireland. My best friend, John Teehan, is married to a lady from Sweden. I have had the pleasure of being at a Swedish wedding, which I would recommend to anyone who gets the opportunity to go to one. We wish the ambassador and Swedish people all over the world a very happy national day. I thank her for being here to mark the occasion. Anois, I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“Over the years, our countries have championed human rights and the rule of law and democracy. Sweden has everything from ABBA to IKEA. My nieces are particular fans of ABBA so they would be able to sing all the songs for the ambassador. Sweden has made a remarkable contribution not just to global culture and music but also to innovation and science. Less well-known of course, is the contribution by Irish and Swedish scholars to our folklore and heritage on storytelling. Swedish scholars have played a key role in the training of Irish folklorists to ensure that the best part of this tradition in Ireland has been protected and contributed hugely to the national folklore collection.”
“Before I call the Leader on the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery the Swedish ambassador, H.E. Lina van der Weyden. I wish her a happy Swedish national day, which takes place next month during the Seanad recess. Sweden's national day commemorates King Gustav Vasa in 1523 and the adoption of the constitution in 1809, which is widely seen to be the foundation of modern Sweden and its constitutional monarchy. There is a long history of friendship between Ireland and Sweden. This year marks 80 years since the establishment of Ireland's first official diplomatic presence in Stockholm. We remember with gratitude Ireland and Sweden working together on the formal diplomatic relations following the declaration of the Irish Republic in 1949.”