Mark Daly
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Before I go to the next question, as this is the last sitting day before we break up for the summer, I thank Martin and all the Seanad staff, all the ushers, all the people who work in catering and all the people in the Oireachtas community, including the staff who work around the Upper House, for all their work.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Senator Frances Black and her guests: Shay Black, brother of the Senator, and Erica Pagels, from San Francisco – or, more accurately, Berkeley, which is just outside San Francisco – which is a nice part of the world. I thank Ms Pagels for coming over.”
“I welcome again to the Gallery the Black family. Shay Black was here already with Erica Pagels, but Martin Black, another brother of Senator Black, is now here and is also most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Martin told me there were no hard feelings after the Dublin-Kerry game, but that Dublin was robbed. That is according to Martin.”
“I welcome to the Gallery two special guests of Senator O'Loughlin, Joeleen Dyland and her son James, who has a huge interest in politics. We look forward to James coming back to Leinster House in the future, perhaps to work in the office with Senator O'Loughlin and maybe later as an elected Member of Seanad Éireann or Dáil Éireann.”
“The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its considerations of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No.”
“There are 10,000 to 15,000 Irish people working in Belgium, many of them EU staff. This year is the 20th anniversary of Belgium GAA, which includes the EC Gaelic Club in Brussels. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Conradh na Gaeilge, the Irish language organisation, also have branches there.”
The complete record
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“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to ensure the provision of the public service obligation on routes deemed not to be commercially viable, in particular the 64 bus route in Tobercurry, County Sligo. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the surgical and emergency departments in Cavan General Hospital. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the introduction of a temporary order, similar to the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences Held by Relevant Persons) (Ukraine) Order 2022 that would facilitate people returning temporarily from the Middle East due to the current situation in Iran.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the extension of the upper age limit of drivers of small public service vehicles contracted under the school transport scheme. Senator P.J. Murphy - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to make a statement on the timeline for publishing the scientific assessment into the threats posed by imported non-native honey bees. 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 Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the opening of an IDA office in Taiwan.”
“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 Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the recommendations of the civil legal aid review, specifically relating to legal aid for survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the community CCTV scheme and plans to ensure its availability in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the provision of car parking spaces in new-build housing developments.”
“Before I call on an Seanadóir Laura Harmon, I welcome her guests, Cleo Morrison and Ira Jai Singh. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I also welcome members of the Lucan Active Retirement Association, who are guests of Deputy Shane Moynihan. They are also most welcome to Seanad Éireann.”
“I give my sympathies to Senator Boyle and all the family on the passing of his mother-in-law. It is a sad loss for them all. On the issue of organ donation, as Senators will know, last week we lit up Leinster House green in recognition of organ donor awareness week and the issue Senator Boyle raised around having the conversation, letting loved ones know your wishes and making sure that conversation is had well in advance of any unfortunate incident that might happen. It does transform and save lives so I thank the Senator for raising that issue this morning.”
“I welcome also guests of an Seanadóir Fiona O'Loughlin: Franziska Klien, Daniel Dowling, Elio Rabbitte and Joey Long from Avista CLG. Thank you for being here. Anois, I ask the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business.”
“Before I ask the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery a delegation from Ukraine, including the First Vice Speaker of the Parliament, the ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland and members of the Parliament. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. We had a good engagement earlier talking about Ukraine's membership of the European Union and the ongoing support for Ukraine in its struggle to regain its national territory against the illegal invasion by Russia. With Ireland's Presidency of the European Union coming up, one of the key parts of Ireland's agenda will be to progress membership of the European Union for Ukraine and to allow and facilitate engagement by Ukrainian members of Parliament with the Members of Parliament who will be here during our Presidency.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the community CCTV scheme and plans to ensure it is available in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the extension of the upper age limit of drivers of small public service vehicles contracted under the school transport scheme. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Mary Fitzpatrick, Joanne Collins, Manus Boyle and Mike Kennelly and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the introduction of a temporary order, similar to the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences Held by Relevant Persons) (Ukraine) Order 2022, that would facilitate people returning temporarily from the Middle East due to the current situation in Iran. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to address ongoing water supply and infrastructure issues relating to the Allenwood reservoir, County Kildare. 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 County Laois and the wider midlands.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the opening of the new community nursing unit in Killarney, County Kerry. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to ensure the provision of the public service obligation on routes deemed not to be commercially viable, in particular the 64 bus route in Tubbercurry, County Sligo. 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 in Waterford. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the surgical and emergency departments in Cavan General Hospital.”
“I welcome Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, to the House. I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the review of the drug treatment court and plans to roll out drug treatment courts nationally. Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of a rail line and new platform in Adare, County Limerick. Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on a timeline and staffing plan for the reopening of 11 beds in Killybegs Community Hospital, County Donegal.”
“One is agriculture and the other is the Good Friday Agreement, the lessons that others can learn from Ireland's peace process, how we can tackle the ongoing issues that still prevail in Northern Ireland regarding paramilitaries, radicalisation, funding of organisations like the dissident groups and paramilitaries, and the lessons we can learn from one another in that regard. Our friends from Austria are most welcome here to Seanad Éireann today and I thank them for being here.”
“I wish to welcome the members from the Federal Council of Austria. The President is here with us today, Mr. Markus Stotter. He is most welcome. It was great to meet him earlier. The Vice Presidents of the Federal Council of Austria, Mr. Daniel Schmid and Ms Christine Schwarz-Fuchs, are here as well along with members of the council and, of course, the ambassador, who has been here previously when we marked Austria's national day. I welcome them. We had a great engagement with them earlier in relation to artificial intelligence and Ireland's forthcoming leadership of the European Union. The issue of artificial intelligence, which affects us all, is something that will be central to our debates within the Presidency. We also discussed the two themes that we had selected as a country.”
“I welcome to the Gallery the transition-year students from Salesian Secondary College, Pallaskenry, County Limerick, who are guests of Councillor Tommy Hartigan and Deputy Richard O'Donoghue. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. If they were getting homework, I would say they should be let off it for the rest of the week but, as transition-year students, I am guessing they do not have any. If they come back next year as guests of Deputy O'Donoghue, they might be excused from homework. I also welcome the representatives of Fitbug Fitness in Blanchardstown, who are guests of former service officer John Cunningham. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here.”
“The provision also allows for it to be debated six to 12 months after it has been published and launched, so the implementation or lack of implementation could be part of the debate with the Minister. Anois, the Acting Leader to respond to the Order of Business.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome back to the Seanad on a temporary basis Deputy Carrigy, a former Seanadóir, students from Scoil Samhthann, Ballinalee, County Longford, and Ms McCormack and Ms Larkin. Ballinalee is famous for the blacksmith of Ballinalee. A good friend of mine, Padraig Sheridan, is a grandnephew of his. We had many an argument over the Civil War, Padraig and I. We had many pints as we discussed it. Our guests are from Ballinalee. I spoke earlier to Deputy Carrigy. When you visit Seanad Éireann as a school, there is no homework for the rest of the week. The students can thank the Deputy and the teachers can blame him, if they wish.”
“I welcome to the Gallery Councillor Terry Coleman, his wife Martina and Chris, who is doing an internship this week. They would love to stay for the whole of the Order of Business but I believe they are going to the Dáil for Leaders' Questions to see some back and forth in the Dáil Chamber, which will be happening at 12 noon. I thank them for being in Seanad Éireann today.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senator Craughwell who work in the area of hypertension and cardiology and are giving a presentation later in the audiovisual room. I thank them for coming. Glaoim ar an Seanadóir Duffy.”
“Commencement Matters are ten minutes long generally, including four minutes of a question by the Senator, a reply by the Minister of four minutes, and one minute for the Minister and the Senator to raise further questions. It is an opportunity for the Senators here to raise those issues with Ministers and with the Government. I thank the Minister of State for being here this morning.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Costello, Conway, 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. For the benefit of the people watching and listening, Commencement Matters in the Seanad are an opportunity for Senators to raise matters of local and national importance, to put questions directly to the Minister or Minister of State, and to receive a reply. Senators who wish to put forward a matter have to submit it before 12 noon the day before the sitting. They are then reviewed and selected by the Cathaoirleach. Four of the matters set forward are put to the Ministers when they come to the Seanad the following day.”
“Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, in particular the use of compulsory purchase orders to acquire private lands for greenways. 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 Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the surgical and emergency departments in Cavan General Hospital. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the opening of the new community nursing unit in Killarney, County Kerry.”
“Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on a review and extension of sick pay provisions for healthcare workers with long Covid. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the introduction of a temporary order, similar to the Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences (Ukraine) Order 2022, that would facilitate people returning temporarily from the Middle East due to the current situation in Iran. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to ensure the provision of the public service obligation on routes deemed not to be commercially viable, in particular the 64 bus route in Tubbercurry, County Sligo.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the status of the next national cancer strategy, as the current strategy expires in 2026. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on increasing capitation funding for primary schools. Senator P.J. Murphy - The need for the Minister with responsibility for housing, heritage and biodiversity to make a statement on the cessation of the turf cutting compensation scheme. 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.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. I also welcome some extra guests of Deputy Séamus McGrath from Douglas Young @ Heart. I thank them from being here as well. Deputy McGrath is having a great day bringing them around Leinster House.”
“As often happens with Commencement matters, they are routinely ruled out of order because the Ministers have no jurisdiction for those issues. However, I know when Senators engage with the Seanad Office, as many have, they often work in making sure there is a way to have the question answered in a way that is appropriate. I ask the Senator to perhaps engage with the Seanad Office and see if we can get that question committed again in a way that we can ensure an answer. Regardless of the topic, I want to ensure that all Senators are able to get answers on behalf of the people they represent. Oftentimes, they are refused in the first instance but, subsequently, when we change the way the question is phrased, it can lead to a better outcome.”
“On International Nurses Day, we have guests of Deputy Devine who are nurses working in our healthcare system. I thank them and all those who work in our healthcare system, including nurses and those who assist them in their valuable work. My mother and aunt were both nurses. We have great regard for the work that nurses do.”
“We are delighted our guests are here to continue to build on the long and historic, some of them quite tragic, links between Ireland and Barbados. As on their visit we glance back to the history shared between us, we are looking forward to building new and better relationships. I thank them for being here.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome Senator The Honourable Christopher Sinckler, Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank him for being here. I also welcome Ms Donna Forde, director general of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Ms Paula Byer, director of foreign trade, Ms Trecia King, senior foreign service officer, and Ms Kendra Holdip, minister counsellor. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. In 2021, on the day Barbados itself declared a republic, we had quite a debate and sent a letter to the Prime Minister congratulating the country on joining the ranks of the republics. We were slightly ahead of Barbados but we are glad it has joined the ranks of the republics.”
“I welcome to the Gallery guests of Deputy Séamus McGrath from Douglas Young @ Heart who are all here today. I think there are about 32 of them here. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they enjoy the day. I would like to say I am sorry about the football result on Sunday but really I am not. I thank them for showing up in such numbers to Killarney because the people of Kerry appreciate their visits down to Kerry. They spend more money than they should but we are very grateful for that.”
“Cuirimid fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. The Minister of State is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Before I call on the first Senator, I welcome guests of Deputy Barry Ward from Probus Dún Laoghaire Marine, including Frank O'Conor, the organiser. They are most welcome. I thank Deputy Ward for bringing them to Seanad Éireann. I call Senator Keogan.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Keogan, Brady, Nelson Murray and 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 Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the guidance provided in the local community safety partnerships, particularly on the role of media. 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 Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the code of best practice for national and regional greenways, in particular the use of compulsory purchase orders to acquire private lands for greenways.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to ensure the provision of the public service obligation on routes deemed not to be commercially viable, in particular the 64 bus route in Tubbercurry, County Sligo. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on waiting times for assessment under the warmer homes scheme and the measures being taken to tackle these waiting times. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the status of Ardgraigue bog, Barroughter bog and Clonmoylan bog.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on properties acquired since 2020 for international protection accommodation and the extent of any State-owned land used or planned for this purpose. Senator Paraic Brady - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the licensing of firearms. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the commencement of the public consultation process for the Navan rail line. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the introduction of a free shingles vaccine for people aged over 65.”
“For the benefit of Members, the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs had to go over to the Dáil for exactly the same statements on the Dáil side. It was more a scheduling issue than anything else. He did, as Members saw, give his opening statement here but, unfortunately, because the Dáil had scheduled it in and around the same time as ourselves, he had to address the House there as well. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House and I thank all the Members for their contributions. When is it proposed to sit again?”
“The issue was that many of them did not relate to his Department. I understand that. I know that the Government Chief Whip has been working on making sure that Commencement matters are replied to by the relevant Minister in all cases. That issue was raised again today at the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight. We will again be writing on that topic because it is important that the relevant Minister comes to the House. There was a debate earlier in the week where specific questions were being asked. The Minister who comes before the House should be from the relevant Department in order that he or she can reply on behalf of that Department. However, I thank the Minister of State for being here.”
“Europe played a part in our peace process in the North and is a mechanism for people to come together to discuss their differences. I will mark Europe Day by mentioning John Hume, who was a member of the European Parliament and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work. He said: Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace – respect for diversity. On this note from John Hume, who served in the European Parliament, I welcome the Minister of State to the House.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House and I thank the Senators for being here. Europe Day is 9 May and in the Seanad we take a particular interest in Europe. We celebrate the national days of all of our European Union partners by inviting their ambassadors and representatives from their embassies to the Seanad to mark their national days in the same way as they mark ours. The Minister of State has often attended our EU scrutiny and transparency committee in the Seanad, which is unique in that it looks at legislation coming out of Europe that is added to by Departments and then signed into law. The scrutiny of this is something identified in various reports of Seanad reform and we have implemented it. Europe is a shining example of a long-running peace process.”
“Before I call the next speaker, appropriate to the Senator's contribution, I welcome guests of the Minister, Deputy James Lawless, from Kildare North Educate Together National School, to Seanad Éireann. They are most welcome here today. I met them in the corridor earlier and told them we had something for them, and that the rule of the Seanad is no homework for the rest of the week when you visit the Senate. I thank them for coming to visit us. I call Senator Nelson Murray.”
“Senator Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the delivery of a permanent building for Owenabue Educate Together National School, Carrigaline, County Cork. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Boyhan, Comyn, Crowe, Andrews, Murphy and Byrne and they will be taken now. I regret that I had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Keogan on the ground that the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the number of fines, penalties, summonses or other enforcement actions issued by An Garda Síochána in connection with the recent fuel protests and to specify the statutory basis relied upon for those actions. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on a review and extension of sick pay provisions for healthcare workers with long Covid. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of a new primary care centre for New Ross, County Wexford.”
“Senator Ollie Crowe - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the support packages available to the haulage industry during the current period, including the introduction of barrier-free tolling for hauliers. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the inclusion of socio-economic status as a ground of discrimination. Senator P. J. Murphy - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the conditions for drawdown of funds for the croí cónaithe property refurbishment grant. Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on the removal of VAT on sun protection factor products.”
“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 Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on when Ireland intends to ratify the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed in 2017. Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the use of properties seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau as move-on accommodation for women and children leaving domestic violence refuges.”
“Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the inclusion of socio-economic status as a ground of discrimination. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Evanne Ní Chuilinn and Laura Harmon, who are sharing their time, Joe O'Reilly, Robbie Gallagher, Mike Kennelly, Alison Comyn and Pauline Tully 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 Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the streamlining of the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme. Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the use of vacant and derelict buildings for the delivery of move-on accommodation for women and children exiting domestic violence refuges. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on supports to after-school facilities to ensure children with additional needs can avail of the services. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the conditions for drawdown of funds for the croí cónaithe property refurbishment grant.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senators Evanne Ní Chuilinn and Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the progress made on increasing the visibility of women's sport and promoting the diversity of Irish sport as set out in the recommendations of the Oireachtas joint committee report on inclusion in sport of 2024. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the provision of a women's refuge for victims of domestic violence in County Cavan. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on changes to the nicotine sales licence.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery Senator Devlin Robinson from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County to be precise, who, along with Mary Jo Daley passed the legislation creating the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission. He is here to attend the Global Irish Civic Forum. I think he claimed he single-handedly got Aer Lingus to establish direct flights from Pittsburgh to Ireland. Let anyone else dispute it. I thank him for being here. When is it proposed to sit again?”
“The proposer and seconder of the motion will speak for a combined total of 16 minutes. All other Senators will speak for six minutes, the Minister of State will speak for 15 minutes and the proposer will respond at the end for five minutes.”
“The way we have designed our system is, as we see, causing climate change more so and we have seen reports coming out of the European Union this week in relation to the rising temperature in Europe. We are all aware from the reports written by the United Nations and everyone that the cheapest form of protection from the worst effects of climate change is to stop a lot of what we are doing at this moment in time. We look forward to having the former President in the Chamber as part of that debate on the issue around climate change.”
“I thank everybody, including the Minister of State, for their contributions to the debate. One of the issues we discussed in the Seanad was having Mary Robinson come in and address us on climate. We worked with the climate and energy committee and it has agreed that we have that discussion in the Chamber. The former President set us a challenge in the Seanad to be a voice on the issue around climate change and biodiversity. That challenge, set down on the 100th anniversary of the Seanad, is one that we are continuing because as was said during some of those debates when we had that previous committee in here on climate, the global economy is committing terrorism on the world.”