Mark Daly
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Before I go to the next question, as this is the last sitting day before we break up for the summer, I thank Martin and all the Seanad staff, all the ushers, all the people who work in catering and all the people in the Oireachtas community, including the staff who work around the Upper House, for all their work.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Senator Frances Black and her guests: Shay Black, brother of the Senator, and Erica Pagels, from San Francisco – or, more accurately, Berkeley, which is just outside San Francisco – which is a nice part of the world. I thank Ms Pagels for coming over.”
“I welcome again to the Gallery the Black family. Shay Black was here already with Erica Pagels, but Martin Black, another brother of Senator Black, is now here and is also most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Martin told me there were no hard feelings after the Dublin-Kerry game, but that Dublin was robbed. That is according to Martin.”
“I welcome to the Gallery two special guests of Senator O'Loughlin, Joeleen Dyland and her son James, who has a huge interest in politics. We look forward to James coming back to Leinster House in the future, perhaps to work in the office with Senator O'Loughlin and maybe later as an elected Member of Seanad Éireann or Dáil Éireann.”
“The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its considerations of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No.”
“There are 10,000 to 15,000 Irish people working in Belgium, many of them EU staff. This year is the 20th anniversary of Belgium GAA, which includes the EC Gaelic Club in Brussels. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Conradh na Gaeilge, the Irish language organisation, also have branches there.”
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“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Ms Gabrielle Maher from Oregon. She is originally from Ireland but is here as the Oregon trade commissioner. She is town for the global forum which is being held in Croke Park this week.”
“Go raibh maith agaibh, a chairde. I welcome the mum of another Senator, Senator Stephenson. Marga Foley is in the Gallery, I think. I think Ollie Crowe's mother is in the House as well today. It looks like it is parents' day or "bring your parents to work day" in Leinster House. Thanks to everybody for that. We have another group coming in that we would like to welcome as well, guests of Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee. They are about to land. Our next speaker will be Senator Collins. The group is from the Ursuline Convent in Waterford. Ms Hoban and Ms O'Brien are the class teachers. I give a special mention to Emily Butler, a cousin, who is in the class. They are all welcome to Seanad Éireann.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome Terry Leyden, a man who served in the Seanad, Dáil and Cabinet, along with his guests. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Is he making another comeback for the Shannon? Terry has managed to come back to the Seanad more than once.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, to the House. I also welcome to the Visitor's Gallery guests of Senator Noonan, and the parents of Senator Harmon from Cork, Ted and Mary. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Their daughter is doing great work here in Seanad Éireann. She is working very hard and does Cork proud and her parents proud. I thank them for being here. The opening speakers for this debate will speak for 16 minutes. The proposer and seconder may share time, and all other Senators have six minutes, and the Minister of State will respond.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome members of the Garda Síochána Retired Members' Association from Kildare South. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for all their work in keeping us safe down through the years and I hope they enjoy their time in Leinster House.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I am sure Members will join me in welcoming the honorary consul of Ireland in Detroit, Mr. Joe Patrick McGill. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank him for being here and I am delighted that he is over here for the Global Irish Civic Forum events in Croke Park. I thank Mr. McGill for all the work he does for Ireland in the great state of Michigan.”
“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. 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 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. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Kelleher, Kyne, Gallagher and Andrews and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of funding for regional National Transport Authority offices. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for road maintenance due to the sharp rise in the cost of materials. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the arrangements in place for Ireland's upcoming football match with Israel. 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.”
“As the convener of the friendship group, Deputy Byrne has put together a most impressive celebration of that life and bohemian Dublin, which is marked in this great exhibition on Count and Countess Markievicz. It is a great symbol of the enduring relationships between Ireland and Poland. I thank the chargé d'affaires, Mr. Michalski, for being here today as we celebrate Poland's national day. I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on future funding allocations for road safety initiatives, in particular to provide safe pedestrian and cycle infrastructure in Mourneabbey, County Cork.”
“They have created communities and organisations that bring them together and also celebrate the bonds between Ireland and Poland. Our diplomatic relations run deep with our membership of the European Union, which has been transformative for Ireland since we joined in 1973 but also for Poland when it joined. Today in the Oireachtas there will be an exhibition that has been worked on in relation to Countess Markievicz, who played such a huge role. Her husband was an artist and was a leading figure in the cultural revolution in Ireland, part of that important element of our struggle for Independence. Their partnership brought Polish culture and identity to Ireland long before the Polish people who are now living in our country did. It is woven through the fabric of our shared relationships over the last 100 years and beyond.”
“Before I read out the Commencement matters, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the Polish chargé d'affaires, Mr. Artur Michalski. He is a guest of the chair of our parliamentary friendship group, Deputy Malcolm Byrne. Today we mark Poland's Constitution Day to commemorate the adoption of a modern, codified constitution by Poland on 3 May 1791. It was the first country in Europe and the second after the United States of America to do so. The Unites States is, of course, marking its 250th anniversary this year. Also this year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Poland. It is a cause of great joy for us that we have built those links. There are over 93,680 people of Polish citizenship living here.”
“I welcome the Minister to Seanad Éireann. I thank him for being here. The Minister will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes, all other Senators will speak for five minutes and he will reply no later than 7.35 p.m. The statements will conclude at 7.45 p.m.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, Mr. Gordon Prentice, who is a former Labour Party MP from Britain and represented Lancashire back in the day. I am sure he is sorry to be missing out on all the action in Westminster today.”
“I join with Senator Murphy O'Mahony and all colleagues in expressing our sympathies to the family and huge number of friends of Joe Carroll. He was a character in every sense of the word, but he was also a great servant to all the people down in west Cork. Obviously, it was a great honour for him and his family that he was the mayor of the county, and as the Senator pointed out, he did so with distinction. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
“We are not too sure whether there is a pairing arrangement in place for the Minister. In the height of safety, we will allow him to go to vote. Senator Stephenson is still to respond if the Minister is able to come back after the vote.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Patricia Stephenson, Fiona O'Loughlin and Anne Rabbitte, who are sharing their time; and Senators Tom Clonan, Nessa Cosgrove and Malcolm Noonan and they will be taken now. Senator Robbie Gallagher may give notice on another day of the matter that he wishes to raise. Before I call on the first Senator, I welcome our visitors from Castlecomer Community School, who are guests of Senator Stephenson. The Minister, Deputy Calleary, is most welcome to Seanad Éireann.”
“Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the provision of funding in 2027 for two autism support workers for the Home Youth Liaison Service in Sligo-Leitrim. Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the timeline for the introduction of a scheme to provide investment in sorting technology for the material recovery facility network. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for road maintenance due to the sharp rise in the cost of materials.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senators Patricia Stephenson, Fiona O'Loughlin and Anne Rabbitte - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on travel supports for victims of domestic and gender-based violence. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the requirement for DA103 forms to be completed for disability allowance and invalidity pension applicants availing of certain courses with the Tipperary Education and Training Board.”
“I thank the Minister. Before I call Senator Gallagher, I welcome Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy and all the crew from Bunclody who are here about an issue in relation to flooding defence in the town. With the councillor are Nicky Caesar, Patrick Foley, Mick Scott and Mary Cowman-Scott. The visit was arranged by former Senator, now Deputy, Malcolm Byrne.”
“Before we move to the next item, I welcome guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Marian Harkin, to the Gallery. I welcome, with the Minister of State, Mr. Barry Adler, who is a former news editor with the New York Times , and his wife Pat. They are most welcome here to Seanad Éireann. I am sure people will be fascinated to learn all about the inner workings of the New York Times and what Pat and Barry think about the world of media today. I am sure Senators here will share their opinions; they will be down in the restaurant later.”
“I wish to interrupt the Minister of State for one second. I do not want to stop her and she can continue in a second, but we are over time, so I need to ask the Acting Leader to move that, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders of the House, the debate be extended to allow the Minister of State to finish her reply.”
“Before I call the Minister of State to respond, I welcome guests of Senator Shane Curley, Eileen and Ollie Monaghan, who are the sister-in-law and brother of Councillor Martin Monaghan. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the family of Shane Lee, who works for Senator Joe O’Reilly. I welcome all the family to Seanad Éireann. They are most welcome. I also welcome the guests of Annie Keegan. They are also most welcome.”
“I welcome the Minister State, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, and pupils from Glandore National School to the Chamber. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann. I welcome Jimmy Collins whose 13th birthday is today. I wish him a happy birthday. By the way, the Minister of State was speaking to me earlier and there is no homework for the rest of the week for the entire class. If possible, I would give Jimmy twice as little homework but I do not think that is possible.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. I remind Senators they 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 amendment must be seconded. Amendments Nos. 1 and 4 to 6, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“No, sorry. This is going to stop. A number of Senators have been using bad language in this Chamber inappropriately, not today, but I am just saying. The Seanad is not going to have inappropriate language inside. That is not going to continue. The next time someone does something like that we are suspending the House. Continue, Senator.”
“Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on measures in place to provide accountability and answers for parents of children whose organs were retained without consent. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and they will be taken now. I welcome the former Cathaoirleach and now Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, to the Chamber.”
“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 of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on measures in place to ensure that Sligo Abbey is open to visitors on a year-round basis. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for the local improvement scheme in Kerry. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on new initiatives to ensure that the register of electors is up to date and accurate.”
“Before I call the next speaker I welcome Scoil Mhuire na n-Áird from Shillelagh in Wicklow. The students are guests of Deputy Brennan. I was talking to the Deputy earlier and, as is the tradition in the House, there is no homework for the rest of the week. The students should make sure their teachers enforce that law because if it is said here it must be law. Anois, an Seanadóir Fitzpatrick.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the guests of Deputy Mattie McGrath from Tipperary, who are members of Cahir Active Retirement. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here today.”
“On foot of what Senator Keogan has been speaking about, we will be bringing in the social media companies. They had a policy before whereby Members could contact them directly when there were issues relating to online posting. This is something we will be addressing in relation to the protection of Senators who are doing their work in the House and the level of abuse they receive online, which, sadly, is increasing. Unfortunately, it does not appear that everything that should be done is being done by the social media companies to protect Members of the House.”
“McCoy, Assemblyman Ed Rodriguez, Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, Maureen Raisch, Shannon Flynn, Amber Myhre, Erin Reagan, Cory Hughes, Eileen Kean and Elliot Schneider. For anybody whose name I got wrong, we will make sure it is corrected in the record so they are there forever and a day. I thank the delegation from New Jersey. America this year celebrates its 250th anniversary and I note Trenton, the New Jersey state capital, played an important part in the crossing of the Delaware river over 250 years ago. That set America on the path to independence and set Ireland on a similar journey. We were just a few years behind. I thank New Jersey for its support for Ireland in the Good Friday peace agreement and in our struggle for independence. I thank the delegation for being here today.”
“Before we move to the first Commencement matter, I welcome a delegation from New Jersey to Seanad Éireann They have been with the Chair of the education committee and me over the past number of hours, exchanging ideas and building friendships. Most of all, I thank Deputy Speaker Carol Murphy for being here. She is most welcome. She is no stranger to this House. She is the leader of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus and had the idea for the New Jersey Ireland Trade Commission, which has been established in New Jersey. I also welcome Senator Paul Moriarty, Deputy Speaker Wayne DeAngelo, Deputy Speaker Anthony Verrelli, Deputy Majority Leader Dave Bailey, Deputy Conference Leader Alixon Collazos-Gill, Deputy Conference Leader Vicky Flynn, Deputy Conference Leader Tennille R.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on new initiatives to ensure that the register of electors is up to date and accurate. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators O'Loughlin, Sarah O'Reilly, Duffy and Scahill 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 of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on measures in place to ensure that Sligo Abbey is open to visitors on a year-round basis. Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on delays in farm payments for applicants (details supplied). Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the impact on payments of disability allowance and invalidity pension to recipients who are availing of certain courses with the Tipperary Education and Training Board.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the timeline for the rebuild of St. Anne's Special School, The Curragh, County Kildare. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the proposed launch of special and inclusive classes. Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of Mounjaro under the long-term illness scheme. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the safe routes to school scheme.”
“As the time for debate has now expired 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 the Bill has been recommitted are hereby made to the Bill; Fourth Stage is hereby completed and the Bill, as amended, is hereby received for final consideration and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“Amendment No. 28 is a recommittal, so it will be a Committee-style debate. Amendments Nos. 28, 29, 306, and 309 to 328, inclusive, are related and will be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome St. Michael's National School from Castlepollard in Westmeath to Seanad Éireann. They are guests of the Minister, Deputy Burke. As is the tradition in Seanad Éireann when we have a visiting school, there is no homework for the rest of the week.”
“Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on maintenance supports for schools in south Dublin city. 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 Ollie Crowe - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the level of administration involved for families in accessing student grants, in particular for the self-employed. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on plans to legislate to give local authorities greater revenue raising powers, including the introduction of a visitor tax. Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on a remote declaration-based process to replace citizenship ceremonies.”
“Dáil Éireann agreed on 15 April 2026 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the International Protection Bill 2026. Dáil Éireann passed the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 15 April 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Mary to the Gallery. Her husband Joe is also here but he happens to be on the wrong side of the glass here. She is sitting with great friends Karen and Michael Eccles. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. They are between two great people in the O’Reillys. I thank Joe for all his years of service to Seanad Éireann. I thank Mary as well because behind Joe is Mary keeping him on track. I thank Mary for being here. I call Senator Scahill.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Dr. Orla Murray and Helen Rose, who are guests of Senator Curley, to the Gallery. I also welcome the guests of Senator Cosgrove: Róisín O'Sullivan and Chloe Higgins. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann. I now call Senators Curley and Fitzpatrick.”
“The combined speeches of the proposer and seconder shall not exceed 16 minutes and all other Senators will have six minutes. I welcome the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Naughton, to the House, for this important debate. The debate will commence with the proposer of the motion, Senator Tully.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Grealish, who are here for the world Parkinson's association conference, which is being held in the Powerscourt Hotel in the next few days: Professor David Burn, president of University of Galway; Dr. Susan Fox, president-elect from Toronto; Dr. Jennifer Gorman, secretary of Barrow Neurological Institute, Chicago; Professor Marcello Merello, secretary-elect of head movements disorders from Buenos Aires, Argentina; Professor Carolyn Sue, president-elect and chair of neurodegeneration from the University of New South Wales, Sydney; Professor Victor Fung, past president from Sydney; and Jenny from Milwaukee, as well as Zack, Kay and Aileen. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for all the valuable work they do in relation to Parkinson's.”
“As the vote in the Dáil has now concluded, we are back to statements on homelessness. The Minister of State is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. The debate will take the normal pattern. The Minister of State will speak for ten minutes followed by group spokespersons for eight minutes. All other Senators have four minutes and the Minister will reply in or around 6.20 p.m.”
“We understand what it is to be occupied and to have people try to take over your country, and the acts of violence and genocide that continue to be committed against the people of Ukraine. We welcome them to our Parliament. Hopefully, we will be able to support them during our Presidency of the European Union. I invite Senator McCarthy to say a few words on the record, as he is the chair of the Ireland-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group.”
“We are due to commence No. 3 but as the Dáil is having a vote I will ask for a suspension until after the Dáil vote. While we are in session, I welcome the delegation from Ukraine. They are most welcome to the Seanad in Ireland. They are here with the ambassador, who is welcome as well, and the chair of the Ireland-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, Senator McCarthy, who is hosting them here today. I pay particular tribute to the people of Ukraine and President Zelenskyy, who has been a guest in Ireland and has addressed a joint sitting of both Chambers. I also met the President when I was in Kyiv and Bucha. I saw at first hand the horrors that have befallen the people of Ukraine and the bravery they showed when attacked. It is hard to believe how many years ago it is now.”
“Before I call the Minister of State, I welcome guests of Senator Pat Casey, the Haugh family from Limerick, Kay, Lisa, Fiona and Gerry. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Thanks for coming in today. I hope you enjoy your time in Leinster House.”