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 welcome the Minister of State and his officials to the House. Before I call on the Minister of State, I welcome the former mayor of Galway, Mr. Val Hanley, and his wife Eileen to the House. You are most welcome to the Seanad Chamber today as guests of Senator Ollie Crowe and Deputy John Connolly. Thanks for coming and thanks for your work in Galway as mayor. The debate will follow the normal pattern, with the Minister to speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons to speak for eight minutes and all other Senators for five minutes.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome from the banner county, County Clare, guests of Deputy Cathal Crowe from Scarriff National School. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. It is hard to distinguish between the teachers and the pupils but I will tell the pupils there is no homework for the rest of the week when pupils visit Seanad Éireann. They can tell their teachers and parents that.”
“Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the procedure for obtaining ankle-foot orthosis braces for children with cerebral palsy in County Cavan. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the impact on payment of disability allowance and invalidity pension to recipients who are availing of certain courses with the Tipperary Education and Training Board. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Kyne, Noonan, Kennelly and Tully and they will be taken now. Senator Tom Clonan 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 on the commencement of Seanad Éireann today: Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the provision of a family resource centre for the Clifden and the north Connemara area of Galway. Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on establishing a network of one-stop shops in every local authority to encourage development of vacant and derelict properties. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on liquefied natural gas projects, in particular the Shannon Estuary project.”
“I remind Members that each group has eight minutes. That will equal the amount of time we have for the debate, so whoever has been allocated might consider sharing with their colleagues. The next group is the Fine Gael group of Senators Duffy, Cathal Byrne and Kelleher. Does Senator Kelleher want to speak for two minutes?”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome a group from Ballyphehane in Cork city. They are from Ballyphehane Tidy Towns, Ballyphehane Community Association and Ballyphehane Togher CDP. They are most welcome. They are guests of Senator Harmon. Anois, glaoim an Seanadóir Craughwell.”
“It is quite enormous, much bigger than we could put on display here. Those copies of the flags that were flown on the Catalpa will be brought over to New Bedford in Massachusetts and also to Fremantle in Australia for the 150th anniversary of that rescue, which was this week 150 years ago. I thank Members for their support on that. Anois, all politics being local, Ballymakenny College in County Louth and guests of Deputy Butterly are here. I welcome Chloe O'Callaghan, niece of Senator Nessa Cosgrove, to the House, doing her transition year work experience. I thank Chloe for being here.”
“McCarthy and John Walsh whose parallel rescue mission under the guidance of Fenian leaders in Ireland, including Charles Guilfoyle Doran, Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, combined with the Catalpa rescue mission to ensure its success and the freedom of those who sought to secure the independence of Ireland. It was signed by Senators Maria Byrne, Fiona O'Loughlin, Victor Boyhan, Conor Murphy, Alice-Mary Higgins and Laura Harmon, as the leaders and representatives of all the groups in Seanad Éireann. I thank Members for their support and also Enda O'Coineen and his guests in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, who are bringing an exact replica of the flag that was flown from the Catalpa by the captain, which has just gone on display in the National Library.”
“I read from the resolution: - those prisoners rescued - James Wilson, Thomas Darragh, Martin Hogan, Michael Harrington, Thomas Hassett and Robert Cranston - and their suffering in harsh and cruel conditions in Fremantle Penal Colony in Western Australia; - the bravery of the Captain of the Catalpa, Captain George Anthony, and the crew who, despite demands by the British authorities to surrender the prisoners, hoisted and pointed to the flag of the United States of America and sailed the prisoners to freedom; - the role of John Devoy, Clan na Gael, and the Irish in America in working with John Boyle O’Reilly in securing the Catalpa and its Captain, George Anthony of New Bedford in Massachusetts, for this most perilous rescue; - the role of Denis F.”
“Before I call Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, there is a resolution before the House signed by all the leaders of the groups in the House in relation to the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa rescue, where six prisoners who were involved in the Fenian rising were rescued by the captain and the crew of the Catalpa .”
“He was in lifelong service to the Irish language, a strong supporter of cultural development and a great advocate and supporter of the establishment of TG4, recognising the importance of Irish language broadcasting to Irish cultural expression. On behalf of this House, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Eileen; sons, John and Paddy; daughters, Christine, Anne, Siobhán and Mary; his brother, Seán, his grandchildren, his extended family and his colleagues in the Labour Party. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I ask Members to be upstanding for the memory of Brian O'Shea.”
“He travelled the county every weekend, Tallow, Dungarvan and Tramore, meeting people face to face. Among Brian's greatest achievements was a long-fought campaign to bring radiotherapy services to Waterford, finalising in 2007. Another was his commitment to securing university status for Waterford, a project fulfilled in 2022 with the establishment of the South East Technological University. The foundations were laid by Brian and many others. Brian also looked to remember the forgotten and quiet role played by those of the widows of the War of Independence and the veterans who had served and to ensure that they received the pension. That is something that he was extremely proud of.”
“In 1985, he achieved a remarkable feat, being simultaneously elected to Waterford Corporation, Waterford County Council and Tramore Town Commission. He went on to top the poll in the Tramore and Waterford city areas in 1991. His national political career began here in Seanad Éireann in 1987, where he was elected to the industrial and commercial panel. In 1989, he won a Dáil seat, topping the poll. From then until 22 years later, he served the people of Waterford with unwavering commitment until his retirement from national politics in 2011. He was a Minister of State at the Department of agriculture with responsibility for food and horticulture. Later, in the Department of Health, he had responsibility for disability, public health and food safety. He was dedicated to Waterford. He never lost touch with local issues.”
“Before I ask the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business, as we do in Seanad Éireann on the passing of a former Member, we have an expression of sympathy and a minute's silence. This is by way of a tribute to the former Members' contribution to this House, but also to Ireland, and in recognition of their service to the State. On this occasion, we are honouring the memory of a former Member of this House and a former TD and Minister of State, Brian O'Shea, a son of Tramore, County Waterford. Brian was educated in Mount Sion CBS before studying at St. Patrick's in Dublin, where he trained as a primary school teacher. He began teaching in 1970 in Waterford and was an active member of INTO, where he served as a chair of the Waterford branch for many years.”
“Before I call the Senator, I welcome guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy, to the Gallery from Piercestown National School. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I am sure the Ceann Comhairle told them that when they visit Seanad Éireann, part of the experience is that they have no homework for the rest of the week. I ask them to make sure if there is anyone giving them any homework that they write to me and I will sort it out.”
“Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the impact on payments of the disability allowance and invalidity pension to recipients who are availing of certain courses with the Tipperary Education and Training Board. 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. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Boyhan, Gallagher, Stephenson 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.”
“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 Health to make a statement on the critical shortage of general practitioners in Ireland. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the current policies of the emergency services in relation to flooding. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on transport funding and routes in the south east. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on funding and progress on the Newbridge southern outer orbital route, in particular regarding a second bridge for Newbridge, County Kildare.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Keogan, Fitzpatrick, Cathal Byrne and Comyn and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise. I remind Senators that all Commencement matters should be submitted by 12 noon on the day before the Commencement matter debate. Four Commencement matters are selected on weeks in which we are sitting for three days. I ask Senators to ensure they meet that deadline.”
“Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of small dosages of melatonin to be made available over the counter to assist women experiencing menopause with sleep issues. 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. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the roll-out by local authorities of CCTV and other technologies to combat illegal dumping. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister of Education and Youth to provide an update on additional accommodation for Bailieborough Community School, St. Aidan's Comprehensive School, Virginia College and Coláiste Dún an Rí, Cavan.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Collins, chuig an Seomra. 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 the provision of a system for capturing and publishing information on missed international protection interviews. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to give an update on the recommendations of the local democracy task force final report. Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the provision of an on-site assessment of the temporary accommodation at Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford.”
“Dáil Éireann has passed the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) Bill 2026 on 25 March 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026 on 25 March 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.”
“Before I call on Senator McDowell, I want to welcome the guests of Senator Tom Clonan, including Eileen Kelliher, who I believe was the Lily of Killarney in 1984, along with her family. I think they are remotely related to the Clonans. I also welcome Aidan Walsh, Kelley Smith and Honor Walsh. I welcome them all to Seanad Éireann.”
“The proposers and seconder will speak for a combined total of 16 minutes and all other Senators have six minutes each. The Minister of State will be called to contribute from the Government side when he indicates and will speak for 15 minutes.”
“I welcome guests of Senator Joe Flaherty from Longford GAA. They are Derek Fahy, Peter O'Reilly and Paul Rowley. They are here to brief Ministers about plans for a new national sports facility. Thanks for being in Seanad Éireann.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Conor Welby and Claire Quan, guests of Senator Shane Curley. They are most welcome. We also have guests of Senator Ollie Crowe from Galway University - Lauren Ormond, who is a daughter of Councillor Peter Ormond from Offaly and Rachel Hoade Scully, a daughter of Councillor Mary Scully. I welcome Adam, Aidan, Darragh, Harry, Jack, Lauren and Rachel. They are all most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for being here for this debate. I am sure they are proceeding to the other Chamber very shortly.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome those from the men's club in Fermoy. They are here as guests of Deputy Noel McCarthy. Among them is J.J. Bunyan, a fellow Kerry man. If you have a long road to travel, J.J. will keep you entertained. Whether it is from here to Fermoy, Kerry or all the way to America by boat, he will keep you entertained all the way. I thank J.J. for being here and I declare he helped me get my nomination for the first Seanad election I ran in in 2007.”
“I thank the Senator. As already stated, because many of the amendments will not be reached, I am allowing a little latitude. This amendment relates to the human rights element of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is an element relating to identity and other issues. I am being fair to everybody and am giving a lot of latitude because many of the amendments will not be reached. This does relate to human rights as well. People can discuss it in that context.”
“Before I call Senator McDowell, it is important to reflect the concerns of Members in relation to the number of amendments introduced. Given the arrival of so many amendments, the Houses of the Oireachtas staff had to work throughout the St. Patrick's Day weekend, late on Monday and beyond to process them. This is not the way staff of the Oireachtas should have to spend their time on legislation coming from the Dáil. I thank the Minister for outlining the time pressures and the Members for raising their concerns on this important legislation but, as Chair of the Seanad, it is important for me to express the very genuine concerns expressed by Members regarding so many amendments arriving so late, which had such an effect on the staff of the Oireachtas.”
“Sorry, Senator. All I am trying to do is explain. I am allowing latitude because I realise that we will not get to most of the amendments. It is in relation to the reporting on the Bill itself but I am asking the Senator to try to stick within that.”
“Before I call Senator Craughwell, I welcome the guests of Senator Laura Harmon from Cork Boat Club, who are here today for their first time in Leinster House. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I also welcome Darragh Walker to the Gallery, who is carrying out work experience organised by Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald.”
“Before I call the next Senator, I welcome the Speaker of the Parliament of the Isle of Man, the Honourable Juan Watterson, and a member of that Parliament, Mr. John Wannenburgh, who are guests of Senator Gerard Craughwell. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for visiting Leinster House.”
“Before I call the next speaker I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senator Martin Conway. They are his cousin Anastacia Beary and Kath O'Leary. You are both welcome to Seanad Éireann. Anois, an Seanadóir Joe Conway.”
“It took six hours so I did not make the Irish Olympic team on the basis of it. This year, 2026, also marks the 45th anniversary of Greece joining the European Union and we thank it for its support for Ireland throughout the last decade in terms of Brexit. We look forward to working with Greece on sharing prosperity and future ideas in this challenging time for the world. On Greece's national day, I welcome the ambassador and thank him for being with us. I also thank all the people in the Greek community in Ireland for their contribution to Irish society.”
“That was a radical idea at the time, indeed, democracy was a radical idea, when Greek civilisation created it. Theatres around the world owe their very existence to Greece, for which we are eternally grateful. This year is an important year for Greece because of the fact that it is 130 years since the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. I was in that stadium and finished my one and only marathon in that stadium.”
“Before I call the next speaker, on the Greek national day I welcome to Seanad Éireann the Greek ambassador to Ireland. Of course, Greece is a country associated with creativity, resilience and the democratic spirit, a spirit that is needed now more than ever. From philosophy to science, from the arts to mathematics, Greece has offered and enriched the world with its ideas and its enabling of civilisation. It is important to acknowledge that not only did Greece give us democracy - the very word itself and the roots of that word - but it also gave us theatre. At this time when Kerry, and Ireland I suppose, celebrates the winning of an Oscar, we also acknowledge that the very word "thespian", the word for actor, derives from Thespis of Icaria who was the first ever performer who stepped onto a stage and portrayed another character.”
“Senator Shane Curley - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the current maintenance programme for gravestones of the 1916 leaders at Arbour Hill in Dublin. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Kyne, Costello, Cosgrove and McCormack and they will be taken now. Senator 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 Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the reimbursement of drugs to slow the progress of the symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the establishment of a cross-border scheme for oral immunotherapy treatment for food allergies. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the security of tenure of elderly and disabled tenants in privately owned retirement villages. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for education to provide an update on proposed works at St. Francis School in Portlaoise, County Laois.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on measures in place to ensure there is an adequate supply of batteries available for defibrillators. Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on proposed works at St. Francis School, Portlaoise, County Laois. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the security of tenure of elderly and disabled tenants in privately owned retirement villages. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Gareth Scahill, Victor Boyhan, Noel O'Donovan and Mark Duffy, and Robbie Gallagher and they will be taken now.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the proposal for a voluntary relocation scheme for post-primary teachers. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the urban regeneration and development fund investment for Dundrum in Dublin. Senators Noel O'Donovan and Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on plans in place to address the development and maintenance of coastal piers and slipways.”
“I welcome the CEO of Galway Chamber, Ms Karen Ronan, who is a guest of Senator Collins. I also welcome to the Public Gallery members of Templeogue Community Men’s Shed who are guests of Deputy Brophy and Senators Boyhan and Fitzpatrick.”
“I hope he enjoys his return to Leinster House and it does not bring back any traumatic experiences of trying to keep law and order among the Seanadóirí. He also served a long time on Offaly County Council, from 1974 to 2004, and did a small bit of hurling back in the day. Again, I thank him for being here in Seanad Éireann.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the House. Before I ask Senator Davitt to outline the proposal in the motion, I welcome former Senator and Cathaoirleach, Mr. Pat Moylan, to the Seanad Éireann. Pat was elected in the 1997 election to the 21st Seanad on the agricultural panel. He was also nominated by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and served with distinction as the Cathaoirleach of this House from 2007 to 2011. He was preceded by Rory Kiely and succeeded by Paddy Burke. I remember his time as Cathaoirleach. Mr. Moylan would remember my time as a Seanadóir, which started under his stewardship. It was a great honour to serve in the Seanad under Pat and we thank him for coming to visit us in Seanad Éireann today.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh na cuairteoirí atá sa Ghailearaí anois, a guest of an Seanadóir Aubrey McCarthy, Declan Muddiman, tá fáilte romhat; agus guests of an tAire Stáit, an Teachta Christopher O'Sullivan, students from Summercove National School, Kinsale, County Cork. They will be delighted to hear about the rule of the Seanad, even if it is a guest of a Minister of State from the other House, we still have a rule of no homework for the rest of the week for all visitors to Seanad Éireann. Anois, cuirfidh mé an cheist. For the benefit of the students, because it is Seachtain na Gaeilge, I will attempt to ask in Irish an aontaítear an tOrd Gnó, the Order of Business. For those with Donegal Irish, I am sure that was indecipherable.”
“I welcome St. Michael's secondary school, Finglas, to the Seanad. I also welcome the grand-niece of Senator Michael McDowell who is here as well. I was very honoured to meet her earlier and I thank her for being here. Councillor Peter Feeney from Galway is most welcome, as is Amelie Gardiner from Salerno Secondary School, who is on transition year experience with Seán Kyne. There is no homework for the rest of the week for everybody; that includes Councillor Feeney.”
“He was a man of vision and action whose legacy will endure in the institutions he strengthened, the cultural initiatives he championed and the countless lives he touched. On behalf of this House, I offer deepest condolences and sympathies to his daughter, Deirdre, sons, Malachy and Tony, his sister, Philomena, his grandchildren and all his extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I ask Members to be upstanding for a minute's silence.”
“He was a proud supporter of an teanga Ghaeilge, of heritage and of founding innovations that enriched his local community and the nation. Tony made a deep personal commitment to culture and education, which were cornerstones of his beliefs. Tony's energy and creativity were legendary. In 1982, he undertook a 140-mile run while soloing a sliotar . He went from Borrisokane through every town in Tipperary - he should have run for President with that kind of commitment - and on to Dublin to raise funds for a day care centre. This remarkable feat, completed over seven days, was a testament to his determination and compassion. Tony's efforts highlighted his ability to inspire action and bring attention to important issues. Throughout his life, Tony McKenna exemplified the very best of public service.”
“Tony championed innovation and inclusion for all in education. Tony's commitment to public service extended beyond the classroom. He served with distinction on North Tipperary County Council, and his leadership qualities quickly became evident. He rose to the position of cathaoirleach and, later, mayor of Tipperary County Council. He worked tirelessly to represent his community and advance local development. In 1987, Tony was elected to Seanad Éireann from the Cultural and Educational Panel, which, by any measure, is some achievement in light of how high the quota is on that panel, as some Members - at least five - will know. He served in the 18th Seanad and, as a Taoiseach's nominee, in the 19th Seanad.”
“Before I call the Leader to announce the Order of Business, Members will have been saddened to hear of the death Tony McKenna, of a former Member of this House and a former county councillor. Tony was born in Borrisokane in 1939. He spent some of his early years in UCD. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1965 and pursued a postgraduate diploma in remedial education. This reflected his lifelong belief in access to education for all. Tony was a vocational teacher who touched countless lives. His leadership role in vocational education demonstrated his determination, as chair of North Tipperary Vocational Education Committee and, later, as senior vice president of the Irish Vocational Education Association, to create opportunities for students all across north Tipperary and beyond.”
“Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Ireland's position on the European Convention on Human Rights in advance of the Steering Committee for Human Rights next week, specifically in relation to Article 3 and Article 8 provisions. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the shortage of pathologists across the country. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Comyn, Costello, Scahill 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 Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the acquisition of the Christian Brothers monastery on Synge Street, Dublin 2, for use by Gaelcholáiste Synge. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding to complete proposed road improvement works on the national routes N69 and N70 in Kerry. 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.”