Mark Daly
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Before I go to the next question, as this is the last sitting day before we break up for the summer, I thank Martin and all the Seanad staff, all the ushers, all the people who work in catering and all the people in the Oireachtas community, including the staff who work around the Upper House, for all their work.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Senator Frances Black and her guests: Shay Black, brother of the Senator, and Erica Pagels, from San Francisco – or, more accurately, Berkeley, which is just outside San Francisco – which is a nice part of the world. I thank Ms Pagels for coming over.”
“I welcome again to the Gallery the Black family. Shay Black was here already with Erica Pagels, but Martin Black, another brother of Senator Black, is now here and is also most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Martin told me there were no hard feelings after the Dublin-Kerry game, but that Dublin was robbed. That is according to Martin.”
“I welcome to the Gallery two special guests of Senator O'Loughlin, Joeleen Dyland and her son James, who has a huge interest in politics. We look forward to James coming back to Leinster House in the future, perhaps to work in the office with Senator O'Loughlin and maybe later as an elected Member of Seanad Éireann or Dáil Éireann.”
“The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its considerations of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) (No.”
“There are 10,000 to 15,000 Irish people working in Belgium, many of them EU staff. This year is the 20th anniversary of Belgium GAA, which includes the EC Gaelic Club in Brussels. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Conradh na Gaeilge, the Irish language organisation, also have branches there.”
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“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to make a statement on the provision of funding for a fully-staffed, 24-hour national helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on Internet access in rural areas. Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of funding for contactless payments on public transport, particularly for rural and remote bus services.”
“I welcome the guests of Deputy Willie Aird and Councillors Barry Walsh, John King and Paddy Buggy, all from County Laois. All the friends from Laois are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. Thanks for being here.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome Seamus O'Brien, the former County Longford footballer and a recent retiree, to Seanad Éireann. I do not know if he has retired from football or work but either way, we wish him a happy retirement. Anois, an Seanadóir Sarah O'Reilly.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the students from St. Kilian's German School, Clonskeagh, to Seanad Éireann. I do not know what the German for "No homework for the rest of the week" is, but níl aon obair bhaile don chuid eile den tseachtain. That is the Irish version of it. I welcome, for the second time, Bobby Nealon, who is a guest of Senator Mark Duffy. He was here earlier. He is on the list. You are welcome back, Bobby.”
“We work together to strengthen our relationships there. There are nearly 8,000 members of the Bulgarian community in Ireland. They live in Cork, Dublin, Ennis, Shannon, Tullamore, Monaghan and Waterford and are involved in academia, IT, engineering and the medical industry. We welcome the ambassador on Bulgaria's national day. Happy Liberation Day. Fáilte go dtí Seanad Éireann.”
“Ba mhaith liom cuir fáilte to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the ambassador from Bulgaria. The ambassador is here to mark the Bulgarian national day on 3 March. It marks the date of national liberation and restoration of the Bulgarian state after nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. The Irish connection dates back more than 100 years. A County Limerick man, from Bruff, no less, James Bourchier was a champion of national interests in Bulgaria. He led the delegation from Bulgaria that was involved in the negotiations on the Versailles Treaty. Such was his national fame and in honour of his efforts, a boulevard and a metro station in Sofia were named after him. His resting place is in a monastery, a privilege granted to very few foreigners. Bulgaria and Ireland are both members of the European Union.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Before I call on the first speaker I wish to welcome to the Visitor's Gallery Mr. Bobby Nealon from Virginia and Scranton. I think that is Scranton, Pennsylvania, the home place of former US President Joe Biden. Mr. Nealon is father to Annie, who is working as an intern with Senator Duffy. The family has strong Ballina and Mayo connections. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann, Bobby.”
“Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on a review of the national drugs reimbursement process to support people living with rare diseases in accessing orphan drug treatments. 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 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 Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators O'Loughlin, Boyhan, Joe O'Reilly and Ní Chuilinn and they will be taken now.”
“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 of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on flood measures for Newbridge, County Kildare. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the review of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024. Senator Joe O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the application for a family resource centre in Cootehill, County Cavan.”
“I think the Senator is talking about the battle itself whereas I am just talking about the interpretive centre. My mother rang me to say she wanted to go, at very short notice. As one can imagine, it was a tough ticket to get. Having exhausted all avenues in the Irish Government, I rang the Paisleys' office and they got my mother to the opening with the late, great Rev. Ian Paisley. That is North-South co-operation at its finest. I thank the Paisley family for that and Ian for being here today.”
“I had a great conversation with Ian's father and his mother when they were both on a visit to Leinster House and thanked them, and I will now thank Ian on the record for getting my mother into the Battle of the Boyne opening by Bertie Ahern and his father many years ago.”
“Before I call on Senator O’Loughlin to respond, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery Deputy David Maxwell as well as a senator from France, Nathalie Goulet. I thank her for being here. Accompanying the senator is a man who is no stranger to the House and has visited quite a number of times, Ian Paisley Jnr. In fact, his father, the Rev. Ian Paisley Snr., sat in the exact same spot many years ago. I thank him for being here as well.”
“Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh na delegation from the Norwegian Parliament, guests of the communications unit. That makes me think you are from the communications unit in the Norwegian Parliament. I hope you enjoy your visit here. At the risk of causing an international incident, I will now try to welcome Solveig Rødland, Vilde Urdal Bolstad, Anne Marit Arnesen, Lars Henie Barstad, Kaja Smedal and Jens Christian Koller. Thank you so much for coming. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Public Gallery the guests of Senator Sarah O’Reilly from St. Louis Secondary School, Dundalk. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. The rule of Seanad Éireann is that there is no homework for the rest of the week. We have now amended that rule such that if visitors come in on a Thursday, there is no homework for the weekend either. We are trying to win friends and influence people. I believe the next speaker is Senator Duffy. My apologies, it is Senator Flaherty.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery none other than my nephew Ruairí, who is on work experience. He is suffering badly from paper cuts due to a massive amount of envelope stuffing and other activities required in the office of somebody working in the Seanad or the Dáil. I thank Ruairí for all his hard work and for putting up with his uncle for the week. It certainly has not been easy and not only for the week as I have been his uncle all his life, which is really tough.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Cash Cummins, who is a son of Ray Cummins who works in Leinster House. He is most welcome here on work experience for the week. I hope they do not have him working too hard and that he enjoys his time in Leinster House.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome guests of the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, to the Public Gallery. They are from St. Patrick's National School in Stackallen. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I met them in the corridors. I remind them that there is no homework for the rest of the week. We will extend it to the weekend as well.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the introduction of a DNA database for dogs to counteract attacks on sheep farming communities. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to provide an update on the redevelopment of the GPO. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Patricia Stephenson and Malcolm Noonan, who will be sharing time, and Senators Sarah O'Reilly, Eileen Lynch and Mike Kennelly and they will be taken now. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senators Patricia Stephenson and Malcolm Noonan - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on staffing, bed capacity and medical equipment at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, in light of an increase in demand. Senator Sarah O'Reilly - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on conducting an independent review into the provision of telemedicine abortion. Senator Eileen Lynch - the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on tourism plans for the Gearagh, Macroom, County Cork.”
“I welcome the Minister, my fellow Kerry person, to the House. The proposer and seconder of the motion for a Second Reading will speak for 16 minutes and all other Senators for six minutes. The Minister can reply at any time and then the proposer will complete the debate.”
“Before I call the Minister, I welcome Social Democrat councillor Noelle Browne from Kimmage-Rathmines. She is a survivor of the mother and baby home in Bessborough. She is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Anois glaoim ar an Aire chun freagra a thabhairt ar an díospóireacht.”
“I welcome the guests of Senator Boyle. His daughter Amy is here from Niall Mór National School. She is most welcome. Also from St. Catherine's Vocational School in Killybegs, County Donegal, we have Holly Meehan, Catherine Byrne, Amy Rawdon, Kayla Boyle, Trisha Meehan, Orla and Niall Canning. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank Senator Boyle for bringing them in.”
“I welcome the Minister back to the House. She will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes, all other Senators for five minutes and the Minister of State will reply no later than 3.20 p.m.”
“Senator P.J. Murphy has moved amendment No. 1 to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." This has been seconded by Senator Maria Byrne. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed. Senator Andrews has moved amendment No. 2 to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." This has been seconded by Senator Collins. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I call on the Leader, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, namely, Sam Doyle and Hugh Murphy from Newbridge College. They are most welcome. I also welcome guests of Senator Stephenson, namely, Councillor Shane Hickey-O'Mara from Limerick and student Sean O'Gorman as well. We also have Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Ballinasloe, guests of Deputy Claire Kerrane, who I think is there as well, and the teachers. I hope some teachers are with them but we welcome them if they are and inform them there will be no homework for any visiting school for the rest of the week”
“She was described by the Taoiseach as a "force of nature". I must say the Taoiseach understated what Mary White was like. I would not like to have been on Mary White's panel under any circumstances because she has infectious energy and a can-do attitude. She would definitely go through you if you were in her way, which what it takes in business and often in politics as well. I pass the condolences of Seanad Éireann to her family - to her husband Padraic who looked after her during her last few years, her daughter, sisters and brother Liam and all the extended family. I ask Seanad Éireann to be upstanding. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.”
“She was elected to Seanad Éireann in 2002 on the Industrial and Commercial Panel and served three consecutive terms, retiring in 2016. She was the spokesperson for enterprise, jobs and innovation. She championed indigenous industries, the small community businesses that employ the vast majority of people in Ireland and was passionate about doing so. She contributed as well to the discussions on Northern Ireland, particularly through the Good Friday Agreement committee of which she was a member and tirelessly worked to enhance relationships between the North and South. She was also appointed, and asked to serve, as the chair of Gaisce - the President's Award by the then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, and used that as a way of extending Gaisce to Northern Ireland and extending the hand of friendship.”
“Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, Members will have been saddened to hear of the death in January of a Member of this House and a friend of many, Mary White. Born in Dundalk, she was a woman who was definitely before her time in terms of expanding the horizons for many in the business community at a time in the 1980s when the opportunities for women in business were limited. She was a pioneer and she and Connie Doody cofounded Lir Chocolates, which many Members have had the opportunity to sample over the years. She was always generous with Lir Chocolates at Christmas. It was a time of economic uncertainty and she has a vision and created jobs in the community. It was a clear statement of intent of what she believed about Ireland's possibilities.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the provision of funding for Project WAVE in 2026 and future years. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the opening of more reading schools around the country. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of public dental services in primary schools. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the opening of additional beds and associated supports at the new Central Mental Hospital.”
“Now, 20 years later we see a lot of that in Ireland where people are connected online but not connected. Volunteerism is a great way of doing this. It is nearly 20 years since the task force on active citizenship. A lot of those recommendations could be looked at again in terms of how we can help society by helping each other and people volunteering. That is a big part. I again thank the Minister of State and everybody for participating.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit agus le gach Seanadóir. It is important that a debate on volunteerism takes place in Seanad Éireann in light of the fact that it is nearly 20 years since the publication of the book Bowling Alone about how people are getting more isolated in a world that has so much connection online that in the real world people are not going out and helping others which obviously benefits society but also benefits the individuals involved in it. Bowling Alone described how America was changing with people no longer involved in different organisations, many of them voluntary but also helping those in their own community. People literally did not even have somebody to go bowling with; that was how isolated people were getting.”
“I was wondering who the new Senators joining us on the left-hand side of the Chamber were. They are from St. Michael's Nursing Home in Caherconlish. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. They look very comfortable there. Some of them are in their wheelchairs but I think they would fit in. They are guests of Deputy Sheehan.”
“Nearly 3,000 Estonians call Ireland home. As two of our neighbours in Europe, but far away from us, you are still close to our hearts in terms of the many challenges you face when it comes to the Russian aggression that Ukraine has faced, and which we know Estonia faces on a daily basis, including online attacks and attacks by artificial intelligence that is trying to undermine government and democracy. Ambassadors, we are saddened that you have to be here on this anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. We hope you will be here with us for happier occasions in the future. We commend Estonia on securing its independence and we work with you on making sure it remains a free and proud democracy and part of the European Union. Thank you very much.”
“As you will know, since the beginning of the invasion the Ukrainian flag has flown in Leinster House at the main entrance and in the main reception area to remind us every day of the struggles you face against the invasion of your country by Russia. Obviously, working with our European partners we hope that the conflict will end and will meet a fair and just resolution that is supported by all of the people of Ukraine. Others facing Russia's aggression include the Baltic states. Today we mark the national day of Estonia, which knows all too well about the aggression of its nearest neighbour. It fought for its independence and secured it on 24 February 1918. Like Ireland, Estonia has a deep appreciation of culture and identity. Of course Estonia became a member of the European Union under Ireland's Presidency in 2004.”
“Before calling the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I note that today we celebrate Estonian independence day. Also today, we mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We are honoured to have the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. You are most welcome to the Chamber, ambassador. You have been working tirelessly on behalf of your country and its people over the past number of years. You cannot take video footage when you are in the Chamber. You have been working very hard for us and for your people over the past number of years. You have been building relationships and bridges between Ireland and Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion, thousands of civilians and those who have been fighting to defend Ukrainian national territory have died.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on plans for telephone infrastructure nationwide following repeated storm damage. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the opening of additional beds and associated supports at the new Central Mental Hospital. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Collins, Craughwell, Gallagher and Scahill and they will be taken now. Senator Victor Boyhan will be selected tomorrow. I welcome the Minister to the House. The first matter is from Senator Joanne Collins, who has four minutes.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on wind farms, in particular the updating and changing of wind energy strategies and energy curtailment. Senator Gerard P. Craughwell - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure funding is available for University College Dublin’s Ukraine trauma project for two missions planned in 2026. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the review of the eligibility of drivers over 70 years of age to drive smaller school buses.”
“I apologise for interrupting, but as it is now 3 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the Order of the Seanad of this day: "That amendment No. 7 is hereby negatived in Committee, that section 3 is hereby agreed to in Committee, in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section is hereby agreed to in Committee, the Title is hereby agreed to in Committee, the Bill is accordingly reported to the House without amendment, Fourth Stage is hereby completed, the Bill is hereby received for final consideration and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“I welcome Senator Cathal Byrne. It is amazing he is here because he is getting married tomorrow, of all things. Obviously he has all the preparation work done. I wish Cathal and Sarah all the very best and, as our colleague from Tipperary reminded us, Sarah is from Tipperary so he is doing very well. I hope they have a great day tomorrow, and congratulations, Cathal. Amendments Nos. 7, 18 and 20 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I welcome to the Gallery Mr. Séamus Hennessy from Roscrea College who is a guest of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. As Mr. Hennessy is visiting from a college, he has no homework for the rest of the week. I am sure he is delighted to hear that.”
“I am trying to be fair to all sides. The Minister is entitled to respond. The Senator is entitled to respond to the Minister, but if we do that, no one will speak to any amendment. We will just be responding to the previous response.”
“I will clarify, we are on amendments Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, and amendment No. 8 and they relate, predominantly, to the workings of the Act and reviews thereof and to put in a review mechanism of the Act within two years. That is what we are speaking about and I ask Members to speak to those amendments. Anois, Senator Andrews is in possession.”
“I know. I am trying to give a small bit of latitude but it is amendments Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, and amendment No. 8, which relate to reviews of the Act. Where it is relevant, people can bring up the examples, but I ask people to speak to the amendments.”
“I welcome the Minister to the House for the Committee and Remaining Stages of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. I am sure he will allow me to welcome Mary Barron, Helen Fitzgerald, Elaine Hayes, Mary Flynn, Mary Peters, Anne Maher and Anne Marie Farrell who are all in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, as they should be. It is where all dignitaries are placed. As they are all from Tipperary, they are Tipperary dignitaries. They are all members of the youth club in Tipperary. They are from Clonmel, Cashel, New Inn and south Tipperary in general. I am delighted to welcome our friends from Tipperary to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I thank them for visiting Seanad Éireann.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire for coming to the House tonight. I also thank Sophie and Shane for coming here. It is important to remember that laws are passed to change outcomes and to improve the lives of citizens. Giving the name to a Bill of those who embody the reason for a Bill is appropriate and important.”
“I welcome the Minister to the House. Before I call Senator Harmon, I welcome former Senator and leader of the Labour Party, Ivana Bacik, to the House along with Deputies Lawlor, Nash and Sheehan. They are most welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, where they should be, of course. I also welcome guests of Senator Harmon, who are in the Gallery for this debate.”
“I thank the Members of the European Parliament who are here. They were very gracious to give their time today. We look forward to engaging with this group of MEPs again next year, and also with MEPs from the Dublin and Midlands–North-West constituencies during this year, in the latter half of which Ireland will hold the Presidency of the European Union.”
“I have one proposal on an issue that falls on the desk of many Senators. Would the European Union bring in a requirement that all online bookings of flights include the expiry date of passports? It might lessen the load of Members of the Oireachtas. If that is something the MEPs could investigate, many of us would get fewer phone calls every week from panicked constituents.”
“I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery a Member of the House of Commons, Sorcha Eastwood from the Alliance Party, who represents Lagan Valley, and her mother, who is no doubt proud. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Ms Eastwood is here to meet a Minister.”
“In this section, I ask Members to indicate whether a particular question is directed at a particular MEP or for all the MEPs. I ask the MEPs to take notes and make sure they try to respond to the Senators' questions. I appreciate Senators coming to the House and the MEPs taking the time to answer the questions. Members will have one minute each for the questions. We will get a group of questions together and then let the MEPs respond. If Senators feel they want further engagement, please ask because that is what this is about.”