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 ask the Members of the European Parliament to respond - they have three minutes apiece - to the questions asked. If Members feel they did not get an answer to their question, we will bring them back in later. I want the engagement. After the MEPs respond, we will have one-minute questions from the remaining Senators. We will have that over-and-back exchange, which will benefit everybody in teasing out the answers.”
“Senators know the Standing Orders in relation to contributions in this House. They are well aware of them and use them themselves. I ask the Senator - people have a privilege in this House and must use that privilege carefully. The Senator is aware of the Standing Order. Anois, an Seanadóir Murphy.”
“I would not doubt Mr. Kelleher. Anois Seán Kelly, who presented me with the Cahill Cup in Fitzgerald Stadium in 1996. It was not exactly the Munster Final, but for me it was as close as I will ever get.”
“There will be contributions - and I mean questions; it is about questions - by the spokespersons in each group, and then a response not exceeding three minutes from the MEPs. We will then have questions from Senators. There will then be final contributions. It is all very short, at two hours, but it is valued that the MEPs are here. I will, in alphabetical order, call on Ms Kathleen Funchion, MEP. You are most welcome.”
“Unfortunately, we did not get any one of the statutory instruments that we had sought. We hope to make sure that people understand the importance of the legislation that comes from Europe. When that legislation was coming from Europe in 1974 it accounted for 20 pieces of legislation. It is now over 200, so nearly four out of five of the laws that are enacted in Ireland in that process in our parliamentary system every year are European-led. The people of Ireland are entitled to see the drafts before they are signed into law and our legislators are entitled to see them in advance. This co-operation between the Seanad and our MEPs is greatly valued. I will outline how we will run this session. Some of the MEPs have been here before. Each MEP will address the Chamber for six minutes.”
“Standing Order 63(1) provides for Members of the European Parliament to be attendant and to be heard here with the approval of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight. I am delighted that so many Senators are here. We asked the Senators who are from the Ireland South constituency, similarly with Dublin and Midlands North West, to attend on the occasion of their MEPs being here. It is important. It is about strengthening the understanding within the Seanad and within Ireland generally about the work that our MEPs do in Brussels and Strasbourg. It is very complicated but very important in terms of agriculture, artificial intelligence, the issues around economic resilience, peace and security and also democratic values. We had a meeting yesterday of the Seanad Select Committee on EU Scrutiny and Transparency.”
“Sorry for the delayed start. It is a great honour to welcome our colleagues from the European Parliament, Members of the European Parliament. I will announce them in alphabetical order. That is the way the seats have been allocated to make sure it is impartial. We are delighted they are here. We are joined by Ms Kathleen Funchion, MEP; Mr. Billy Kelleher, MEP; Mr. Seán Kelly, MEP; Mr. Michael McNamara, MEP and Ms Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP, who are representing us in Europe, working together as a team. As the embodiment of that institution and our representatives there, it is very welcome, in this year of Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the European Union, that they participate in this engagement with the Seanad.”
“On behalf of this House, I express our condolences to his wife, his children Laurence, Helen, Tom and Mary-Kate, his brother Walter and his sister Anne, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his many family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I ask the House to observe a minute's silence in memory of the late Larry Butler.”
“His years on the council were marked by his approachability, persistence and straightforward dedication to serving the people he represented. In 2007, he was elected to his House on the industrial and commercial panel. It was the first time that someone from Tinnahinch represented that area since the foundation of the Oireachtas. Larry is remembered as a dedicated public servant, a friend to many and a committed community man. His legacy lives on in the people he served, the family he loved and the quiet, steady impact he made throughout his life. Beyond his public service career, Larry had a great devotion to his family and his wife Kathleen. They shared 63 years of marriage together, a partnership marked by loyalty, affection and mutual support.”
“Before I ask the Deputy Leader to outline the Order of Business, I know Senators were saddened to hear of the death last week of a former Member of this House, Larry Butler. A native of County Carlow and the son of a local lock-keeper on the canal, Larry grew up along the River Barrow and received his education through Graiguenamanagh national school. Although his life and career took him to Dublin, his heart was always in Carlow. Larry entered public life when he was elected to Dublin County Council in 1991, representing Glencullen. Known for his work ethic and commitment to local issues, he earned a great reputation among the local community. He was re-elected to the newly established Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and served the Ballybrack electoral area.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to Seanad Éireann the guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy, to the Visitors Gallery. They are from Scoil Eoin Naofa, Ballymore, County Westmeath. I am sure the Minister told them that when people visit Seanad Éireann, the extra benefit outside of hearing the wisdom of the Senators is that they also have no homework for the rest of the week. They should make sure the teachers implement that little policy.”
“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. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected those raised by Senators Rabbitte, Ryan, Lynch and Kennelly and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.”
“Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on funding for the administration of the tenant in situ scheme within local authorities. 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 Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the regulation of urban horses. 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.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Anne Rabbitte - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the need for an additional classroom provision in Tiernascragh National School, County Galway. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the criteria used in recent special needs assistant, SNA, reviews and whether reductions in mainstream SNA allocations are undermining inclusive education in primary schools. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeline for the provision of a day care centre for older people in Macroom, County Cork.”
“I welcome from Galway the guests of Deputy Albert Dolan. I think they are members of a youth club in east Galway. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Senator Scahill, who is from Roscommon, has reminded me that for any young people visiting the Seanad, there is no homework for the rest of the week. I am sure the visitors will be delighted to hear that.”
“The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators O'Loughlin, Cosgrove, Keogan and Fitzpatrick and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“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 Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the additional special need assistants allocation for Newtown Dunleckney National School, Bagenalstown, County Carlow. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of hereditary ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegias and myalgic encephalomyelitis in the long-term illness scheme. 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.”
“Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to make a statement on engagement with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland regarding its review of the licensing regime for bookmakers. Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeline for the provision of a day care centre for older people in Macroom, County Cork. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the regulation of urban horses. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the criteria used in recent special needs assistant reviews.”
“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 Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on support for the purchase of Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, by Kildare County Council. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the provision of funding to commemorate the men and women who fought in the War of Independence who have not yet been acknowledged. Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the Government's response to the European Parliament's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.”
“I welcome the Minister, Deputy Browne, to the House. I also welcome students from Inver College in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, who are guests of Deputy Matt Carthy. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I not too sure if they get any homework, but there is no homework for the rest of the week when you visit Seanad Éireann.”
“Before I call the proposer of the Bill, I earlier welcomed Councillor Anna Grainger, who was not here at that time. I now officially welcome Councillor Grainger and her guest, Neeth Job. You are most welcome. Thank you for being in the Seanad today.”
“Before I ask Senator Maria Byrne to propose a suspension of the House I welcome to the Gallery guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, Senator Dee Ryan, Senator Curley, Deputy Dempsey and the Minister for enterprise, Deputy Burke. We are joined by David, Hazel, Dylan, and Charlie Sheridan from the Darnley Lodge Hotel, Athboy. We also have Eimear Harte, Paidi, Fiona and Cormac Reilly from Athboy. Councillor Anna Grainger may also be here with a guest although she may not have arrived yet. That is a long guest list. As there is a vote in the Dáil, we do not have a Minister to start the debate. I ask Senator Maria Byrne to propose a suspension of the House until the conclusion of the vote.”
“Before I call on Senator Conway, I welcome Croom Active Retirement Group on a mystery tour. The mother-in-law of Deputy Richard O'Donoghue is in the group. Was that part of the mystery? Where is Richard's mother-in-law? You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Normally when I tell young people like yourselves that when you are in Seanad Éireann there is no homework for the rest of the week. I do not know what incentive I can give you. Richard is a great guest of the House. I am sure you will be at the Members' bar later for refreshments. I thank you all for keeping it a secret. You were not told. That must have been some shock this morning. I am sure you thought you were going to Limerick city. That is quite a mystery tour. Well done to Richard.”
“I welcome to the Gallery guests of Deputy Newsome Drennan from St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny, in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency . They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. As the Deputy will have told them, there will be no homework for the rest of the day. Given the rate we are handing out no homework for the rest of the day, no school in Ireland will be doing homework by the end of today. I call the Leader to respond on the Order of Business.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome Deputy Noel McCarthy and the students and teachers from Ballyhooly national school. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. I thank them for coming in. I hope they enjoy their day. As I am sure the Deputy informed them, when they visit Seanad Éireann, there is no homework for the rest of the week. It is one of the benefits of coming to this House. I call on Senator Brady.”
“I welcome guests of Deputy Matt Carthy from the Lisdoonan women's group. They are most welcome here today. I also welcome guests of Deputy Robert Troy from Emper National School. There is no homework for the rest of the week, just so they know. Make sure the teacher knows that. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan is most welcome with his guests as well.”
“I welcome Sviatoslav, son of Zoriana, who is here with Samantha Long on work experience. I can tell him that he will not be idle any time he is working with Samantha and Senator McDowell and all the team. I also welcome to the Gallery Michael from Boyne Community School in Trim, who is on transition year work as well. I hope they enjoy their time here in Leinster House.”
“Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Ireland becoming a signatory to the Antarctic treaty. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Joe Conway, Maria Byrne, Lorraine Clifford-Lee and Fiona 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.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on plans for the telephone infrastructure nationwide following repeated storm damage. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of hereditary disabilities in the long-term illness scheme. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on respite services in County Monaghan, in particular that the Rainbow Lodge Children’s Respite Centre remains in operation until the new respite facility is constructed at Drumbear, County Monaghan. Senator Nicole Ryan - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on capital investment for the N86 Tralee to Dingle road.”
“Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - That need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the reduction of the special needs assistants allocation for the Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge, County Kildare. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the regulation of urban horses. 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 Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the provision of funding to commemorate men and women who fought in the War of Independence who have not yet been acknowledged.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Joe Conway - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the Delivering Homes, Building Communities housing plan and its impact on self-catering properties. Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable customers, including the eligibility criteria. Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the provision of more reading classes for children with dyslexia.”
“Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire, an Teachta Browne, go dtí an Seanad. Anois, we will have statements on Storm Chandra. The Minister will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes and all other Senators five minutes, and the Minister will be called on to reply no later than 9.20 p.m.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I would also like to welcome a very special guest. The 2025 Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins, an apprentice electrician, is most welcome to Seanad Éireann, along with John Dwan, her apprentice supervisor and sponsor, and his wife Noreen, from County Laois, and Steve, director of operations for the Rose of Tralee Festival. I have known Steve for many years and he has been doing great work in Kerry. I am delighted to welcome the Rose of Tralee here as an example of apprenticeships, the challenges we face and also the solutions available. The debate will follow the normal pattern. The first contributor is the Minister of State.”
“Before I ask the House if it agrees with the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader, I welcome students from St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny. They are guests of Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the Taghmon active retirement group, the ladies from County Wexford. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Thank you for coming here today. I call on Senator Gallagher.”
“Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Michael Collins from the Government & Politics society in UCC. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. I thank them for coming. If they have any observations, could they please email them to my office?”
“Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business I welcome from Wexford the Newtown aqua ladies club, who are guests of the Ceann Comhairle. They are in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, as they should be.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on plans for the telephone infrastructure nationwide following repeated storm damage. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on funding for the administration of the tenant in situ scheme within local authorities. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Murphy O'Mahony, Boyhan, Nelson Murray and O'Reilly and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the development of an adult day services centre for County Monaghan. Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of hereditary ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegias and myalgic encephalomyelitis in the long-term illness scheme. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the provision of funding to commemorate men and women who fought in the War of Independence that have not yet been acknowledged. Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Ireland becoming a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on plans to further recognise and enhance the role of our female farmers in 2026, International Year of the Woman Farmer. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on commercial rates for home-based childminders, in particular engagement with Tailte Éireann and the County and City Management Association on this matter. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on social welfare payments for special school bus escorts during school holidays.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her attendance in Seanad Éireann for this debate on artificial intelligence. It is an issue that is of concern to many people across the country, particularly given the issues over the last couple of weeks with which the Minister of State has been dealing. I thank all the Members for their participation in the debate. When is it proposed to sit again?”
“Before I call on Senator Boyhan, I welcome Deputy Paul McAuliffe and students from Dublin City University who are here for the debate on the Mental Health Bill and to listen to Senators and the Minister of State.”
“For the benefit of Members, it is a Government amendment. The acceptance of this amendment involves the deletion of section 91. While it says that a new section will be inserted, the amendment providers the deletion of the section.”
“Senator Nicole Ryan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 11 be taken before No. 1." Senator Andrews seconded the motion and the Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment.”
“Before I call on the Leader I welcome the visitors from Ratoath College, County Meath, who are guests of Deputy Gillian Toole. They also have no homework for the rest of the week, just like the previous school.”
“Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the guests of Deputy William Aird from the Holy Family Senior School in Portlaoise. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Thanks for coming. I am sure the Deputy has told his guests that we, in the Seanad, do not allow students to be given any homework for the rest of the week after their visit to Seanad Éireann.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Before I call Senator Byrne, I welcome Ciara Bree to the Seanad Chamber. She is a transition year student from St. Dominic's College in Cabra and is contributing to work in the office of Senator Patricia Stephenson.”
“Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the future support for the farming Rathcroghan project in County Roscommon. The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Byrne, Kennelly, Andrews and Rabbitte and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.”
“Senator Anne Rabbitte - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with special responsibility for disabilities to provide an update on the Toghermore equine centre in Tuam, County Galway. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the restriction in special schools that prevents a student from attending the school after their 18th year. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the provision of funding to commemorate men and women who fought in the War of Independence who have not yet been acknowledged.”
“I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on the provision of a new library in Limerick city. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on plans in place to support our citizens returning to Ireland to live and work, specifically in relation to mortgage approval, car insurance and health insurance. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the planned expansion of the family resource centre programme this year.”