Mary Butler
Waterford · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Major improvements are happening across services: enhanced access to proactive and preventive healthcare to support a better quality of life; the embedding and upscaling of women's health initiatives put in place through the implementation of the previous women's health action plans, including, as the Senator knows, free contraception, sp…”
“In relation to any proposal, a proposal for a new location requires a detailed business case, a premises, support from the regional HSE management, and the necessary funding to resource the staffing of the service. That is where I come into it and what I will be trying to do.”
“We are currently working closely with it to support the expansion of Jigsaw services to Waterford and the south east, as well as to County Clare. The location of Waterford was picked because we have no services in the south east at all. It is great that we will have the hub and spoke model the Senator spoke about.”
“That is where I do not agree with the Senator. I believe €180 million of funding ring-fenced for women's health, when we have come from a low base, is absolutely unbelievable.”
“The plan will build on our knowledge of women's health through research and innovation and will spotlight important areas such as endometriosis and cardiovascular health. Recently, the Minister announced €2 million in funding for women's health research.”
“This plan will continue to focus on how we can improve access to specialist endometriosis care and treatment. As the Senator knows, we have established two super-regional specialist centres, one in Tallaght University Hospital and another in Cork, alongside the development of five regional endometriosis hubs.”
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“and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion either at 9 p.m. or after five hours, whichever is the later, by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. In relation to Thursday's business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m.”
“the Statements on Driving Test Wait Times shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time; and Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF NP/G Mins 3 9 10 3 5 4. the resumed Committee Stage of the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024 shall be taken no earlier than 4 p.m.”
“the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 9.30 p.m.; and (b) the weekly division time may be taken later than 8.45 p.m., and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on Committee Stage of the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024; 2. notwithstanding anything in Standing Order 177(2), the proceedings on Second Stage of the Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 2 hours; 3.”
“the Statements on the Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as an Economic Enabler in a Changing World shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF NP/G Mins 3 9 10 3 5 (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time. In relation to Wednesday's business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on the Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as an Economic Enabler in a Changing World, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Health and topical issues; 2. the proceedings on the Motion re Withdrawal of Bills shall be taken without debate; 3. the proceedings on the Motion re Appointment of Cathaoirleach of Working Group of Committee Cathaoirligh shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and 4.”
“or after 5 hours, whichever is the later) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Second Stage of the Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021, selected by the Independent and Parties Technical Group. Thursday's business shall be Statements on the Common Agricultural Policy and Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (not to exceed 2 hrs 25 mins). Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Information on Repairability of Certain Products Bill 2024, sponsored by Deputy Pa Daly. Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 10.48 p.m.; and (b) private members’ business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Withdrawal of Bills (to be taken without debate) - Motion re Appointment of Cathaoirleach of Working Group of Committee Cathaoirligh (to be taken without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Statements on Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as an Economic Enabler in a Changing World (not to exceed 2 hrs 25 mins) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Housing and Critical Infrastructure, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements on Driving Test Wait Times (not to exceed 2 hrs 25 mins) - Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024 (Committee Stage, resumed, Amendment No. 20) (to start no earlier than 4 p.m. and to conclude either at 9 p.m.”
“Work to enhance services in Dublin and nationwide has taken place through Connecting for Life, our national suicide reduction strategy, and this has seen sustained investment in funding. As Minister of State, I fund the National Office for Suicide Prevention, whose budget has tripled between 2012 and 2025, from approximately €5 million to €15 million. We recently went out for public consultation for a new Connecting for Life process, which is our programme for reducing suicide. Unbelievably, we got 1,895 submissions. The last time we went out for public consultation on this, we got 300 submissions. Those 1,900 submissions show that people are speaking more openly about their mental health. I encourage everyone, especially men, to do so. I thank the Senator for giving me the opportunity to come into the Seanad today; I appreciate it.”
“I look forward to walking on my own Darkness into Light walk in Portlaw this weekend. I normally attend the one in Waterford city but this time I am staying local. It is great to see all of these walks. Initially, they were in the big cities and towns but now they are in nearly every community, which has to be welcomed. I want to touch on some of the funding that has been provided. I recently increased funding for suicide crisis counselling through Pieta, the national suicide bereavement liaison service and the national Traveller Counselling Service. There are also dedicated resource officers for suicide prevention in each of the Dublin health regions, promoting and co-ordinating suicide prevention initiatives in their local areas.”
“We are working on how to ensure that men who need counselling but are unable to afford it can get counselling free of charge through their GPs. I believe there is no health without mental health and that suicide is everybody's business. I would encourage everybody not to be afraid to speak about it. I welcome the opportunity to come to the Seanad today to speak about it. I will touch on the Dublin services in the next piece.”
“My budget this year has allocated €100 million to organisations such as Jigsaw, Pieta, MyMind, SpunOut and the Samaritans. That is €100 million, and I want to commend and compliment Pieta for the work it does. I increased its budget this year and it does a phenomenal amount of work. I have a great working relationship with it and would encourage everyone to get out and walk for Darkness into Light on Friday night into Saturday morning. It is a great experience and you see many people walking there who are bereaved by suicide. It does help, and the support they get is really important. This year, I have secured €2 million to specifically target men who require counselling. I am focusing on those who do not have medical cards, as we provide counselling under the counselling in primary care, CIPC, service.”
“When one looks at the suicide figures - it is something I spend a lot of time on - one sees that approximately 80% of all suicides in Ireland are male and 20% are female. Of all the counselling supports that are provided across the country, two thirds are accessed by women but only one third are accessed by males. There is an onus on all of us to try to support and encourage men, especially young men but also middle-aged and older men, to reach out and access counselling supports. Women will speak more freely. They will sit down with someone, have a cup of tea and speak about how they are feeling, their emotional well-being, their peace of mind and whether they are depressed, lonely or struggling. There is a big onus on all of us to do that. The Senator spoke about private charities.”
“Additionally, the recently published National Suicide Research Foundation self-harm registry report highlights that, between 2010 and 2023, self-harm rates decreased by 12%, which is really welcome. As the Senator said, preliminary figures record 302 deaths by suicide in 2023. That is the lowest preliminary figure in over 20 years. For example, the rate in 2022 was 410 initially, upgraded to 436, so it was a significant reduction. There is a significant time lag in reporting on deaths by suicide, and the number of 302 will be revised upwards as coroners' investigations conclude, but the overall decline shows progress in suicide reduction in Ireland. It is welcome, but I understand and have said that we have so much more to do, particularly in terms of access to services.”
“It is a pleasure to be back in the Seanad. I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on her role. I thank Senator Andrews for raising this important issue. Every death by suicide has a devastating effect on the families, loved ones and entire community who are affected. Suicide and self-harm reduction are a priority for me as Minister of State and for Government as a whole. Just two days ago, I brought a memo to Cabinet to update Government on our work to improve suicide prevention in Ireland, including access to services and work on our new suicide reduction policy. Thankfully, I was able to update colleagues on the fact that suicide rates are declining in Ireland and between 2000 and 2021, the last year for which we have official figures, the rate had declined by over 25%.”
“The Minister has committed to reviewing the current approach to this area, including the potential for additional or more flexible funding models. While no dedicated fund has yet been established, this is a matter under active consideration and is subject to budgetary commitments. I have no doubt the Minister will consider this under the Estimates process for budget 2026. I will convey the Deputy's request to her. I congratulate all the schools that seem to be very high achievers in his area.”
“I certainly will take the Deputy's request to the Minister. At present, the Department supports a number of national extracurricular programmes through core funding, including €400,000 for the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, €200,000 for SciFest, €250,000 for ESB Science Blast and €43,000 for the Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme. That gives a total of €893,000. These programmes have broad national reach and strong alignment with curricular and strategic goals. However, I fully recognise the demand for broader support, particularly for schools wishing to participate in a growing number of local, national and international competitions. The Deputy mentioned the schools competing in Texas.”
“However, due to the wide variety and growing number of opportunities now available, the Department has not been in a position to fund individual projects or competition entries. That said, the Minister fully acknowledges the importance of these experiences for learners and the exceptional work being done in schools to support them. The annual provision for STEM funding commitments is just shy of €900,000. A couple of the initiatives are seeking increases in funding to facilitate an increase in numbers participating and the rising costs of putting on those events. The Department is actively considering those requests, with decisions to be made shortly.”
“In line with this, the Department is proud to support national extracurricular programmes that encourage innovation, inquiry and participation. This includes funding for the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, SciFest, ESB Science Blast and the Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme. These initiatives inspire thousands of learners every year and help to promote creativity, problem-solving and teamwork in fun and engaging ways. The Department greatly values the voice and contributions of young people. We recognise their active participation in a wide range of other projects and competitions such as VEX IQ Robotics and the Lego League. These opportunities are made possible through the combined efforts of schools, parents and learners, whose dedication and resourcefulness, particularly in fundraising, are vital to participation.”
“This is reflected in several strategies and policies from the Department of Education and Youth. The Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033 highlights the value of learning that takes place outside formal settings. It acknowledges that supports for learners beyond the classroom have grown and continue to evolve. Similarly, the STEM Education Policy Statement 2017-2026 makes clear that STEM learning is not limited to schools or early years settings. It happens in a variety of spaces such as at home, in museums, during coding workshops, which the Deputy spoke about, and in the workplace. It offers huge opportunities for new learners. One of the key actions in the policy statement is to "[p]rovide opportunities for all learners to take part in STEM through informal, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programmes".”
“They also provide a valuable way for learners to make friends and feel part of a group. All of this contributes to better well-being, stronger school engagement and improved learning outcomes. Through extracurricular activities, learners have the chance to explore new interests and build habits that support lifelong learning. They become more motivated, more resilient and better prepared for future study, training or work. I was interested to hear about the various changes in computer science and other subjects across schools in Offaly. The activities help create well-rounded learners who are not only academically capable but also socially and emotionally confident. I recognise the importance of extracurricular activities and the significant role they play in enriching the learner experience.”
“I thank the Deputy for his very interesting contribution. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth. I agree with every word he said. As Minister of State with responsibility for mental health services, I am aware that extracurricular activities play a key role in helping learners to grow and succeed, both in and out of the classroom, and especially in regard to their emotional health and well-being. By taking part in sports, music, art, debate, volunteering and other clubs or competitions, young people build important life skills such as teamwork, time management and leadership, which are really important in their future careers. These experiences allow students to discover their strengths, develop confidence and express themselves creatively.”
“Ireland, by virtue of its size and market share, may not always be prioritised by a company in the first stages and that has to be taken on board. Second, the pharmaceutical industry must also play its part. Ireland is open for business and encourages timely applications for reimbursement with reasonable pricing offers. We are confident this will support improved access to medicines in Ireland, including in the area of oncology. I thank the Deputy and I will bring what he has said back to the Minister.”
“I thank the Deputy. The level of investment in recent years is unprecedented in supporting patients through the availability of the latest and wide-ranging medicines. Since 2020, €128 million has been made available to fund access to 217 new medicines, including 74 for treating cancer and 57 for treating rare diseases. For 2025, an additional €30 million will be made available to enable access to new medicines. This will come directly from efficiencies to be achieved by the HSE. It is important to go back to the statement that once the company responsible for the commercialisation of a new medicine receives marketing authorisation, it can apply for reimbursement in the country or countries of its choice.”
“In 2023, a record €3 billion of public funding was spent on medicines for patients in Ireland, so it is not that we are not spending a huge amount of funding on drugs. This €3 billion out of the full budget represents almost €1 of every €8 spent by the State on healthcare. In the last three years, over €645 million was spent on medicines to treat patients with cancer, and investment in such treatments continues to be a priority. I take on board the statistics the Deputy articulated at the start, and I will bring them to the attention of the Minister.”
“Reports describing timelines for reimbursement from EMA approval to HSE reimbursement approval do not consider this important factor and misrepresent the process, as statutorily the HSE is not able to add a new medicine to the reimbursement list unless an application is received. Additionally, the initial commercial offering from manufacturers for medicines can have significant implications for the negotiation process, including its duration. In the context of a finite health budget, it is vital that the State ensures good value for money for public expenditure and to ensure that the available budget maximises as much access as possible to medicines and other healthcare services for patients. The State acknowledges the importance of access to medicines and has made considerable investments in new medicines in recent years.”
“These include the introduction of an application tracker to enhance transparency within the pricing and reimbursement process and enhancing the capacity across the process with the recruitment of 34 additional staff. The timing of company applications for new medicine reimbursement in different countries can vary for several reasons, not least the available market share in each country. Once a company responsible for the commercialisation of a new medicine receives marketing authorisation, it can apply for reimbursement in the country or countries of its choice. Ireland, by virtue of its size and market share, may not always be prioritised by a company in the first stages of marketing a new product.”
“HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the State via public funds are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, and having regard to the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics. There are formal processes that govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded or reimbursed or both. An external review of this process, published in 2023, found it to be operating in line with international norms. In the same year, 50% of applications for reimbursement progressed following a rapid review without the need for a full health technology assessment. Recommendations made in the review have been implemented.”
“I thank the Deputy and I acknowledge his constant advocacy with regard to new cancer drugs and drugs in general. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. As the Deputy knows, the HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Reimbursement is for licensed indications that have been granted marketing authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority. In making a reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.”
“I will bring the Deputy’s concerns back to the Minister. As she said, there were calls for other dogs to be banned. The dog control stakeholder group is currently reviewing that. As the group has said itself, it is quite complex. The most important thing is that, when the legislation is in place, it is implementable and enforceable.”
“The Department has also supported a national training programme for dog wardens to ensure a standardised approach to enforcement and to support shared learnings throughout the country. I hope this response, of which I can provide a copy to the Deputy, will help to support what she is hoping to achieve.”
“The wide-ranging and complex issues involved here require in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust but also fit for purpose and implementable. They also have to deliver the best outcomes for communities and the dogs themselves. In December 2023, a responsible dog ownership leaflet was launched by the former Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, along with the then Minister for agriculture, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, to raise awareness about the responsibilities of dog owners. In early 2024, a major national awareness campaign was launched to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs.”
“It is taking account of recommendations from the report of the working group on the control of dogs, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, consultation with stakeholders and experts in the field and the outcomes of the public consultation undertaken by the Department of Rural and Community Development in 2019. Updates to the existing legislation are required and it is proposed that amendments will be made through a control of dogs and dog breeding establishments (miscellaneous provisions) Bill. Items under consideration include the possibility for dog control notices, the inclusion of additional breeds in the restricted dog list and updates to definitions contained in the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.”
“Updates to the existing legislation are required. It is proposed that amendments will be made through a new control of dogs and dog breeding establishments (miscellaneous provisions) Bill. A high-level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy on these issues. Retired deputy Garda commissioner Mr. John Twomey is chair of the stakeholder group which comprises members with a broad range of experience. The group has been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters currently under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development. The dog control stakeholder group is currently reviewing the existing legislative provisions.”
“The Department of Rural and Community Development has the policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Act and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. The Dog Breeding Establishments Act provides a regulatory framework for the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities and, where a serious and an immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments. I agree with the Deputy. We have had horrific instances where people have been attacked by dogs. Children have been scarred for life. Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, local authorities are responsible for all operational activities, such as the registration, inspection and the regulation of dog breeding establishments, including enforcement activities.”
“This revision process has now been completed and the new version, NACE revision 2.1, which was established in 2022, will be used for the production of European statistics from 2025 onwards. NACE revision 2.1 entails several changes, including the introduction of new concepts at all levels of the classification and the restructuring of a number of the existing headings. At the same time, major efforts have been made to maintain the structure of the classifications in all areas that do not explicitly require change based on new concepts. Following this revision process, there is no new NACE classification to uniquely identify dog breeding in Ireland. This industry sector is classified under NACE code 01.48, which relates to the raising of other animals. I can expand on that aspect in my next reply.”
“As Chief Whip, I am taking this question on behalf of the Taoiseach. I thank the Deputy for the question. The standard classification of industrial activity used by the CSO in Ireland is NACE. This is the statistical classification used, since 1970, for a wide variety of European statistics in the economic, social, environmental, and agricultural domains. Since the last version, NACE Revision 2, was published in 2006, Europe’s economy has evolved significantly, leading to a need to update this classification to reflect changes in business practices and society developments. For the past few years, Eurostat has worked with its partners in the European statistical system on this update.”
“I move: That the Order of the Dáil of 23rd January, 2025, in relation to the Select Committee on Subsidiarity (European Union Legislative Scrutiny) is hereby rescinded and the Committee is accordingly dissolved for the remainder of the 34th Dáil.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann, in accordance with section 8(3)(a) of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Acts 2003 to 2024, appoints the ordinary members of the Commission as follows: Deputies Catherine Ardagh, Frank Feighan, Pearse Doherty and Jennifer Whitmore.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann: (a) approves the First Report of the Standing Committee of Selection in accordance with Standing Order 33, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 6th May, 2025, and appoints members to Committees accordingly; and (b) pursuant to Standing Order 113(2), appoints the following members as Chairs of Committees: Deputy Aindrias Moynihan – Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food Deputy Malcolm Byrne – Chair of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence Deputy Alan Kelly – Chair of the Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Deputy Richard O'Donoghue – Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight Deputy Keira Keogh – Chair of the Committee on Children and Equality Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí – Chair of the Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh – Chair of the Committee on Defence and National Security Deputy Maurice Quinlivan – Chair of the Committee on Disability Matters Deputy Gary Gannon – Chair of the Committee on Drugs Use Deputy Cathal Crowe – Chair of the Committee on Education and Youth Deputy James O'Connor – Chair of the Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Deputy Barry Ward – Chair of the Committee on European Union Affairs Deputy Mairéad Farrell – Chair of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach Deputy Conor McGuinness – Chair of the Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Deputy John Lahart – Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Erin McGreehan – Chair of the Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Deputy Pádraig Rice – Chair of the Committee on Health Deputy Micheál Carrigy – Chair of the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage Deputy Cormac Devlin – Chair of the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Deputy Seán Fleming – Chair of the Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery Deputy Catherine Connolly – Chair of the Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community Deputy Matt Carthy – Chair of the Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Deputy George Lawlor – Chair of the Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community Deputy Catherine Callaghan – Chair of the Committee on Member's Interests of Dáil Éireann Deputy John Brady – Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts Deputy Louise O'Reilly – Chair of the Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen Deputy John Paul O'Shea – Chair of the Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development Deputy Michael Murphy – Chair of the Committee on Transport.”
“I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I note the requests from the Opposition Whips. They can be discussed at the Business Committee tomorrow morning. I informed Deputy Collins last Thursday that the debate on agriculture will take place next week. That has not changed. In regard to the amendment, the Government will not accept it.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 shall be taken no earlier than 3.30 p.m. and, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 60 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto: (a) the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:- opening speech by a Minister or Minister of State – 10 minutes; speeches by representatives of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, Social Democrats, Independent and Parties Technical Group, and Independent Technical Group – 7.5 minutes per party or group; speeches by non-party/group members – 7.5 minutes in total; and a speech in response by the Minister – 5 minutes; and (b) members may share time.”
“the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) no motion for a Committee report pursuant to Standing Order 111 or private member's Bill pursuant to Standing Order 169 shall be taken; (b) the Questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) which were to be taken on Thursday, 10th April, 2025, shall be taken immediately following the SOS, without any change to the allocation of priority Questions to the Tánaiste and not otherwise affecting the current sequence of Ministers or rota for priority Questions as ordered by the House; (c) private members' business pursuant to Standing Order 168(1) and Standing Order 176 shall be taken for 2 hours on the conclusion of the Motion re Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021; and (d) topical issues shall be taken on the conclusion of private members' business, and the Dáil shall adjourn on the conclusion of topical issues; and 2.”
“the resumed Statements on the Farrelly Commission Report shall not exceed the time remaining from last week’s arrangements, and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the speaking slots from the arrangements for the statements from Thursday, 1st May, 2025, shall be continued from the point at which they were adjourned; (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time. In relation to Thursday’s business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Dissolution of Select Committee on Subsidiarity (European Union Legislative Scrutiny) shall be taken without debate; 5. the Statements to mark Europe Day shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time; and Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF NP/G Mins 3 9 10 3 5 6.”
“and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on the Farrelly Report; (d) Parliamentary Questions to a Minister other than the Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) shall not be taken; and (e) topical issues shall be taken on the conclusion of private members’ business; 2. the proceedings on the Motion re First Report of the Committee of Selection and appointment of Cathaoirligh shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; 3. the proceedings on the Motion re Appointment of Ordinary Members to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; 4.”
“Thursday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Parental Choice in Education, selected by the Social Democrats. Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Wednesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 34(1)¯ (a) the Dáil may sit later than 10.48 p.m.; (b) the only Parliamentary Questions to the Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) which may be answered shall be those under the aegis of the Government Chief Whip, with consequential effect on the time for commencement of Government business; (c) private members' business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m.”
“I move: Wednesday’s business shall be: - Motion re First Report of the Committee of Selection and appointment of Cathaoirligh (any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re Appointment of Ordinary Members to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re Dissolution of Select Committee on Subsidiarity (European Union Legislative Scrutiny) - Statements to mark Europe Day (not to exceed 2 hrs 25 mins) - Statements on the Farrelly Commission Report (resumed) (not to exceed remaining time) Wednesday's private members' business shall be Motion re Childcare, selected by Sinn Féin. Thursday's business shall be the Motion re Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (to conclude within 60 minutes).”
“The following is a proposal to revise the schedule for 1 May, 2025. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or in the arrangements agreed on the Order of Business, that (a) the statements on the Farrelly commission report shall be taken at 10.23 a.m. tomorrow and shall be interrupted after 96.5 minutes and (b) oral parliamentary questions to the Minister for Social Protection shall be taken in place of statements on the Farrelly commission report on the resumption of the sitting following the sos.”
“I move: That- (1) the Select Committees as contained in the report of the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform entitled "Orders of Reference and Establishment of Committees", laid before Dáil Éireann on 30th April, 2025, are hereby appointed pursuant to Standing Order 102, with the Orders of Reference as contained in the report, including the remit, powers, number of members and quorum of each Committee; and (2) each Select Committee listed in the report shall be joined with a Select Committee appointed by Seanad Éireann to form a Joint Committee, to carry out the functions set out in Standing Order 103, other than at paragraph (5) thereof: provided that, pending the appointment of Select Committees by Seanad Éireann, Select Committees may consider all matters set out in Standing Order 103 and otherwise in their Orders of Establishment and shall have the relevant powers as defined in Standing Order 104 for those purposes.”
“It is a stark reminder of what happens when safeguards fail. The most important thing we can do as Oireachtas Members and as a Government is make sure that the safeguards are put in place and will not fail again.”