Seán Kyne
Galway West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Yes, there will be public engagement later today and again tomorrow. Residents in the Shantalla area hope to be able to pop in there tomorrow as well, and councillors will be engaging. I will certainly pass on the Minister's strong view on pushing on with a decision on the transfer of land in relation to the helipad project.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Certainly, the appointment of the design team is hugely welcome and a positive step. She will be aware of the Mater Hospital during the Covid pandemic and the 98-bed block that was built in two years. These things can be done where there is urgency.”
“In University Hospital Galway over recent years we have seen investment in a 75-bed en suite ward, a temporary emergency department and the new radiation oncology building, but so much more is needed.”
“Both blocks A and B are primarily bed-based accommodation, supported by well-established HSE guidance and standard approval layouts. Considering the loss of a number of years in Galway, would the Minister see merit in engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform on fast-tracking these design stages?”
“De réir MARA, má tá daoine ag baint agus ag bailiú feamainne le haghaidh úsáid tráchtála, nó méid mór le haghaidh úsáid pearsanta, ní mór dóibh iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadúnas úsáide ó MARA. Tá na rudaí seo fíorthábhachtach. Níl sé soiléir céard atá ag teastáil ó bhainteoirí feamainne.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I welcome the fact that he expects the MPPS to be brought to the Government in the coming weeks. May I assume, therefore, that MARA is not granting licences pending the MPPS? Is that in abeyance? Is there a formal process?”
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“I am sure there were people who said at the time he was mad - perhaps Anne was among them, I do not know - to up sticks and move to Chicago. It was a tribute to the fact that he was willing to take that risk and chance. He made a mark for himself. Many people reached out to Enda Kenny at the time. I certainly made a phone call recommending that Billy Lawless take a seat in the Seanad. I cannot remember who I engaged with before that but I did reach out to Enda Kenny at that time. Enda said privately that one of the most difficult decisions he had to make as Taoiseach is picking 11 people as Seanad nominees because there is plenty of demand and all of that. Billy was privileged to get that call and, as I said, I am sure there were plenty of other people who advocated on his behalf.”
“Former mayor, Councillor Eddie Hoare, remembers the great welcome he received from Billy and all his family when he was visiting Chicago as mayor in 2023. Those are the words of some of the former mayors of Galway. As we know, Billy was a freeman of Galway. He had gone to Chicago before I got involved in politics so I would not know him as closely as some of the aforementioned people in Galway. From what I knew of him and the many times I would have met him, and from what I had known him before that from his involvement in the Twelve Pins hotel and all that, he was dynamic, gregarious and a larger-than-life figure. He had a varied career. He started as a top-class dairy farmer on the outskirts of Galway city and went on to become an astute businessman. He moved to Chicago, and not as a young man.”
“I have also reached out to a number of former mayors of Galway city and good friends of Billy's. They include Brian Walsh, who is a close family friend, going back to the time of his father Paschal. He was also a councillor. He remembers the invite to the White House. Of course, he went over to the tributes at the funeral in Chicago. Former mayor and Councillor Pádraig Conneely also remembers Billy's involvement, together with the Mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley, in ensuring that Mr. Conneely, as mayor of Galway, received an audience with President Obama in the Oval Office. Councillor Frank Fahy was a neighbour from Menlo. He says that Billy was a great member of the community in Menlo. He was active and positive, and will be dearly missed.”
“I thank Senator McDowell and the Independent Group for bringing forward these tributes. As Leader, I was happy to facilitate holding these tributes to the late Billy Lawless. I welcome Anne, Amy, Helen and Mary to the Visitors Gallery. I also welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, Councillor Anna Grainger, Ms Tracy Young, who worked with Billy, and all his family and friends. I have a short note from the former Leader of the Seanad, now Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, who is abroad. He has asked me to express his admiration for Billy's services and work on behalf of the diaspora, but also his genial and collegial qualities as a person. As a Government Leader, I always found him to be a great colleague to work with on issues.”
“Rewilding has grown in popularity in recent years. Some of it is happening naturally and some of it is planned in terms of the reduction in stocking rates. There are many examples outside the national parks in some natural habitats, as well as in special areas of conservation, SACs. On the issue of SACs, when lands located in a SAC or a natural heritage area, NHA, are sold, the new owner is not notified that they are in an SAC or NHA. I do not know how it can be done, but there should be a better way, be it through auctioneers, the Land Registry or whatever. The onus is on landowners to protect the area but they are not notified that their land is within an SAC of NHA. Sometimes the boundary is not quite clear. That should be looked at.”
“One issue comes up from time to time, and it would be remiss of me not to raise it when the Minister of State is here, as I have said to regional NPWS staff, is that farmers and others are concerned that the State is in competition with them when it comes to purchasing land. I heard it at Maam Cross mart when I was there last Saturday. It would be remiss of me not to say that there is some concern. To balance that, additional staffing means workers in rural areas are buying from local suppliers. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is a spender in local communities, purchasing various pieces of equipment, etc., for the running of the national parks. That is, however, a concern that comes up from time to time. It comes up at Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, INHFA, meetings and it also came up before the last election.”
“They have a recreational role for hillwalking, for people going for a stroll on a Saturday or Sunday, for active retirement groups and for people to get a breath of fresh air in rural areas. Again, I am used to Letterfrack and Diamond Hill, which is in a beautiful part of the world. Our national parks also have an important role in protecting nature and biodiversity. The Minister of State's statement refers to the Department having 98,000 ha of national parks. I suppose the ambition is to move to 100,000 ha, which is a nice round figure. I suspect that someone has thought of that. In terms of the additional funding the Department has received, will the Minister of State outline what its plans are? Are their places the Department has an ambition to engage with landowners on?”
“I ask the Minister of State to give a timeline for the opening of the seventh and eighth parks, Dowth Hall and Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí. I also acknowledge the growth of the workforce in our national parks, particularly is some of the more rural communities. The jobs they provide are hugely important in those communities. A full-time job in the public service, be it in the national parks or elsewhere, is hugely important in an area such as Letterfrack for sustaining a community. That should be acknowledged. Our national parks have numerous roles. They have a role in education, with school tours and people dropping in to learn about the history of an area.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Teach. The Minister of State is welcome. I thank him for accepting the invitation to come here to talk about our national parks. I also join other Senators in paying tribute to his predecessor, Senator Noonan, in his former role as Minister with responsibility for heritage. I also acknowledge the increase in investment that has been brought to bear over the past number of years and what is also planned for the future. I should say, as per my Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, returns, that my brothers have been involved in some fencing contractual works for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I just want to put on the record. We now have eight national parks, two of which are to open in the coming period.”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025, copies of which were laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 16th October, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)( b ), which, not later than 20th November, 2025, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“The Senator also wished that the talks go well in relation to those who are on hunger strike and are former residents of institutions, and I certainly know that they rightly deserve to get what they ask for and seek. I am sure they will put every effort into that and I wish them well in their endeavours.”
“Senator Mullen congratulated an tUachtarán nuathofa, Catherine Connolly, on her election, and her inauguration will take place next Tuesday. The Senator called for a debate on processes in relation to the franchise and the nomination process. As I said before, there can be too few candidates on the ballot paper and too many. I certainly believe that on this occasion, the electorate would have benefited from extra choice, but as the only party that ran a candidate, do not blame us. I have requested a debate on that matter in relation to the franchise. Senator Boyhan rightly acknowledged those who have died in the service of the State and the memorial that took place earlier at Merrion Square. Certainly we remember all those who died in service of the State.”
“Senator Scahill mentioned the report by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland that shows the increase in house rebuilding costs and emphasised that if homeowners do not engage, they could miss out when it comes to premiums where there is flooding or fire. Again, insurance works on the basis that an asset of greater value means people pay increased premiums. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister in that regard as well. Senator Martin Conway requested a debate on tourism. I will reach out to the Minister, Deputy Burke, on that matter. There have been some concerns. Although tourism numbers for August this year were higher than August last year, I think there has been an overall reduction so I will request a debate on that.”
“I know that the National Ambulance Service has changed to a national call-out system rather than one based on geographical areas, so ambulances are travelling further than perhaps they once would have done. That seems to be the model that has been developed. I will certainly request a debate on that matter. Senator Lynch congratulated her local club, Aghabullogue GAA. The Senator also called for a review of the long-term illness scheme to include inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's and IBD. I suggest that she tables a Commencement matter seeking a review of the long-term illness scheme. I will request a debate with the Minister on the issue.”
“Senator Ahearn referred to the lack of wastewater capacity in the Clonmel and south Tipperary area. We know the importance of this in terms of housing delivery and improving water quality, which is hugely important for the derogations we spoke about earlier. We must improve our river and water quality across the country. I will request a debate on issues pertaining to Uisce Éireann, wastewater and water quality with the Department of housing. Senator Tully called for a debate on the National Ambulance Service regarding rostering and recruitment issues. I will request that again. I am not sure if the Joint Committee on Health has done anything lately on this matter, so perhaps the Senator can raise this issue with her colleagues who are members of that committee.”
“The Attorney General has oversight of the drafting of all Bills, so the pre-legislative scrutiny report will now go to the Department and will be taken on board in terms of the instructions to the Attorney General. The Attorney General's office, in relation to the drafting of that Bill, will be taking on board issues that may be raised by the Government. Senator Kennelly, supported by Senators Joe O'Reilly, Martin Conway, Scahill, Ahearn, Lynch and others, mentioned the untimely passing of the late Jim Finucane, a former councillor. At only 68 years of age, he was a young man with more than 30 years of public service. From Tarbert, he lived in Tralee. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Sheila and their children James, Jill and Orla. I am sure that will be a huge funeral in the Kingdom. As dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
“I know the new housing plan is due to be published, I believe, next week or so and we will be requesting a debate anyway on that plan, but this is a specific issue on which I will request a debate with the Minister. Senator Davitt referred to councillors in respect of pension entitlements and auto-enrolment. I will request a debate on the matter. I am not sure whether the local democracy task force will deal with those issues under its terms of reference, but I will certainly request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, on them. Senator Keogan mentioned the pre-legislative scrutiny of the assisted human reproduction Bill and wondered if the Attorney General had had oversight of it.”
“It is absolutely vital that they be cared for and that there be supports for retired dogs. Senator Cosgrove raised the issue of the Labour Party motion regarding decriminalisation of drugs. As far as I know, the Government is not opposing that motion and agrees on health-based approaches and drug use. I have to say I do not particularly support decriminalisation. I do not see what positives that would infer on people. The damage drug use can do to people's lives should not be underestimated. Senators Flynn, Boyle and Duffy raised the issue of mica. Senator Flynn raised the issue of commercial businesses apart from that of homeowners. That issue alone might be worthy of a Commencement debate. With the ongoing issues relating to pyrite and mica, I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne.”
“I wish him well in his term. The Senator also raised the issue of funding for greyhound racing. As the House knows, there is a motion to progress the greyhound racing fund to committee. There will be an opportunity in the coming weeks for the Minister to present the greyhound and horse racing fund. There is an annual debate on that. No doubt, the Senator will be able to register his concerns - as he has done here today - directly with the Minister. Obviously, the welfare of greyhounds is hugely important in the industry and to the Minister. In the 2019 figures, there were over 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs in the industry and there are active owners who derive economic benefits, but none of this would be possible without the greyhounds themselves.”
“Senator Joe O'Reilly raised the issue of the Teagasc briefing we had this morning and the issues relating to the nitrates derogation and water quality. I have asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on this post the visit of the Commissioner on Friday. The Senator also called for a debate on succession issues, and I will request that. Next Wednesday, we have a debate on farm safety and farmers' mental health as a sort of combined effort from the Departments of agriculture and Health. Senator Craughwell raised the matters of vulture funds and mortgages and the ongoing coverage by RTÉ in the past number of days. I suggest that the finance committee take this up because there is a broader piece there that may be worthy of investigations. Senator Andrews raised the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor-elect of New York.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions. Starting with Senator O'Loughlin, she welcomed Templeogue Women's Shed and called for a debate on supports for men's and women's sheds. I will certainly try to organise that with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, at the earliest opportunity. We all agree that men's and women's sheds are hugely important for local communities as a place for people to gather, share ideas and have a bit of a laugh and a bit of fun. The Senator also acknowledged Berney Brothers' Saddles and Brendan Clifford, who has retired. Senator O'Loughlin also called for a debate regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, will be here tomorrow with regard to international aid and there may be an opportunity to raise the ongoing atrocities in Sudan.”
“and to conclude at 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 4, Private Members' business, Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Material (Amendment) Bill 2022 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to adjourn after two hours, if not previously concluded.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025, referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, statements on the post office network, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 2.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 3, statements on national parks, to be taken at 3 p.m.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Sister Stanislaus Kennedy; and - expresses its gratitude for her notable contribution to Irish public life and for her dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“Again, I advise the Senator to put down a Commencement debate to the Minister for Transport to see that included in the 2026 roads programme of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Senator Stephenson raised the tragedies in Sudan, the mass killings, rape and indiscriminate bombings. She called for a debate and I will request that. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, is in the House on Thursday on the matter of international aid and that may be an opportunity to raise the matter at that time. The Minister of State will be able to give a response on the matter and I will request him, if he is able, to come in for a debate on the issues ongoing in Sudan.”
“Senator Keogan raised the matter of an EU document relating to LGBTQ rights and called for the Minister to make a statement. I will request the Minister come in or the Senator can put down a Commencement debate or reach out to the MEPs on this matter. Senator O'Donovan also raised the issue of flooding in Bantry. He indicated he will put down a Commencement debate on the need for progress on a culvert, for which planning permission has been provided but which is still 12 to 18 months away. Senator Collins raised the request or advocacy of Limerick Chamber for €2.2 million to progress works on the Mackey roundabout in Limerick, where there are a series of safety concerns.”
“Obviously, the Government has set up the committee for water quality. We all agree on the necessity, and we have seen State investment, to improve water quality, whether that is in our local authorities or particularly as regards farmers. Results have borne out that investment and we need to continue it, but certainly the Minister, Deputy Heydon, is committed to ensuring for our unique system that that message has got through to colleagues around the European Union. I will request a debate on this as well after the Commissioner's visit. Senator Scahill raised the issue of toll charges and called for a debate on this matter. I imagine the Committee on Transport will be dealing with this matter but I will request a debate on it. Perhaps the Senator could also put down a Commencement debate with the Department of Transport on this matter.”
“From the get-go, when he was appointed as Minister, he went out there and reached out to every European colleague and minister to explain the unique position Irish agriculture has in being a grass-based system, with the animals being able to be kept out - certainly parts of Cork - from the end of January to the end of November, possibly, in certain cases, or even for longer by day. It is a unique system. At the end of the day, we are the only country left in Europe with the derogation. There may be some parts of other countries actually looking to reintroduce derogations, and that would be helpful. Certainly, the Minister is absolutely committed to ensuring we get this derogation and that it is for a longer period than a year or two. It is necessary to provide that certainty in this matter.”
“However, it is a valid point with regard to preventing antisocial behaviour and providing additional use for the park in later hours. Perhaps, again, this would be more a matter for Dublin City Council or for us to raise it here as a Commencement debate, assuming it would be accepted as being under the remit of the Minister for local government. Senators Cathal Byrne, O'Donovan, Martin Conway and Sarah O'Reilly raised the matter of the nitrates derogation. I only saw the pictures last night on social media of the huge crowd in Fermoy, County Cork in the mart itself and in the overflow rooms. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, addressed the matter and it is a serious issue. He acknowledged that he will be judged on the results on this.”
“Garda resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner but if he were to raise it as a Commencement debate, the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, might get the opportunity to give his view and investigate matters in that regard. As the Senator said, his brother came across an accident and the garda was there without a Garda car, signs or beacons. This is impacting the ability of gardaí to do their job in terms of protecting the scene of an accident and ensuring there are no further accidents. Senator Andrews raised the issue of public parks closing early and being inaccessible to working families because of a lack of lighting. It depends on the park but there are valid issues regarding the use of parks after dark.”
“Of course, there are rules laid down in circulars and schools, unfortunately, lose teachers all the time. There is a compelling case in relation to Cloughduv National School, however, and I certainly advise the Senator to table a Commencement debate on the matter. Senator Craughwell raised the matter of tracker mortgages and some couples getting repayments of €14,000 to €17,000. He called for an investigation into possible fraud. I am sure the relevant committees on finance and such will be looking at this matter as part of a fuller debate and will bring in bank representatives to discuss this matter on foot of that. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, as well. Senator Boyle raised Garda staffing and resources in County Donegal.”
“I join her in expressing commiserations to Heather Humphreys. We cannot have elections without participants and Heather Humphreys was in what was an unusual election where there were only two effectively running at the end. She put up the brave fight on that. I also acknowledge Jim Gavin whose name appeared on the ballot paper. Senator Lynch raised the matter of Cloughduv National School near Macroom in relation to staffing rates, retention of posts and Circular 11/25. She expressed concern over the loss of a teacher and the fact that the school is two students short, although two students will come into it before the end of the year. I ask her to table a Commencement debate or raise this directly with the Minister. There is a compelling argument.”
“If not, I will request a debate on the matter again. Senators Nelson Murray, Comyn and Harmon expressed concern regarding the IPAS centre fire in Drogheda. The fire is deplorable and has to be condemned unequivocally. Lives could have been lost were it not for the quick response of the emergency services, which are to be commended. There is a Garda investigation. I certainly hope that bears fruit. Questions have been raised about social media, false information and so forth. I will request a debate on that matter again. Senator Boyhan expressed condolences to Sr. Stan and mentioned her role in relation to marriage equality, as well as in Focus Ireland and the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Senator Tully called for a debate on the school building programme and the role of modular builds.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. I join colleagues in congratulating President-elect Catherine Connolly. I wish her well for her term of seven years. Her inauguration will be on this day next week. I know she will do the country proud. I also join the tributes paid to Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy for her life of service, humility, comfort and humanitarian work and various other facets in this country. Senator O'Loughlin paid tribute to former Councillor Noel Bourke of Edenderry, County Offaly. I join her in expressing our condolences to Councillor Bourke's family. She also raised, as did Senator Sarah O'Reilly, the issue of those on hunger strike who are looking for pensions and medical cards. I am not sure whether there was a Commencement debate on this matter recently.”
“if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding expressions of sympathy on the death of Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, statements on the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to conclude at 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 3, Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. and to conclude at 8 p.m.”
“I appreciate the Minister of State is here on behalf of the Department of Health but I will raise this further to try to ensure there are improved services in the region and a quicker response time.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response on behalf of the Department of Health. It gave a lot of plans but did not give any specifics in relation to improved services or any timelines. It stated that these changes will bring about improvements to service across the country, including in Connemara, but where, when and what age will this child be when improved services are made available to him? I will engage further with the Department of Health and the HSE on this issue. I reiterate that it is not acceptable that a four-year-old child and his parents are expected to drive an hour and a half each way into and across Galway city to avail of an important service, namely, speech and language therapy. It is necessary to get those interventions early to ensure the child has the best chances in life.”
“In this case, for a child aged four and for his parents, in terms of quality of life, management of time, and being able to look after other children within the family, services should be provided closer to the parents' home for the sake of the child. A child with developmental issues has enough going on without having to spend an hour and a half each way in a car. I am asking that the HSE, in conjunction with the Department of education, would ensure there are classes and equity provided to youngsters in the Connemara region around speech and language.”
“Ní mór go mbeadh rochtain ag gach duine ar sheirbhísí. Tá sé mícheart a bheith ag súil go mbeadh tuismitheoirí agus páistí ag tiomáint ar feadh uaireanta chun seirbhísí riachtanacha a fháil. D'fhéadfadh tuismitheoirí ó thuaisceart Chonamara a bheith ag tiomáint os cionn uair go leith go dtí an Rinn Mhór agus ar ais, ag brath ar an trácht ar aon lá. Dúradh liom go bhfuil seirbhísí ar fáil i gContae na Gaillimhe sa Rinn Mhór agus i mBéal Átha na Sluaighe. Tá gá le seirbhísí ar an taobh thiar den Choirib freisin. Cad iad na pleananna atá ag Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte na seirbhísí sin a sholáthar i gConamara? We all accept that services need to be accessible for the people who need them.”
“Indeed, to reach a class on time would mean the parents having to leave the house at 6.30 a.m. to get to the school. The Department looked at opening a speech and language class in Connemara but was told they did not have enough for it. It is not good enough that any parents would be expected to drive a four-year-old child over 80 km and an hour and a half each way to a class, not only into Galway city, but crossing Galway city into Rinn Mhór to avail of services. Tá rud éigin mícheart leis an gcóras nuair a chaithfidh tuismitheoirí de ghasúir ceithre bliana d'aois atá ag tosú ar scoil i Meán Fómhair 2026 taisteal ó thuaisceart Chonamara an bealach ar fad go dtí an chathair agus trasna na cathrach go dtí an Rinn Mhór chun teiripe urlabhra agus teanga a fháil. Níl sé sin cóir nó maith go leor.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy, to the Chamber. I want to raise speech and language services and a specific family, whom I will not identify, that have contacted me regarding services in the Connemara area. A child, soon to be four years old and due to start school in September 2026, was referred to the HSE for speech and language in August 2023 before he turned two years old. He was diagnosed with an expressive language delay. He had certain developmental issues, and it was advised that he would benefit from a place in a speech and language class in Rinn Mhór in County Galway. North Connemara to Rinn Mhór is about an hour-and-a-half drive each way of over 80 km.”
“(8) A submission is admissible unless it – (a) requests the Seanad to do anything other than the Seanad has power to do; (b) does not comply with Standing Orders or is otherwise not in proper form; (c) contains any matter which is sub judice within the meaning of Standing Order 49; (d) comments on, criticises or makes charges against a person outside the House or an official, in a manner which is not consistent with the Standing Orders and practices of the Seanad; (e) contains language which is offensive or defamatory; (f) is the same as, or in substantially similar terms to, a submission made by or on behalf of the same person or body during the lifetime of the Committee.”
“(4) The Committee may meet in public in the Seanad Chamber for the purpose of taking oral evidence. (5) Paragraphs (2) to (6), inclusive, of Standing Order 86 shall not apply to the Committee. (6) In addition to its obligation under Standing Order 86(1) to lay every report made by it before the Seanad, the Committee may refer any report made by it to the relevant Joint Committee. (7) Written submissions to the Committee shall clearly indicate the name of the person or body making the submission and a postal or email address.”
“(3) The Committee – (a) shall identify for examination specific issues related to the legislative powers of the Seanad or an issue of public policy; (b) shall, for the purposes of sub-paragraph (a), have the power defined in Standing Order 80(1); (c) shall, in respect of any issue it identifies for examination in accordance with sub-paragraph (a), exercise its power under Standing Order 80(1) by public notice which shall specify the issue on which written evidence in the form of submissions is invited and the date by which it must be received by the Committee: provided that the Committee may also invite written submissions directly from interested persons or bodies; (d) shall review submissions received by it, determine whether or not such submissions are admissible in accordance with the criteria set out in paragraph (8) of this Order, reject any submissions which it rules to be inadmissible and consider what action, if any, to take in relation to submissions which it judges to be admissible; and (e) shall, for the purposes of sub-paragraphs (a) and (d) of this paragraph, meet in private.”
“I move: That, in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight pursuant to Standing Order 110 – (1) A Select Committee, which shall be called the Seanad Public Consultation Committee (“the Committee”), shall be appointed to facilitate direct engagement and consultation between members of the public and Seanad Éireann on specific issues related to the legislative powers of the Seanad or an issue of public policy. (2) The Committee shall consist of twelve members including the Leas-Chathaoirleach, who, ex officio , shall be Chairperson of the Committee, and the quorum of the Committee shall be five.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Michael Calnan; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“I agree it is not fit for purpose in this day and age. He also called for an update on the realignment of the N85 between Ennis and Inagh. Again, it is a very specific issue so he might put it down for a debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Canney, who might be able to come to the House to discuss that very important issue.”
“If he tables a Commencement matter, he might get a direct response to that. It is a very worthy and important issue to raise. Senator Paul Daly raised the first North-South apprenticeships and commended the Government. I agree with that. I know there are statements on apprenticeships with the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, in the week after the recess and he will have an opportunity to raise that matter further as well. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of home repossessions and the selling-on of loans. We appreciate the human toll that home repossessions take. As to what can be done legally, or the legal issues here, perhaps a specific Commencement debate on this matter would be most appropriate. Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of Blake's Corner and his time on the road to Lahinch.”
“On many farms, foxes take hens and lambs and I think they have even taken kittens. They are a problem. Senator Brady will join with me in not wanting to see the cruelty that sometimes is displayed in illegal activities. No one would condone that. However, fox hunting is a necessary part of the control of foxes, which can cause damage and a loss of earnings to farmers. Senator Andrews spoke about the issues of animal welfare legislation in relation to puppies and dog ownership and called for specific bans for those who are acknowledged to have abused their pets. I will request a debate on the issue of animal cruelty and welfare legislation in that regard as well. Senator Kennelly has called for specific recognition of SNAs as mandated persons and called for an update to the schedules.”