Verona Murphy
Wexford · Independent · Ireland
“As we come to the end of the Dáil term and head into the summer recess, I extend to all Deputies my gratitude for their co-operation. On behalf of all the Members, I thank Elaine Gunn and her large team for their support and hard work.”
“Deputy Malcolm Byrne - to discuss the need for the development of Bunclody Community College, County Wexford. Deputy Marie Sherlock - to discuss the use of periodic payment orders in the courts. Deputy Rory Hearne - to discuss the cessation of the financial contribution scheme in Dublin North-West.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputies Ciarán Ahern, Seán Crowe, Paul Murphy, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, James Geoghegan and John Lahart - to discuss the feasibility of continuing MetroLink from the city to south-west D…”
“Agus téarma reatha na Dála ag teacht chun críche, agus sinn ag díriú ar thús an tsamhraidh, táim buíoch do gach Teachta as a gcomhoibriú. Thar ceann na Comhaltaí go léir, gabhaim buíochas le Elaine Gunn agus lena foireann as a dtacaíocht agus an obair mhór a rinne siad.”
“I welcome our special visitors to the Public Gallery. We are joined by members of the family of the late Jennie Poole, in whose memory this Bill is named: her brother, Jason Poole; her parents, Jackie and Joe; her siblings, David and Clare; and her precious children, Nevaeh and Zack.”
“That was the final Taoiseach’s questions until we come back in September. I thank the Taoiseach for his co-operation with all the Members. I wish him a very successful recess, particularly as he will be very busy with EU Presidency business and his normal business.”
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“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss refurbishment works to school buildings across County Kerry. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss the State purchase of the Martello Tower on Sandymount Strand. Deputy Joe Neville - To discuss the issue of the green lane schools in Leixlip being oversubscribed. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss issues surrounding animal welfare. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the financial strain on people with dietary restrictions due to a medical diagnosis. Deputy George Lawlor - To discuss the system and mechanism of appeal of special needs assistant, SNA, allocation in schools. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the planned new Courtown Coast Guard building.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding strengthening workers' rights. On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“Amendment Nos. 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, 88, 98, 104, 108, 119, 120, 133, 139, 142 to 144, inclusive, 152, 154, 157, 158, 161 to 163, inclusive, 202, 206, 210, 218, 224, 226, 234, 239, 248, 250, 256, 268, 272, 273, 279, 303, 327, 348, 354, 357, 368, 369, 378, 384, 394, 399, 420, 433 and 458 to 461, inclusive, are related and will be discussed together.”
“Before I call Deputy Callaghan, I welcome the staff and pupils from Bishop Murphy Memorial School in Fermoy who are here with Deputy McCarthy. They are very welcome, even if they are displaying the Kilkenny colours.”
“Excuse me while I address the Chamber. Deputy Ó Broin, the rules apply to everybody. Interruptions are not allowed. Your leader has had Sinn Féin's question and was afforded the time, if I recall, by everybody to put the question.”
“There is one other matter to attend to. On the last motion, the question was put and although the amendment was agreed, the question now is: "That the motion, as amended, be agreed to." Is that agreed to?”
“On the occasion of Polish Constitution Day, I ask Members to join me to extending a warm céad míle fáilte to Mr. Artur Michalski, chargé d'affaires of the Republic of Poland in Ireland, who is in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, alongside his colleagues from the embassy, and 40 invited guests who are in the Public Gallery. They are all very welcome and I congratulate them on their national day.”
“I wish to welcome some people in the Gallery. I welcome the Albanian speaker, Niko Peleshi, and his delegation who have come to Ireland at the request of the speaker. I hope they are enjoying their visit. I also welcome Mr. Joseph P. McGill, the honorary consul of Ireland in Detroit, Michigan. He is here with Deputy John Paul O'Shea.”
“The rules today are the same as always. All contributions should be through the Chair and all Members should receive a fair hearing without interruption. Under Standing Order 38, I call Deputy Pearse Doherty.”
“Before we move to Leaders' Questions, I have a note with regard to electioneering in the Chamber. Now that the writs have been moved and issued for the by-elections in Galway West and Dublin Central, I remind Members that the Chamber is not the place for electioneering. Clearly, Members have a wide margin to raise policy matters and matters of interest to voters in both constituencies, but it is not in order to use the Chamber as a platform to canvas for any candidate, party, or none. Members should not name candidates or bring them into their debates, either by way of praise or criticism. Contributions should relate strictly to the business before the House. I look forward to the co-operation of all Deputies during the period ahead.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding Earth Day. On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I welcome everybody in the Public Gallery. For the benefit of the public, speaking times have been agreed by the House and are displayed on the clock. If the clock turns red, a Member's time is up. When a Member rises, their time begins. Where time is shared, the Chair will indicate this. All contributions must be made through the Chair, and every Member speaking is entitled to a fair hearing. Our constituents expect our debate to be respectful discourse. I thank the Members. I now call on Deputy Mary Lou McDonald under Standing Order 38.”
“The matters raised by Deputies Louise O'Reilly; Barry Ward; Robert O'Donoghue; Malcolm Byrne; and Dessie Ellis, Paul McAuliffe and Rory Hearne have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the need for a new building for Gorey Hill special school, Gorey, County Wexford. Deputies Dessie Ellis, Paul McAuliffe, Rory Hearne - To discuss the proposed new school on the grounds of St. Aidan's CBS, Whitehall, Dublin. Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss plans for a new multidenominational secondary school in Dublin 8. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss animal welfare and the progress of the puppy farming Bill. Deputy Emer Currie - To discuss the need for a competitive funds industry in Ireland. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for an increased number of gardaí in Dublin Fingal West. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the new national drug-related deaths index, NDRDI, published by the Health Research Board.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss Garda powers relating to criminal and antisocial behaviour by juveniles. Deputy Shane Moynihan - To discuss specialist supports for children with dyslexia, dyspraxia or apraxia of speech. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the ongoing crisis of capacity at University Hospital Limerick. Deputy Ciarán Ahern - To discuss the proposed relocation of the An Post Edmondstown sorting office to Lucan. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue - To discuss a school building at St. Mary's, Oldtown, County Dublin. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the capacity of childcare provision in Cork North- Central.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding soaring energy costs. Earlier today, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding fuel prices. On Tuesday, 14 April 2026, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to Second Stage of the Organisation of Working Time (Leave for Health Screening Purposes) Bill 2025, taken on Thursday, 26 March 2026. On the question, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“The time permitted for the debate having expired, I am required to put the following question in accordance with an order of the Dáil of 14 April: "That Fourth Stage is hereby completed and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“We move now immediately to the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025: Report and Final Stages. Members need to indicate should they wish to speak. Amendment No. 1 in the name of Deputy Smith is out of order. Amendment No. 2 is ruled out of order.”
“Before I invite the Minister of State to take the debate, I welcome Professor David Burn, who is president of the world Parkinson's association. We are hosting a three-day international conference here in Powerscourt. He and his members are most welcome. Deputy Grealish is hosting them this evening.”
“The time permitted for the debate having expired, I am required to put the following question in accordance with an order of the Dáil of 14 April: "That the Seanad amendments not disposed of are hereby agreed to in Committee and agreement to the amendments is accordingly reported to the House."”
“We move now to Seanad amendment No. 3. Amendments Nos. 3, 10 to 12, inclusive, 15, 24, 57, 61, 124, 125, 149 to 156 inclusive, 171 to 174, inclusive, 203, 204, 207 to 211, inclusive, 220 to 223, inclusive, 225 to 227, inclusive, and 265 to 267, inclusive, are all related and will be discussed together.”
“Deputy, do not use that type of inference. You can write to the Taoiseach. This is not a forum for back and forth; this is Taoiseach's questions. You ask a question. If you do not like the answer, you write to the Taoiseach. End of story.”
“I remind Members that questions and answers on Questions on Policy or Legislation are limited to one minute. If Members cannot make their points, they are asking their questions at the wrong forum. I call Deputy O'Rourke.”
“The Deputy's time is up. The Taoiseach to respond. While I welcome everybody in the Gallery, there are rules to be complied with and if they continue to interrupt, I will have to ask for the Gallery to be cleared. I am sorry. The Taoiseach to speak.”
“We now move to financial resolutions from the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance. Before I call on the Tánaiste to open the debate, I wish to remind members that there are three separate motions being debated in this slot, namely those relating to Financial Resolutions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive. The motions will be moved separately, debated together and decided by separate questions. I call on the Tánaiste to move the first motion and open the debate. The opening speaking slot is for ten minutes.”
“This is a very important debate for the public looking in at proceedings. I will briefly outline how the debate will proceed for their benefit. Speaking times have been agreed by the House and are displayed on the clock. If the clock turns red, a Member's time is up. When a Member rises, their time begins. Where time is shared, the Chair will indicate this. All contributions must be made through the Chair. These arrangements are governed by the rules of the House. As Ceann Comhairle, I am obliged to implement them. Equally, all Members are obliged to comply with these rules. I ask that they do so. Every Member speaking is entitled to a fair hearing. Our constituents expect that this debate will be conducted in a respectful manner, and I ask that all Members co-operate. I call on the Taoiseach to move the motion.”
“I ask Members to remain standing. I want to make a short announcement. I would like to acknowledge the recent loss of two distinguished former Cinn Chomhairle of Dáil Éireann, Mr. Rory O'Hanlon and Mr. Seán Barrett. I would like to advise Members that expressions of sympathy from party and group leaders will be arranged in the coming weeks. At this juncture, on behalf of the Houses of the Oireachtas, I extend our heartfelt sympathy to their families, friends and colleagues who feel their loss most deeply. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.”
“Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for a full-time Garda station in Rush. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the delivery of a permanent school building for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, which remains in temporary accommodation. Deputy Cathy Bennett - To discuss a Government response to rising energy prices. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss the national development plan for education and provision for Wicklow. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss the issue of ghost buses and the roll-out of the new NGAVL system. The matters raised by Deputies Marie Sherlock, Sinéad Gibney, Michael Murphy, Paul Murphy and Liam Quaide, Brian Stanley, Sorca Clarke, Darren O'Rourke and Cathy Bennett have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the buy and renew funding for local authorities to bring derelict homes back into use. Deputies Paul Murphy and Liam Quaide - To discuss the classification of long Covid as an occupational injury for a cohort of healthcare workers. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the need for a new building for a school in Gorey, County Wexford. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss delivery of a new school building at Dunboyne junior and senior national schools. Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss public health nursing in Dublin 8 and Dublin 12. Deputy Conor Sheehan - To discuss the progress of a new Garda station in Castletroy. Deputy Sinéad Gibney - To discuss the maintenance of social housing in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Deputy Rory Hearne - To discuss the significant increases in evictions nationally.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss funding for improvement and refurbishment works to older school buildings across County Kerry. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss information and communication for families seeking advice related to the fair deal scheme. Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss the crisis in public dental and orthodontic services in south Tipperary. Deputy Sorca Clarke - To discuss Cloontagh national school. Deputy Brian Stanley - The discuss the number of publicly accessible EV charging points in County Laois. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss the rents dispute affecting hill farmers ar Shléibhte Chnoc Mhaoldomhnaigh i gContae Phort Láirge.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2026. On Wednesday, 25 March 2026, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding An Garda Síochána. On Wednesday, 25 March 2026, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding cancer services. On Wednesday, 18 March 2026, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding flexible structural reform of child welfare governance. On Wednesday, 18 March 2026, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding energy and fuel costs. On Wednesday, 18 March 2026 on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“As fewer than ten Members have risen, I declare the question carried. In accordance with Standing Order 87, the names of the Deputies dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Dáil.”
“A point of order arises where a Standing Order has not been complied with. I ask the Deputy to resume his seat. There is no point of order. We will vote on the Order of Business. Is the Order of Business agreed to?”
“Before I call on the Chief Whip, I welcome all the people in the Gallery this afternoon. I hope they are enjoying our robust debates, especially St. Anne's National School from Rathangan and their teacher Ms Cunningham. I call the Chief Whip under Standing Order 35 to move the arrangements for this week's business.”
“I welcome to the Gallery a very special lady from my constituency, Mrs. Brigid Walsh from Ballyverroge, New Ross, County Wexford. Brigid turned 90 in recent weeks and she is in the Public Gallery with her daughter Aileen. Belated birthday wishes, Brigid, and thank you very much for making the journey to join us today. You are most welcome.”
“Before I call on Deputy Gibney, we have a very special guest, who has just compered the International Women's Day event here in the Oireachtas, Ms Julie Dwyer, and her family, the McCracken family. They are some of the finest musicians and singers in Wexford. They are most welcome, as are our other guests in the Gallery.”
“Before I call on Deputy Ó Murchú, I welcome the members of the Filipino Multicultural Society, who are here at the behest of Deputy Devlin. They, as well as our other guests who I am sure are on their tour, are most welcome. I hope they enjoy the proceedings.”
“I must now deal with a deferred division relating to the ministerial amendment to the Second Reading motion on the Online Safety (Recommender Algorithms) Bill 2026. On the question, "That the amendment to the motion be made", a division was claimed, and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“The Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach has completed its considerations of the following Revised Estimates for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2026: Vote 7 - Finance; Vote 8 - Comptroller and Auditor General; Vote 9 - Revenue Commissioners; and Vote 10 - Tax Appeals Commission.”
“I accept the Deputy's point of order. The quorum is established once we resume in session. It does not have to continue at all times in the Chamber but I appreciate the point of order and I know there are no other Deputies present.”
“Before I go to Deputy Ward, I welcome to the Gallery, on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, a group from the North Leitrim Women's Centre and the representatives of Diffreen National School in County Leitrim. Both groups are most welcome, as is the Minister of State. I call Deputy Ward.”
“As we begin Leaders' Questions, I welcome everybody in the Visitors' Gallery and particularly the girls from Finglas who are here with my niece, Jocelyn, among them. The name of the school escapes me. I am sorry, girls. The Taoiseach will greet them as I am sure will Deputy Mary Lou McDonald.”
“The Select Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimates for public services for the year ending 31 December 2026: Vote 20 - An Garda Síochána; Vote 21 - Irish Prison Service; Vote 22 - Courts Service; Vote 24 - Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; Vote 41 - Policing Community and Safety Authority; Vote 43 - Data Protection Commission; and Vote 45 - Fíosrú. The Select Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimate for public services for the year ending 31 December 2026: Vote 29 - Climate, Energy and the Environment.”
“Before Deputy McDonald resumes, I am sure that she, as the leader, is capable of answering during Leaders' Questions. If we are to make progress here today, we need co-operation from both sides of the House, with Members' to speak without interruption.”