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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“Before we move to a motion without debate, I wish to make a brief announcement for the information of Members. As previously notified, Elaine Gunn's appointment as Clerk of the Dáil and Secretary General of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service was approved by the Oireachtas Commission on 21 October last year. Elaine's appointment is effective from today. On behalf of Members, I wish her well for her future in the role and I look forward to working with her.”
“I thank them very much for the honour of being their Ceann Comhairle and for the co-operation throughout the year. Go raibh Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise agaibh agus ag bhur dteaghlach. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir. Oíche mhaith. Thank you very much everybody. We look forward to seeing you all next year.”
“Christmas, I am sure, is a very welcome and deserved break for so many, particularly Ben and Sheila in international parliamentary engagement and protocol. I also want to extend our collective best wishes to all our constituents and in particular to those in the diplomatic corps as well as to our fellow parliamentarians throughout the world. If I have missed anyone, you should report to Jill and I will put you top of the list next year. A very personal thank you to my family, who have been a huge support. I have not seen much of them but they know where I am and I know where they are. Thanks also to my staff, Sharon and Mary, in my New Ross and Wexford offices who have been a huge support to me for the past year and always. To all the Members of this House, I wish a very happy Christmas.”
“I thank Barry Ryan and all in the Superintendent's section, all our ushers and services officers, and John Walsh, Lee Muldoon and all the crew in catering who keep our bellies full and warm for which we are very thankful. To Darren and the staff in the Members' bar, the cleaners, the porters, the backroom administrative staff, our communications unit, the printing staff, facilities, the Bills Office, the OPLA, the PBO, HR, finance, salaries, IT, our OWL programme participants, a huge thank you to you all as well as to the Library and Research Service, the Questions Office, the Debates Office, Rannóg an Aistriúcháin and the committee secretariat. We have had a very busy diary of diplomatic engagements. It was an absolute honour in my first year to host a State visit.”
“Before I conclude, I have a number of thank-yous I need to say. Believe it or not I am a year elected to this position today and it has been a huge honour. Again, I want to thank the Chief Whip who has been a great support. We have worked together on the Business Committee alongside all our colleagues. I wish to thank Peter Finnegan and his successor Elaine Gunn and the other members of the management board for their support and wise counsel throughout the year. I thank my fellow Houses of the Oireachtas Commission members across the Houses of the Seanad and the Dáil. I would like to thank all the staff in the Oireachtas for their hard work throughout the year, particularly my private secretary, Jill Gray, who just like yours, Chief Whip, will go mad.”
“It is so very fitting, as pointed out by the Chief Whip, for the parents who are in the Gallery that there is such congeniality from all of us with regard to this particular debate. It is so fitting in a week when we are about to celebrate the birth of a baby. I think there is no greater gift in life, so congratulations.”
“Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss community spaces in Dublin 8. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh - To discuss the imminent closure of The Complex in Dublin. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the detention, without bail, of an Irish citizen by German authorities. The matters raised by Deputies Louise O'Reilly, Rory Hearne and Brian Stanley have been selected for discussion.”
“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 Pat Buckley - To discuss ongoing water outages affecting the community of Knockane, Castlemartyr, County Cork. Deputy Brian Stanley - To discuss school places for special needs pupils at second level in Portlaoise. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss drug-related intimidation and associated violence. Deputy Sinéad Gibney - To discuss an additional autism class in Goatstown ETNS. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the backlog in assessment of need applications in Dublin Fingal West. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. Deputy Rory Hearne - To discuss ongoing issues with the tenant in situ scheme in Dublin North-West.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to Second Stage of the Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill 2025, taken on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. 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.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding restoration of Private Members’ Bill to the Order Paper. On Tuesday, 16 December 2025, on the question, "That 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 Health (Waiting Lists) Bill 2024, taken on Thursday, 11 December 2025. 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.”
“It has been a positive debate. I also welcome the extended Doran family, whom I was not expecting to see in the Gallery, particularly with the Minister, Deputy Burke. They are more than welcome. I hope they are having a good evening.”
“Before calling Deputy McDonald, I welcome to the Gallery the following guests of Deputy Richard O'Donoghue: Marianne, Pat, Clare, Daniel and Jack Tierney from Mountrath, County Laois; Rachel and Ciara Coughlan from Cloyne, County Cork; and Mary Angela Downes and Brigid O'Sullivan from Knockaderry, County Limerick.”
“Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the need for a 24-hour rapid response vehicle at Tuam ambulance base. Deputies Marie Sherlock and Richard Boyd Barrett - To discuss State support for arts spaces and cultural venues in Ireland and emergency funding for The Complex, Dublin 7; to discuss the planned closure of The Complex artists' space in Dublin city centre. The matters raised by Deputies Marie Sherlock and Richard Boyd Barrett; Erin McGreehan; Jen Cummins; David Cullinane; and Louise O'Reilly have been selected for discussion.”
“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 Paul Murphy - To discuss appropriate funding and resources for the treatment of allergies. Deputy Mark Wall - To discuss the need for an ASD class for Scoil Bhríde, Lackagh, County Kildare. Deputy David Cullinane - To discuss investment in Waterford port as a hub for renewable energy generation. Deputy Erin McGreehan - To discuss the forthcoming national volunteering strategy. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for funding for youth work in Balbriggan. Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss public transport improvements in Chapelizod. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs.”
“I must now deal with the deferred division relating to the motion regarding the EU proposal for a Council decision authorising member states to sign, in the interests of the European Union, the third additional protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. Earlier today on the question, "That the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and that division must now be taken.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025, taken on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. 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.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the Just Transition (Worker and Community Environmental Rights) Bill 2021, taken on Thursday, 4 December 2025. 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 this debate having expired, I am required to put the following question in accordance with an Order of the Dáil of 9 December 2025: "That the amendments set down by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and not disposed of are hereby made to the Bill; in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section or, as appropriate, the section as ameded, is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Title, as amended, is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Bill, as amended, is accordingly reported to the House; Report Stage is hereby completed and the Bill is hereby passed."”
“If Members wish to know where we are, we are about an hour ahead. We expect that the next debate has a four-hour timeframe. It may take four hours but there will be amendments and votes called in between. That puts the voting block around 11.30 p.m. or 11.45 p.m.”
“Before I call Deputy Gannon, who might indulge me for a moment, I would like to welcome members of the Rathangan Country Fair century of harvest committee and others who are in the Gallery. This year they were successful in achieving a world record for having all known methods of harvesting of the past century operating in the same field. It was 100 years of harvesting. While doing so, they set a world record and raised a very significant sum of money for charity. Well done to them. They are very welcome. They are from County Wexford. I wish them a good evening and safe home.”
“That is it, Taoiseach. We move to questions Nos. 12 to 28, inclusive. With 16 Members and a remaining 18 and a half minutes, it is highly unlikely we will get to the third group of questions. I ask Members to be brief.”
“Before I move on, Deputy Richard O'Donoghue would like to welcome TY students and teachers from St. Mary's Secondary School in Charleville, County Cork. The students include students from Limerick, Cork, India and Ukraine. I make special mention to the Deputy's niece, Eimear. Eimear O'Donoghue is also the Deputy's godchild. It is going to be an expensive day for Deputy O'Donoghue. Thank you for attending Leinster House and I hope you enjoy your visit.”
“Before I move to questions on policy or promised legislation, I welcome the transition year students from Intermediate School, Killorglin, in County Kerry, along with their teachers James Culloty an Annie O'Connor, who are guests of Deputy Michael Cahill.”
“Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss solar energy developments in rural Ireland and the need for specific planning guidelines. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the crisis facing the prison system. Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss the new school building project proposed for the amalgamation of Shanbally and Ringaskiddy National Schools, County Cork. Deputy Michael Collins - To discuss water supply issues affecting Adrigole. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss accessibility issues at at Ardee Educate Together School, County Louth. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss special education in Wicklow. The matters raised by Deputies Marie Sherlock, Séamus McGrath, Jennifer Whitmore, Ruairí Ó Murchú, Barry Ward, Ryan O'Meara, James Geoghegan, Gary Gannon, Michael Collins and Louis O'Hara have been selected for discussion.”
“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 Marie Sherlock - To discuss the parents notify system. Deputy Sean Fleming - To discuss the transfer of patients from Erkina House in Rathdowney, County Laois, and the future of this facility. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss the issue of unaccompanied minors seeking international protection in Ireland. Deputy Ryan O'Meara - To discuss the inclusion of commercial bus operators in the under-nine free-travel scheme. Deputy Rory Hearne - To discuss changes to bus networks in Dublin North West. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss overcapacity and reliability issues on the E1 and E2 bus routes.”
“The Select Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2025: Vote 32 - Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.”
“The Select Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has completed its consideration of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025 and has made amendments thereto.”
“The Select Committee on Transport has completed its consideration on the following Supplementary Estimates for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2025: Vote 31 - Transport”
“We have a delegation of students visiting from Ukraine as our part of our EPAS programme hosted by Maynooth Post Primary School. They are most welcome. We had their president here yesterday, which we enjoyed immensely.”
“There is a special gathering in the Public Gallery today with Deputy Peter "Chap" Cleere. I do not think I have ever heard him mention Boolyglass but he has mentioned every other part of the constituency. I wish a happy 70th birthday to Tom Dalton from Boolyglass, County Kilkenny. Enjoy your day.”
“The Select Committee on Disability Matters has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2025: Vote 40 - Children, Disability and Equality.”
“Thank you, Senators and Deputies. Before I conclude the sitting, I reiterate that it is an honour to have you here with us, President Zelenskyy. Our previous address was on a big screen. I thank the Members for their co-operation, all the staff who have made this possible, and your own detail, who have had seriously good engagement with us. Thank you to the First Lady, Mme Zelenska, who has accompanied you. Members, the Dáil is now adjourned until 6 p.m., but I ask that you please stay in your seats until the President has left the Chamber. Thank you.”
“Kennedy, an American President born of Irish emigrants, a man whose family left these very shores, from New Ross in my home constituency of Wexford, as he declared with unwavering conviction in his inaugural address, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” President Zelenskyy, we hope for, and look forward to, the day that Ukraine can celebrate peace. We stand with the Ukrainian people in solidarity, in friendship and in hope. May your courage and the strength of your people lead to a just and lasting peace. I now invite you to address both Houses of the Oireachtas.”
“Your people enrich our communities and share their culture, even though their hearts are still with Ukraine. Ireland’s journey to peace was long and arduous, but it succeeded because people persevered in the belief that peace is the only solution. The same possibility exists for Ukraine. World leaders would do well to reflect on the powerful words of John F.”
“We watch in horror as drone attacks escalate, as your country's infrastructure is ravaged, and at acts that defy all principles of humanity. The global community must stand united in condemning this war. We must continue to provide refuge. We must provide humanitarian aid but, most of all, we must demand accountability for war crimes. As a militarily neutral country, Ireland is not, and will never be, morally neutral in the face of atrocity. Our neutrality is a commitment to peace, not indifference. Together with our EU partners, Ireland will stand firm behind Ukraine to ensure Russia ends its aggression. The Irish, who themselves have lived through the trauma of immigration and war, have opened their hearts and homes to the thousands of Ukrainians who now live and work among us.”
“It destroys lives, uproots families, and leaves scars that endure for generations. War is never a solution, and Ireland knows this truth. Our own history teaches that dialogue, however difficult, can bring peace. The Good Friday Agreement was born from decades of pain and division, yet it proved that even the deepest wounds can heal when people choose negotiation over violence. That lesson gives us hope for Ukraine. Today, we meet in solemn acknowledgement of the ongoing war against your country - an illegal attack on a sovereign nation, an assault on international law, and a violation of human dignity. Every missile and bullet has shattered lives. Parents mourn children lost. Families endure displacement and uncertainty. Futures have been stolen. No words can capture the suffering of your people.”
“Your Excellency, President Zelenskyy, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Members of Dáil and Seanad Éireann, Ambassador Gerasko, distinguished guests and friends of Ukraine. A Uachtarán Zelenskyy, tá fáilte mhór romhat i dTeach Laighean, ionad Pharlaimint náisiúnta na hÉireann. Is mór an meas atá againn ort féin agus ar mhuintir na hÚcráine, agus ar an seasmhacht agus ar an diongbháilteacht atá léirithe agaibh chun bhur dtír a chosaint ar an ionróir. President Zelenskyy, you are most welcome to Leinster House – our national Parliament. I would also like to welcome the First Lady. Mme Zelenska is a woman who has become a symbol of Ukrainian dignity and resilience. She is a model for women world-wide. We gather in solidarity and admiration for you and your people. War is a human tragedy.”
“I must now deal with the deferred division relating to the motion regarding the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the justice programme for the period of 2028 to 2034 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/693. Earlier today, on the question that the motion be agreed, a division was claimed. That division must now be taken.”
“I must now deal with the deferred division relating to the motion regarding the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for internal security for the period of 2028 to 2034. Earlier today, on the question that the motion be agreed, a division was claimed. That division must now be taken.”
“I must now deal with the deferred division relating to the motion regarding the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a regulation of the Euroepan Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for asylum, migration and integation for the period of 2028 to 2034. Earlier today, on the question that the motion be agreed, a division was claimed. That division must now be taken.”
“I must now deal with a deferred division relating to the Labour Party amendment to the motion regarding the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund regulations 2025. Today, on the question "That the amendment be agreed to", a division was claimed and that division must now be taken.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding whistleblower protections. 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 Second Stage of the Building Energy Rating (BER) Standards for Private Rented Accommodation Bill 2025, taken on Thursday, 20 November 2025. 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.”
“I ask for decorum, please. It is very late. The time permitted for this debate having expired, I am required to put the following question in accordance with an order of the Dáil of 25 November: "That the amendments set down by the Minister for Finance and not disposed of are hereby made to the Bill; Fourth Stage is hereby completed; and the Bill is hereby passed." Is that agreed?”
“This debate is due to end at 12.28 a.m. We will probably get to discuss one more amendment. I suggest that it would probably be safer for Deputies to stay and that we move into the voting block from here. Amendments Nos. 29 and 30 are out of order.”
“Amendment No. 13 arises out of committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 13 to 15, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 14 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 13. Amendment No. 15 is a logical alternative to amendment No. 13. Amendments Nos. 13 to 15, inclusive, will be discussed together.”
“Members have been asking about when the voting block will be. It is not anticipated before midnight and there probably will be further divisions on amendments to this Bill. Deputies should keep any eye on proceedings.”
“I thank the Taoiseach. Even though there is time left, the point is that this format is not working. The place to discuss that is at the Business Committee on Thursday. I ask Members to bring it up and we can sort out something else. Certainly, where there is a grouping of 19 Members, it is not possible to give the Taoiseach time to answer in the remaining time. I am sorry for those who did not get in but there is just nothing we can do, other than discuss it at the Business Committee and change the format.”
“The Taoiseach should go ahead. I suppose it is just a casualty of how interruptions affect the course of questions. To be fair, the Taoiseach cannot answer a question that has not been asked. We are delaying the answering process.”