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 have reprimanded the Deputy's colleague Deputy Farrell on relevance. This is a debate about the Revised Estimates. If the Deputy is saying something about the Estimates and money, which are what the debate is actually about-----”
“I do not wish to interrupt, but I point to relevance. This is a debate about funding and the Estimates. The matter the Deputy is discussing should be brought to GSOC as opposed to the Minister at this point. I ask her to stick to the topic of Estimates and funding.”
“I will continue to uphold my solemn declaration to vindicate the rights of all Members and administer the rules chosen by Members of this House, impartially and fairly, alongside the independent, loyal and hardworking staff of my office and this House without fear or favour. Thank you.”
“I thank the Members. Before we proceed with the business, I wish to make a short statement. I wish to thank all who contributed to the motion today, including those who spoke against me, demonstrating their entitlement to free and orderly debate. It is regrettable the matter of speaking rights was unable to be resolved by consensus, despite 20 hours of full and frank discussion on the matter and my earnest efforts to mediate. It goes without saying that in the absence of consensus, dissentients are bound to be unhappy. I wish to assure all Members on all sides of this House that I bear no ill will and that my door is always open.”
“The issue for the Deputy to object on is now; he may partake now and oppose the Order of Business. That is the process. The Deputy is perfectly entitled. I have put the question. Does he wish to take his 30 seconds? If not, I will move on to the Labour Party Whip. It is up to the Deputy. He has 30 seconds.”
“I have a strict obligation to apply the rules. I understand it is disputed. I understand but you have set down your remedy for this afternoon. Could you co-operate so we can get the Order of Business carried out? You have your remedy later this afternoon to work on.”
“I thank the Deputy. In response, I would say that Standing Order 35 has been amended and has to be implemented. On that basis, I have a strict obligation to apply the rules. Deputy, please, I ask you to resume your seat until I have finished what I have to say.”
“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 2025. On Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 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 the triple lock mechanism. On Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 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 the social housing tenant in situ scheme. On Wednesday, 19 March 2025, 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.”
“The taking of the division has been obstructed. The tellers of one side have, without good reason, refused to sign the teller sheet. Accordingly, pursuant to Standing Order 91, I hereby declare the question is carried.”
“We are moving on. That is the end of Leaders' Questions and we now move to the vote. In accordance with Standing Order 35, I now call on the Chief Whip, Deputy Mary Butler, to move that the arrangements for the week's business be agreed to.”
“-----when I speak. The level of disruption to which we can go today is well documented. We are either going to continue with Leaders' Questions or we can move on. Deputies may not like the answers they are getting but I cannot give instructions on answers.”
“I ask Deputy Doherty to respect the Chair. It is not me; I am not concerned. However, I am the Ceann Comhairle and I am sitting in the Chair and I expect a level of respect to come from each and every Member-----”
“Excuse me, Deputy, I am speaking. We have reached an impasse and when we reach an impasse, we then move to the mechanism that moves all those democratically elected from the impasse, which is the voting mechanism. We are now-----”
“That means that when I speak, I ask you to have respect for the Chair. That decision has been made and it is well gone. We are in the democratic process of where we are on a different matter today. I ask Deputy McDonald to respond.”
“I must now deal with a deferred division relating to the Aontú amendment to the Government amendment to the motion regarding waste in public expenditure. Today, on the question, "That the amendment to the amendment be made", 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 the guaranteeing the right to education in Irish for all. On Tuesday, 4 March 2025, 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.”
“Before I move to the Social Democrats, I welcome the group from Charleville CBS Primary. We have a pretty full Gallery today but we have a very special guest, a little girl of six years old called Maddie, whose dream was to come to the Dáil. Make her dream come true.”
“The matters raised by Deputies Louise O'Reilly, Barry Ward, Malcolm Byrne and Martin Daly have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss the difficulties in mental health services in the Louth-Meath area.Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the exclusion of mainstream classes in Holy Child Preschool on Seán MacDermott Street, Dublin 1, from special educational needs support.Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the criteria for the selection of school patronage.Deputy Brian Brennan - To discuss the speed of progress of current capital projects in schools.Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss the need to expand Irish-medium secondary school options for families in north Dublin.Deputy Joanna Byrne - To discuss working conditions in the ambulance station in Drogheda, and the removal of rapid response vehicles.Deputy Máire Devine - To discuss the transitioning of Synge Street CBS in Dublin to a coeducational Gaelchólaiste.Deputy Mark Wall - To discuss the need to reopen the Allenwood daycare centre in County Kildare.Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss the sale of Bord na Móna Recycling.Deputy Dessie Ellis - To discuss the urgent need for funding for An Saol Foundation CLG's plan to relocate to a new campus in Ballymun.”
“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 Martin Daly - To discuss the promised rehabilitation unit in Roscommon University Hospital.Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for additional school places in Fingal West.Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss flood relief and prevention in east Cork after Storm Babet.Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss tax relief or other incentives for gym membership as a health promotion measure.Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss the lack of school places and school building projects in Kildare.Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss an enhanced mains rehabilitation and replacement scheme for Cork city.Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss the need for extra mainstream primary school places in Dunshaughlin, County Meath.Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss a new bus service linking the Blanchardstown Centre and surrounding areas with Dublin Airport.”
“While Deputies may not get an answer to a question, in the same way as if I ask a Deputy to withdraw a remark and he or she does not, I can only ask. We are moving to Deputy Gannon of the Social Democrats.”
“-----to put the withdrawal question? Members, please understand that the public are looking in. We are all adults. I ask you, Deputy Carthy, on the basis of the need to have respect for every Member-----”
“Before the Taoiseach responds, I am going to stop the clock while I address this issue. Just to clarify matters, Deputy Lowry has written to me and has asked to make a statement. I have requested further information from him. I just want to let Deputy Doherty know that this is where the matter is at. I have not received the information yet. We can start the clock again.”
“Later, we will have statements relating to the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. To mark that anniversary, I call the numbers to rise in their places for one minute to mark the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.”
“Thank you, Deputy. Time is up. Just before the Taoiseach begins his response, I will mention that we will have a minute's silence after Leader's Questions to mark the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.”
“I thank the Deputy. Before the Taoiseach responds, by way of information for new Members and those who are not aware, as I said yesterday, when we give details of a minor and it goes on the record, we must be cognisant that I expect it is with parental consent. We have to be cognisant of that minor reaching the age of majority and not agreeing with that. I caution that when Members use private details such as a diagnosis of autism in relation to minors I ask all Members to consider that.”
“I thank the Deputy. Before moving on to the next slot, I am sure Deputy Cullinane has permission from the parents to use the names of minors. It is important to be cautious where minors are concerned. That remark is for everybody to note. I call Deputy Liam Quaid who is sharing time with Deputy Aidan Farrelly.”
“Before I call Deputy McDonald, I reiterate that Members have one minute to ask questions and there is one minute for responses. There are 15 Deputies offering. We will not get to the final three if Members do not comply.”
“I thank the Taoiseach very much. Further to the Order of the House of 23 January 2025, I wish to announce for the information of the House that the following Members have been appointed to the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform, established pursuant to Standing Order 128: Deputy Shay Brennan, Deputy Mary Butler, Deputy Joanna Byrne, Deputy Michael Collins, Deputy Emer Currie, Deputy Aisling Dempsey, Deputy Cormac Devlin, Deputy Frank Feighan, Deputy Keira Keogh, Deputy John Lahart, Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Deputy Paul McAuliffe, Deputy Denise Mitchell, Deputy Paul Murphy, Deputy Cian O'Callaghan, Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Deputy Duncan Smith and Deputy Barry Ward.”
“Deputy Edward Timmins - To discuss the numbers of air traffic control staff in our airports. Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss the removal of emergency response vehicles from off duty paramedics. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss supports for businesses, clubs and community organisations damaged by Storm Éowyn. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett - To discuss the announcement by Aircoach of cutbacks to its Dublin airport services. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss the need to expand Irish-medium school options for families in north Dublin. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss a tourist tax for staying in Dublin. The matters raised by Deputies Tony McCormack, Roderic O'Gorman and James Geoghegan have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Donna McGettigan - To discuss the current plans to address the acute lack of beds for anorexia patients in the Mid-West region. Deputy Joe Neville - To discuss ongoing issues at Castletown House in Celbridge, County Kildare. Deputy Joanna Byrne - To discuss dangerous and unsafe working conditions in the ambulance station in Drogheda. Deputy Dessie Ellis - To discuss An Saol Foundation CLG's plan to relocate to a new campus in Ballymun. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss tax relief or other incentives for gym membership as a health promotion measure. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss a publication date for the report of the review into specialist cardiac services. Deputies Máire Devine, Aengus Ó Snodaigh - To discuss the transitioning Synge Street CBS in Dublin to a coeducational Gaelcholáiste.”
“Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss an enhanced mains rehabilitation and replacement scheme for Cork city. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the continued existence of the GP Care for All practice in Dublin 1. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for additional school places for children with autism in Fingal west. Deputy Claire Kerrane - To discuss the long-awaited new wind energy guidelines. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss regulation of airborne drones used for commercial for delivery purposes. Deputy Brian Stanley - To discuss the provision of modular classrooms for St. Francis Special School, Portlaoise. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh - To discuss the HSE contract for the manufacturing of meals for the Athy area.”
“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 Rose Conway-Walsh - To discuss requests from clinical consultants for treatments that fall outside the range of services routinely commissioned. Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss the means test for the carer's allowance as it applies to a parent of an autistic person. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss school places in Kildare. Deputy Tony McCormack - To discuss competitiveness in the FDI sector and supports available to workers made redundant. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh - An gá le soiléiriú maidir le stádas Gaelcholáiste 2, 4, 6 agus 8. Deputy Liam Quaide - To discuss the need for special schools in east Cork.”
“I said I had better give him the same latitude as other Members. I do not think there is a more appropriate time than for me to mention a festival that will take place on 20 July in County Wexford to celebrate a century of harvest. Rathangan Country Fair: A Century of Harvest will celebrate every method of harvesting over the past 100 years and a world record will be set in the field. Everyone is more than welcome. I hope the Minister and Minister of State will see their way to Duncormick in County Wexford for the Rathangan country fair.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding the housing crisis. On Wednesday, 19 February 2025, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 80(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding special education provision. On Tuesday, 18 February 2025, 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.”
“If I could just introduce the Leas-Cheann Comhairle’s family, as he said, his long-suffering wife, Margaret, his son, Andrew, and some family friends, Sandra Thomas, Mary Keely and Joe Malone, intern, Ewan Morris, and John's other long-suffering wife, parliamentary assistant Muireann O’Neill. It is an honour for me to be the first to congratulate our Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I want to assure John that I am going to teach him Irish. He will not have to worry about that anyway. On that note, congratulations are in order and we will move on. Before we move to the voting block I wish to pay tribute to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the Thirty-third Dáil, Deputy Catherine Connolly. I thank her for her service.”
“I welcome the group in the Gallery. I extend a warm welcome to Oswaldo Betancort, president of Cabildo of Lanzarote, and his delegation from Lanzarote, an island with which the Irish people have a long-lasting friendship. The delegation is led by former Senator Catherine Noone, who is also in the Gallery. They are all welcome.”
“Deputies Malcolm Byrne and Albert Dolan - To discuss tax relief or other incentives for gym membership as a health promotion measure. The matters raised by Deputies Pádraig O'Sullivan, Erin McGreehan, Catherine Connolly, Paul Nicholas Gogarty and Naoise Ó Muirí have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss provision of an ASD class at Scoil Eoin, Ballincollig. Deputy Claire Kerrane - To discuss the long-awaited new wind energy guidelines. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the regulation of airborne drones used for commercial delivery purposes. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss the provision of additional public health nurses in the HSE Dublin and north east region. Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss long-term voids in Cork city and the need to reform the voids return programme. Deputies David Cullinane and Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss the publication date for the report on the review of specialist cardiac services. Deputy Matt Carthy - To discuss concerns regarding public safety in Dublin city centre.”
“Deputy Erin McGreehan - To discuss special education classes at second and primary school level in Louth. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty - To discuss the need to incentivise the recruitment of public health nurses due to a shortage in Dublin Mid-West and other areas. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the continued existence of the GP Care for All practice in Dublin 1. Deputy Frankie Feighan - To discuss the lack of home help personnel available in the north west. Deputy Catherine Connolly - To discuss the need to restore the tenant in situ scheme. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae - To discuss issues with access to drinking water for people in areas of Kerry. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for additional school places for children with autism in Dublin Fingal West.”
“Deputy John Connolly - To discuss the transition to the new provider of Irish Coast Guard search and rescue aviation services. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss school places in Kildare. Deputy Tony McCormack - To discuss our competitiveness in the FDI sector and supports available to workers made redundant in this sector. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh - To discuss an gá le soiléiriú maidir le stádas Gaelcholáiste 2, 4, 6 and 8. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the issue of online catfishing. Deputy Liam Quaide - To discuss the need for special schools in east Cork. Deputy Brian Stanley - To discuss the provision of modular classrooms for St. Francis School, Portlaoise. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss provision of an enhanced mains rehabilitation and replacement scheme for Cork city.”
“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 the ongoing health and safety crisis at Shandon Bells in Cork city. Deputy Paul McAuliffe - To discuss the programme for Government commitment to extend the use of 2015 taxis. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss the roll-out of BusConnects for Wicklow. Deputy Donna McGettigan - To discuss the dramatic decline in participation in the dental treatment service scheme. Deputy Eamon Scanlon - To discuss the provision of transport for cancer patients in the north west. Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss the means test for the carer's allowance as it applies to a parent of an autistic person.”
“Before the Taoiseach starts his reply, I welcome our new Senators who are on a tour of the House. I congratulate them and hope they enjoy proceedings. Seeing as the Taoiseach has so many questions to answer, I will be lenient and allow him six minutes to reply.”
“I have one sentence and I move to Leaders' Questions and if it is not taken up I will move to the next leader's questions. You are quite entitled, Deputy McDonald, to bring a motion. If you are not happy with what I have just said in my ruling you are fully entitled to bring a motion under Salient Ruling 403. I am now moving to Leaders' Questions.”
“I understand the use of bad language was addressed or examined in 2010 and a report was drawn up by the then Committee on Procedure and Privileges and was circulated to Members of the House. As a starting point, I will have that report circulated to all Members and further have it examined by the CPP to see if it needs to be restated and made fit for purpose for the Thirty-Fourth Dáil. We now move on to the business of the day.”
“By way of context, the Taoiseach in his response further references many instances where members of the Opposition, none of whom include Deputy McDonald, used the word "liar" or variations thereof in the previous Dáil without sanction. We have to take the matter of the use of language seriously and on that basis I am taking the following steps: I will bring all correspondence to the Committees on Procedure and Privileges for their consideration in the broader context of standards in the use of parliamentary language as reference has been made to the liberal use of the word "lie" in the previous Dáil and I am now also laying the correspondence before the Dáil, which effectively is publication for Members.”
“Before we commence business, I want to mention briefly an issue that arose last week out of exchanges between the Taoiseach and the Leader of the Opposition in order to avoid any further disorder today. I preface my remarks by saying my overriding consideration in dealing with this is to maintain the efficient running of the House. We need to get on with the business of administering the affairs of the State rather than arguing endlessly over how we administer the affairs of this House. The public will not thank us for doing so. Deputy McDonald has made a complaint that the Taoiseach accused her of "telling lies". The essence of the Taoiseach's response is that he did not make such remarks. He says he accused the Deputy of telling untruths.”