Seanad debates

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

• Prelude (0 speeches)
  Chuaigh an Cathaoirleach i gceannas ar 10:30
• Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad (1 speech)
  I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education,...
• Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters (0 speeches)
  • Education Schemes (6 speeches)
    I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, to the Seanad.
  • Special Educational Needs (5 speeches)
    I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Grealish.
  • Dental Services (4 speeches)
    I welcome the Minister of State and thank her so much for coming in. I am going to talk about dental care, particularly in schools. Access to dental care is in crisis and staffing has become a...
  • Mental Health Services (4 speeches)
    I welcome the Minister for State back to the Seanad. It is always good to see her. I thank her for coming here to deal with this Commencement matter, which falls within her remit and...
• Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad (1 speech)
  Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, Members will have been saddened to hear of the death in January of a Member of this House and a friend of many, Mary White. Born in...
• An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (28 speeches)
  Before I call on the Leader, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, namely, Sam Doyle and Hugh Murphy from Newbridge College. They are most welcome. I also welcome...
• Death of Former Member: Motion (1 speech)
  I move: That Seanad Eireann - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Mary White; - conveys its sincere condolences to her family; and - expresses its gratitude for her notable...
• Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Work Equipment) Bill 2026: First Stage (4 speeches)
  I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 to make specific provision for sentencing for certain...
• Planning and Development (Provision of Public Housing) Bill 2026: First Stage (4 speeches)
  I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Planning and Development Act 2000 and to repeal section 97(3)(b).
• Defence Matters: Statements (52 speeches)
  I welcome the Minister back to the House. She will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes, all other Senators for five minutes and the Minister of State will reply no later...
• Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025: Committee Stage (41 speeches)
  I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, to the Chamber and thank him for being here.
• Seachtain na Gaeilge: Statements (15 speeches)
  Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Is deas é a fheiceáil sa Seomra. Glaoim anois air chun tús a chur leis an díospóireacht.
• Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022: Second Stage (20 speeches)
  I welcome the Minister, my fellow Kerry person, to the House. The proposer and seconder of the motion for a Second Reading will speak for 16 minutes and all other Senators for six minutes. The...