On prevailing side: this member voted with the winning side in 462 of 465 decisive votes (0 abstentions excluded). Read it as a government-or-opposition indicator rather than a measure of influence — the figure is near 100% for members supporting the government of the day and near 0% for those opposing it.
This is the point of the site: contributions keep the party held on the day, not the one held now.
| Party | Recorded as | Contributions | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC | Ceann Comhairle / Chair | 1,584 | 2022-06-29 – 2026-10-01 |
| FG | Fine Gael | 663 | 2021-04-23 – 2026-09-23 |
Membership spells on record: FG 2016-04-25–2020-03-29 · FG 2021-04-21–2025-01-29 · FG 2025-01-29–present
I am just trying to get everybody in. Before I call Mr. Flanagan, I welcome the Ballinlough Community Development Council Active Retirement Group from Granlahan and Ballinlough, led by Ríona Burke. According to Senator Scahill, the group's host, they need to be let off their homework for the rest of the week. The group is very welcome.
We move to the two-minute slots. I call Seanadóir Flaherty.
The Senator without interruption.
I have to be strict about time because there are a lot of speakers and we have limited time, so I apologise.
Go raibh maith agat.
Go raibh maith agat, a Sheanadóir.
A Sheanadóir, please.
Everyone else is trying to keep to the timeframe.
I have to get in a large number of speakers so I am sorry, I have to keep everyone to their two-minute slot.
I am sorry, Senator Comyn.
We have to stick to Ireland questions and the European Parliament.
In my closing remarks, I sincerely thank Ms Nina Carberry, MEP, Mr. Barry Cowen, MEP, Mr. Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, MEP, Mr. Ciaran Mullooly, MEP and Ms Maria Walsh, MEP, for coming here today and for their contributions. We are five weeks away from the European Presidency on 1 July. It is important that we have this conversation. As Ireland's voice in the European Parliament, our MEPs play a vital role in shaping decisions that affect the everyday lives of Irish citizens. We are very grateful for the insight they have…
The Independent Group is next. Am I to understand Senator McDowell is sharing time?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
I welcome the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan.
When is it proposed to take the next Stage?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Amendment No. 1, in the name of Senator McDowell, has been ruled out of order.
Amendment No. 3 and amendments Nos. 30 to 33, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement.
Dáil Éireann has passed the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 on 20 May 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025 on 20 May 2026, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.