CC
2026-07-16 · Seanad
An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Thank you.
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 | 1,575 | 2022-06-29 – 2026-09-24 |
| 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
Thank you.
Senator Fitzpatrick.
You have only five seconds left.
Senator Andrews, I have to bring in so many more. Could you just wrap up, please?
Senator Andrews, you have got well over the time now at this stage.
I gave you an extra 35 seconds.
Senator Andrews, please.
I am trying to keep people to time because there are a lot of people to bring in and we are under pressure of time. I call Senator Costello.
Before I call Senator Martin Conway, I welcome Leryn Stephenson to the Public Gallery. She is a guest of Senator Conway and is visiting from Texas in the United States of America. I hope she enjoys her visit her today. It is lovely to see her.
Go raibh maith agat.
Before I move on to the next speaker, I welcome the Shandon Retired Group who are guests of Deputy Marie Sherlock. We also have guests from Grangecon. There is a very special man in the Gallery who is seven years of age today. Happy birthday Ben and enjoy your visit to Leinster House today. They are guests of Deputy Timmins. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit.
On a personal note, I too would like to thank everyone for their collegiality over the last 12 months. I thank Aileen, Martin, the staff in the Seanad Office, the ushers and all the staff in the House from the cleaners up. This House would not function without every member of staff within it. I wish Members a happy break. As has been said, many of them will be working in their areas but everybody deserves a break. I look forward to working with them all in September. I thank the Leader, Deputy Leader and Cathaoirle…
I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this really important Bill today. I thank her personally and her Department for all they are doing for women's health since she came into office. The roll-out of this important Bill and the many other prescription services that can now be accessed through the pharmacy are really important. As the Minister said herself, people were queueing up to get a doctor's appointment and those appointments now will be available for people with more complex health issues. I understand …
Now.
Now.
Now.
I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, and her officials. When we adjourned the debate the previous day we were on section 32, amendment No. 35, in the names of Senators Stephenson, Higgins and Ruane. I understand Senator Stephenson was in possession on the last day.
Senator Higgins has proposed that amendments Nos. 37, 37 a and 37 b be grouped together. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Before I call Senator Higgins, I acknowledge Deputy Michael Cahill in the Gallery. He is accompanied by Grace Kelly, John Kelly, Tara Kelly and Oran Kelly from Tipperary and Kerry. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit.
Before I call on the Minister of State, I acknowledge our colleague Senator Manus Boyle and his guest Kieran Harvey from Killybegs. I hope he enjoys his visit.