24th cathaoirleach of seanad Éireann
chair of the senate of ireland
A message from Mark
"I'm privileged to chair the 26th Seanad, especially as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Seanad Éireann. The responsibilities of the Seanad are one of the few set out in our constitution. However, the influence of this body has not been constrained by the constitution. The original intention of the Seanad was to speak out on behalf of the minority groups stitched into the fabric of the Republic. This chamber echos with the voices of important minority groups that have shaped our country's history.
As The 25th Chair of the Senate of Ireland , I will use this chamber to give a platform to these voices, so our society can benefit from social, racial and demographic diversity in our great nation.
The Irish flag always hangs in the Seanad chamber and its principle of peace underpinnings (everything) we do. The creator of the Irish flag, Thomas F Meagher explained its meaning.....
“The White in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the Orange and the Green, and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped, in generous and heroic brotherhood”
I now see the full spectrum of colours, reflecting all communities in our republic extending past the original green and orange but still united by that pure, stark band of white symbolising unity and acceptance between all".
As The 25th Chair of the Senate of Ireland , I will use this chamber to give a platform to these voices, so our society can benefit from social, racial and demographic diversity in our great nation.
The Irish flag always hangs in the Seanad chamber and its principle of peace underpinnings (everything) we do. The creator of the Irish flag, Thomas F Meagher explained its meaning.....
“The White in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the Orange and the Green, and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped, in generous and heroic brotherhood”
I now see the full spectrum of colours, reflecting all communities in our republic extending past the original green and orange but still united by that pure, stark band of white symbolising unity and acceptance between all".
Latest News
An Cathaoirleach's Message For International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2021On Saturday May 29th An Cathaoirleach paid tribute to United Nations Peacekeepers for the International Day for UN Peacekeepers 2021.
Ireland has a long and proud history of service as UN Peacekeepers. This is a source of immense pride to the Irish people and we are truly indebted to those brave men and women who choose to put their lives on the line in the name of peace. On this day we honour both active and former Peacekeepers in Ireland and around the world. Senator Mark Daly Addresses Greek Business & Arts Festival with the Hellenistic Community IrelandOn April 10th An Cathaoirleach was honoured to be asked to be interviewed by the Hellenistic Community Ireland for the 5th Greek Business and Arts Festival.
Senator Daly spoke about the work of Seanad Éireann on behalf of minority groups across Ireland, the connections between Ireland and Greece, and the general functioning of the Seanad. Syttende Mai, National Day of NorwayOn May 17th An Cathaoirleach paid marked Syttende Mai, the National Day of Norway. On this important occasion, Senator Daly was privileged to have been a keynote speaker at the Norwegian Embassy's virtual festivities.
Senator Daly would like to wish Ambassador Skåre and all the Norwegian people a happy Constitution Day. Cathaoirleachs Message on National Guide Dogs Day
On Friday May 7th An Cathaoirleach paid tribute to volunteers around the country who were raising much needed funds for National Guide Dogs Day.
Senator Victor Boyhan has worked hard for this cause for many years. The last few months have been incredibly difficult for charities and Senator Daly was happy to acknowledge the hard work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The Economist Article on a united Ireland
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Koningsdag message from Senator Mark Daly
On Monday April 26th, An Cathaoirleach sent his best wishes to the people of the Netherlands in time for Koningsdag (King's Day) which is celebrated on April 27th.
The day celebrates the birth of King Willem-Alexander and the Dutch people turn the country orange, in a similar fashion to how the Irish people turn the world green for St. Patrick's Day.
King Willem-Alexander has strong connections to Ireland, having holidayed in Sneem, in Mark's native County Kerry, when he was a young a boy.
Senator Daly wishes a safe and happy King's Day to the Dutch people living in Ireland, many of whom reside in his hometown of Kenmare, and all Dutch people around the world. Fijne Koningsdag
The day celebrates the birth of King Willem-Alexander and the Dutch people turn the country orange, in a similar fashion to how the Irish people turn the world green for St. Patrick's Day.
King Willem-Alexander has strong connections to Ireland, having holidayed in Sneem, in Mark's native County Kerry, when he was a young a boy.
Senator Daly wishes a safe and happy King's Day to the Dutch people living in Ireland, many of whom reside in his hometown of Kenmare, and all Dutch people around the world. Fijne Koningsdag
the National Bravery awards 2021
Applications have now closed for the National Bravery Awards 2021 with the Comhairle na Míre Gaile . An Cathaoirleach Mark Daly is a member of the Council who adjudicate on the applications put forward. Senator Daly would like to thank everyone who submitted applications.
The National Bravery Awards seek to recognise the fearless contributions of those citizens who put themselves in harms way to help other people. In the words of An Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD;
" The people we are recognising here, they jump in and become involved without a thought to their own well being"
For more information and nomination forms please visit www.bravery.ie
The National Bravery Awards seek to recognise the fearless contributions of those citizens who put themselves in harms way to help other people. In the words of An Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD;
" The people we are recognising here, they jump in and become involved without a thought to their own well being"
For more information and nomination forms please visit www.bravery.ie
Joint Statement from An Cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly & Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail td on the death of prince philip, the duke of edinburgh
WORLD HEALTH DAY 2021
In honor of this years World Health Day, An Cathaoirleach wished to express his gratitude to all front line workers and healthcare professionals around the world for their continued fight against the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The theme of this years World Health Day was to "Create a fairer, healthier world for everyone", and indeed the last twelve months have shown us that a global approach to healthcare is needed.
Senator Daly also wished to pay tribute to the World Health Organisation, and specifically Mary Switzer, an Irish-American and Senior Director in the US Government, who was involved in establishing the WHO. He also acknowledged Dr Mike Ryan, the Irishman leading the WHO'S Health Emergencies Program, who has been a voice of reason and leadership throught the pandemic.
The theme of this years World Health Day was to "Create a fairer, healthier world for everyone", and indeed the last twelve months have shown us that a global approach to healthcare is needed.
Senator Daly also wished to pay tribute to the World Health Organisation, and specifically Mary Switzer, an Irish-American and Senior Director in the US Government, who was involved in establishing the WHO. He also acknowledged Dr Mike Ryan, the Irishman leading the WHO'S Health Emergencies Program, who has been a voice of reason and leadership throught the pandemic.
Cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly hosts launch of Garden of Remembrance and Reflection Initiative today with all Senate Leaders, Minister Senator Pippa Hackett, An Leas Cathaoirleach Joe O'Reilly and Garden Designer Diarmuid Gavin
On Wednesday March 31st, Cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly launched the Garden of Remembrance and Reflection Initiative with Minister Senator Pippa Hackett, all Senate Group Leaders and Garden Designer Diarmuid Gavin. Having worked previously on this initiative as a member of the Governments All Party Group on Commemorations the Cathaoirleach is now working with all Senator Group Leaders to promote this initiative.
“The Gardens of Remembrance and Reflection Initiative may be of interest to many communities especially those in the Tidy Town Committees. You may remember in 2016 many counties, towns and parishes installed Gardens of Remembrance. Following on from this very successful initiative, and as we continue our decade of commemorations, I am again working alongside landscape artist Diarmuid Gavin on this project with the support of Minister for State Pippa Hackett, the governments commemorations unit and all the leaders of the groupings in Seanad Eireann who are supporting the Gardens of Remembrance and Reflection initiative”
Having worked with the Governments Commemoration Unit, I welcome The news that Tidy Towns Unit Department of Rural and Community Development have also said under this initiative that groups may be in a position to gain points within the competition.”
The 7 Garden templates are designed by Diarmuid Gavin and it is suggested that they could be dedicated after women involved in the journey for independence 100 years ago. These garden designs can be replicated, altered or amended in any way the community deem fit or indeed a completely different design can be used depending on the location.
All these Gardens of Remembrance and Reflection should have three elements in common
· A replica of the 1916 proclamation
· A flagpole for the tricolour
· Seven trees which represent the seven signatories of the proclamation
As many people were involved in the journey for independence a century ago, it would be appropriate that the proclamation alone would be the only inscribed words in these gardens.
If public health guideline allow Communities who installed a garden may wish to officially dedicate or their gardens on the 11th of July this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the truce during the War of Independence.
“The Gardens of Remembrance and Reflection Initiative may be of interest to many communities especially those in the Tidy Town Committees. You may remember in 2016 many counties, towns and parishes installed Gardens of Remembrance. Following on from this very successful initiative, and as we continue our decade of commemorations, I am again working alongside landscape artist Diarmuid Gavin on this project with the support of Minister for State Pippa Hackett, the governments commemorations unit and all the leaders of the groupings in Seanad Eireann who are supporting the Gardens of Remembrance and Reflection initiative”
Having worked with the Governments Commemoration Unit, I welcome The news that Tidy Towns Unit Department of Rural and Community Development have also said under this initiative that groups may be in a position to gain points within the competition.”
The 7 Garden templates are designed by Diarmuid Gavin and it is suggested that they could be dedicated after women involved in the journey for independence 100 years ago. These garden designs can be replicated, altered or amended in any way the community deem fit or indeed a completely different design can be used depending on the location.
All these Gardens of Remembrance and Reflection should have three elements in common
· A replica of the 1916 proclamation
· A flagpole for the tricolour
· Seven trees which represent the seven signatories of the proclamation
As many people were involved in the journey for independence a century ago, it would be appropriate that the proclamation alone would be the only inscribed words in these gardens.
If public health guideline allow Communities who installed a garden may wish to officially dedicate or their gardens on the 11th of July this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the truce during the War of Independence.
| Gardens of Remebrance & Reflection Brochure 2021 |
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Greek Independence Day 2021
This year Greece celebrated 200th Anniversary of the beginning of its War of Independence. Among those who led the Greek side during the War was General Richard Church from county Cork.
During his impressive career, Church would go on to be a Greek Senator and a Member of the Greek Council of State.
Last week Senator Daly paid tribute to General Chruch and the Greek people for their many contributions to the world, not least giving us democracy.
Ζήτω η Ημέρα Ανεξαρτησίας!
During his impressive career, Church would go on to be a Greek Senator and a Member of the Greek Council of State.
Last week Senator Daly paid tribute to General Chruch and the Greek people for their many contributions to the world, not least giving us democracy.
Ζήτω η Ημέρα Ανεξαρτησίας!
Storm Lake Times Article for St Patrick's Day
In a St Patrick's Day edition of the Storm Lake Times, Buena Vista County Iowa's leading newspaper, Senator Daly was honored to have an article he wrote on Irish immigration featured.
The article features the story Mark's granduncle, Fr John O'Connor, who served as parish priest in Pisgah, Iowa for 26 years. Fr John also completed two tours of duty with the US Army in the Pacific theater during World War II. His bravery was recognized by his superiors, and his medals of valor hang proudly on the wall of Senator Daly's office today.
The article also discusses the Irish national flag and it's creator Thomas Francis Meagher. As Mark explains the symbolism of our flag, with it's message of peace between our communities, still resonates today.
You can read the article in full here:
Senator Daly's Article for the Storm Lake Times
The article features the story Mark's granduncle, Fr John O'Connor, who served as parish priest in Pisgah, Iowa for 26 years. Fr John also completed two tours of duty with the US Army in the Pacific theater during World War II. His bravery was recognized by his superiors, and his medals of valor hang proudly on the wall of Senator Daly's office today.
The article also discusses the Irish national flag and it's creator Thomas Francis Meagher. As Mark explains the symbolism of our flag, with it's message of peace between our communities, still resonates today.
You can read the article in full here:
Senator Daly's Article for the Storm Lake Times
Killarney National Park Paired with Glacier National Park, Montana
On Monday 22nd of March, it was announced that Killareny National Park in Kerry had been paired as a 'Sister Park' with Glacier National Park in Montana, USA.
The pairing represents many years of hard work and diplomacy from Senator Daly, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O'Brien, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan and their counterparts in the US Department of Interior and the National Parks Service.
Mark hopes to continue working to strengthen ties between Ireland and the US into the future. Follow the link below to read RTÉ's report on the pairing of the parks
RTE Report on Parks Pairing
The pairing represents many years of hard work and diplomacy from Senator Daly, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O'Brien, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan and their counterparts in the US Department of Interior and the National Parks Service.
Mark hopes to continue working to strengthen ties between Ireland and the US into the future. Follow the link below to read RTÉ's report on the pairing of the parks
RTE Report on Parks Pairing
