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
Delighted to wish the Spanish people a Happy National Day from the chair of Seanad Éirean. Feliz Dia Nacional de España
Spain and Ireland share a common past and a
centuries-long friendship that can be traced back to the XVIth (16th) century when the Treaty of Dingle was signed in 1529.Throughout our shared history, there has been a constant flow of Irish people to Spain, from medieval pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, through to the many Irish who found refuge in Spain in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries at the time of The Flight of the Earls. The many Irish Colleges founded during that period helped not only to preserve a distinct cultural identity but also to facilitate Ireland's engagement with the wider world. There is an increasing number of Irish citizens resident in Spain, estimated at over 40,000. As many as 2.3 million Irish visit Spain every year and more than 20,000 Spaniards currently live in Ireland. Spain is the fifth largest market into Ireland in terms of visitor numbers. For decades, Spain has been Ireland’s second largest EU market for English language training (ELT). This connection has seen many prominent figures in Spanish public life, including Prime Minster Pedro Sánchez, spending time in Ireland during their adolescence. I would like to wish Ambassador Ildefonso Castro and all Spanish people a Happy National Day, Feliz 12 de octubre! Marking the National Day of Germany in the Senate
On the 3rd October 1990 Germany achieved reunification after a long period of division. Ireland is proud of our role in facilitating this momentous event in German history, chairing the crucial Dublin meetings during our Presidency of the European Council, which led to pan-European support for German reunification. Indeed, Chancellor Helmut Kohl is said to have thanked the Taoiseach with the words, “Germany will never forget what you have done for us”.
The relations between our two countries stretch back much further. St Killian who left Ireland from County Kerry and other Irish monks came to Germany from the 7th century and established enduring links between our countries. This year we marked 100 years since the fledgling Irish State appointed its first official representative to Germany, Nancy Wyse Power, to set up an office to promote Irish interests. Ireland and Germany share a strong bilateral relationship anchored in our strong economic, cultural, social and political links. What defines our relationship is our work together in the European Union, where our countries share a common vision and purpose of how to achieve a stronger and more effective Europe and a better world. I would like to wish Ambassador Meier-Klodt and all Germans, Alles Gute zum Tag der Deutschen Einheit! Marking the National Day of Cyprus in the Senate
I note the Republic of Cyprus is marking 61 years of independence. The historic parallels between Ireland and Cyprus are striking. They are two small island nations that have struggled to gain independence. Cyprus and Ireland are island countries, located on the opposite ends of the family of European nations. As partners in the European Union, we are pleased to work together to advance our shared interest in our membership of the European Union. Cyprus gave strong support for the full implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the United Kingdom and to the Northern Ireland protocol, which was greatly appreciated.
Since 1964, thousands of members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces have served in Cyprus as members of the United Nations peacekeeping force. Ireland has always supported, and continues to support, a just and viable solution to the division of Cyprus, based on the United Nations Security Council resolutions and on the principles of the European Union. We thank An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces for their service to the United Nations' mission and for their contribution to the strong connections between Ireland and Cyprus. I wish our dear friend, the President of the House of Representatives in Cyprus, Annita Demetriou, the ambassador in Ireland, the people of Cyprus, and the Cypriot community here in Ireland a happy independence day. Charoúmeni méra anexartisías. Happy Independence Day Cyprus. Cathaoirleach welcomes MEPs from the Midland North West
The working group on the implementation of Seanad reform and its report, written in 2015 by former Senator Maurice Manning, noted that our MEPs find themselves without a formal connection to our political structures. The working group envisaged that MEPs could debate and engage with us on European developments through an audience in the House. The 2018 report, which was prepared under the chairmanship of Senator Michael McDowell, picked up themes and suggested the link with Europe could be done through Seanad Éireann.
As Senators are aware, the Conference on the Future of Europe was formally inaugurated on Europe Day this year. This conference is a unique opportunity for citizens, parliaments, local authorities and especially young people to engage with playing a part in shaping the future of Europe. Cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly wishes the people of Malta a Happy Independence Day
Malta celebrates its independence day, having gained its independence in 1964. As two island nations on the periphery of Europe, Ireland and Malta share certain historical experiences. Ireland and Malta struggled for a long time for independence.
Our two countries share a rich maritime heritage and, of course, we are both neutral nations. Our diplomatic relationships were established in 1990 and the long-standing relationships between our people and our shared membership of the European Union make sure that our friendship grows stronger each year. The Maltese city of Floriana has a football club affectionately known as Tal-Irish, the Irish. The reason for this is that, when the Royal Dublin Fusiliers were playing football against the local team in the 20th century, the fusiliers donated their kit, which was green and white, to the local team. Ever since, and to this very day, the club has worn those colours. I wish Ambassador Leonard Sacco, and the Maltese people in Ireland and around the world a very happy independence day. Viva Malta Indipendenti.
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| Economist Article on a United Ireland |
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
