I acknowledge that the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, visited Roscommon last week, which was phenomenal. She was there to pay tribute to the Horses for Hope equine centre, which is the first of its kind in Europe and has been opened at Castlerea Prison. It offers people the opportunity to work with animals. We saw many of the prisoners there go on a course over a number of months and they come out with qualifications and have the opportunity to work in these roles once they leave Castlerea. It is wonderful a…

I welcome Senator Clonan to the House. I acknowledge the fundraising efforts for Ukraine all across our towns and villages. We had a coffee morning in Ballinasloe that raised €600 over three hours for families in Ukraine. Groups are putting on plays and all of the funds are going directly to the Irish Red Cross's Ukraine campaign. It was devastating to see what has happened in Bucha on last night's "Prime Time". It is very hard to speak on it but there is a national volunteer effort in Ireland to welcome families a…

I thank the Minister for her time today. I welcome her announcement. As the Minister heard, all across Ireland there are incredible attractions. However, we need to talk about our natural resources as well, such as our cycleways, walkways and railways, and how we are connecting people and bringing them together. We have that in heart of Ballinasloe. I ask the Minister about the Fáilte Ireland and perhaps the River Shannon master plan. How will we promote the tributaries that come into the River Shannon, such as the…

I will point out two events that are happening. First, my office in Ballinasloe is holding a coffee morning in support of people from Ukraine. It will be a fundraiser for the Irish Red Cross. Everyone is welcome to come along but there are many ways for people to volunteer or get involved as well as giving financial donations. Second, a fantastic event called Headstrong is being run by Caltra GAA in Caltra community centre on Friday evening, tomorrow, at 8 p.m. Sir Stevo, aka Farmer Michael, will be there and it wi…

Completely. Michael will be there. It is in association with Ahascragh and Fohenagh men's and ladies', Caltra Cuans, Caltra and District Athletics Club and St. Cuan's United. It is a great way to engage at a local level, particularly around well-being and the pressures on teenagers after lockdown over the past two years. I would love to see this model of bringing role models and celebrities in sports and comedy together with sports psychologists. We have Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, who is with Galway GAA and also c…

I second the motion. I thank Senator Seery Kearney for proposing this motion and her very moving contribution. From the Government support and, I hope, the cross-party support in the Seanad and the rest of the Oireachtas, it is very clear that Ireland condemns the war in Ukraine. I very much want to pay tribute to President Zelenskyy and his country and Government for defending a democracy. I hope the peace talks will come to a resolution. They have to. It falls to Ireland to support a country in crisis. As my coll…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, for joining us. A year ago I tabled a similar matter and the Minister of State was also kind enough to respond on that occasion. I am seeking an update from the Department of Education on the status of two school building projects in Ballinasloe in the context of capacity for children at primary level. I am referring to Scoil an Chroí Naofa, with which the Minister of State is familiar and also to the site acquisition for St. Teresa's Special School. The Minister of St…

I thank the Minister of State. I know there are always reasons for these delays but it is so frustrating because, what do we say to these parents? What do we say to these children when it goes on year after year? What I would ask is that the Department with the design team, having worked with Galway County Council - and again to acknowledge there has been very positive engagement over the past 12 months - submit the application for planning. As the Minister of State said, until it goes through to planning, until we…

Today we have an announcement on the reform of the leaving certificate Equity and Excellence for All: where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience. We have seen that over the past year. We have seen the Irish Second-Level Students' Union being part of the process to decide how we do accredited grades the year before last and how we manage the leaving certificate. Today, the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, announced measures to support students with this reform. I also acknowledge the fo…

I welcome the Minister. He is here to speak about the impacts on farming arising from the war in Ukraine. We have heard today and for recent weeks about millions in Ukraine starving, desperate for food and in dire straits. They are starving in a country that is, as has been mentioned, the bread basket of Europe. President Zelenskyy is asking those farmers to stay in the country and farm. Farmers are trying to continue, in some cases in conflict areas, and are putting their lives at risk. The average farm size in Uk…

I welcome the Minister. Before commencing I remind Members that a Senator may speak only once on Report Stage with the exception of the proposer who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. Each non-Government amendment must be seconded. A number of amendments have been judged out of order and, therefore, I will go through those at each stage. Amendment No. 1 in the names of Senators Boylan, Gavan, Ó Donnghaile and Warfield is out of order as it is in conflict with the principle of the Bill as read a Second Ti…

I encourage any Senators with queries to contact the Seanad Office.

Would any other Senators like to speak? Senator Gavan may go ahead.

I thank the Senator. I very much understand the concerns.

Senator-----

Senator, please.

As I mentioned, all these amendments have been ruled out of order. Have you contacted the Seanad office? If not, please do so subsequent to this. However, all of these amendments have been judged out of order and they cannot be discussed. We have to move on.

Is the question in relation to amendment No. 6?

Senator, we are in the middle of Seanad business here.

Again, if you are not-----