If the Minister looked at the changes to apartments-----

I was going to say there have been significant concerns regarding the reduction of the number of exits and the size of units. The Minister will be aware that academics have pointed to the changes, not in the fire safety rules, but in apartment design and standards leading to fire safety issues and jeopardy. We have had a narrative about gold-plating which has been accompanied by a quite systematic set of lowering of standards, even at EU level through omnibus measures. It is important to signal these issues and con…

I welcome all the MEPs. I will begin by supporting Senator Murphy’s point on the theme of peace. The theme of peace and active neutrality should be something that is central to Ireland’s Presidency. We have had huge benefit in knowledge and learning on what actual peace building looks like. It is not simply about military security but things like Resolution 1325 on the role of women, recognising social cohesion funding, which is sadly being cut in the European Union in order to redirect it for military purposes. Th…

I will add to what has been said in terms of the general welcome for the stated intentions of the legislation and to highlight some of the areas of concern, as outlined by my colleague, Senator Black, who has great personal experience in this area and has worked with many performers. The performers I have spoken to have highlighted their concerns that there could be inadvertent consequences from how the Bill is currently worded, in particular section 2(a) and the proposed subsection (3A). The risk is that we could …

I want to add my voice in support of the motion. I wish to highlight this particular period when people are extremely vulnerable and a small number of supports are currently available. I know from other people's experience that one visit from a nurse was an incredible and amazing support that came in when they needed it. Other people felt they were being checked up on and examined. It was almost a case of proving to a nurse that one was able for the overwhelming task of caring for the new life for which one is resp…

I have a strong feeling of support regarding the desire for a greater focus on and proper planning for genomics. For many people, diagnosing and identifying issues and patterns early is something they want because people are affected by such a range of conditions and diseases. There is significant value in genomics science. I recognise some of the concerns identified in the first sections of the motion. In particular, I note the concerns about overseas laboratories. The idea of a co-ordinated plan and achieving a 5…

I am standing to give my very strong support to the amendment put forward by Sinn Féin. It is a very necessary amendment and one that is very carefully worded because it makes very clear the condemnation of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, the imperialist ambitions, as well as the breach of international law. It talks about the importance of ongoing support for the people of Ukraine. It is clear that our support is not done; it must continue. It also talks about what is appropriate in terms of that support; the hug…

It is good, now that this issue has been raised for years, that some progress is beginning to be made on pay and conditions for our Defence Forces. The motion addresses the specifics of pay and conditions. I welcome that it also raises the crucial question of representation, calls for Defence Force chaplains to be allowed to have membership of representative associations and calls for proper measures around the working time directive and on making decent employment available and accessible to members of the Defence…

I am very happy to support the Bill introduced by Senators Cosgrove and Harmon and other Senators from the cross-party group. It is incredibly disappointing to see it is not being supported across the House. That sends a deeply disappointing message to young people and young workers in Ireland. I am interested in higher education. When there is wage inequality and a systematic measure that allows for the cutting of costs, those measures are used and exploited. We hear a lot about business costs. To be clear, we are…

Yes. I have actually never seen this ever.

For the record, the Acting Chair said we will now take account of the fact that the Senator has raised this issue, and subsequent to that eight Members are allowed to enter the room. I think the record should state that.

With respect, it raises a danger that the Leas-Chathaoirleach or Cathaoirleach could be asked to stay outside of the door to extend the time indefinitely to allow Government Members to be gathered.

That is the implication.

We would like it to state on the record certainly that this vote is not in line with best practice, it is not in line with good practice in the House, and it is-----

I would note that we are being told that the Cathaoirleach or the Leas-Chathaoirleach is required to take the vote but the vote was called from the Chair, not by the Cathaoirleach or the Leas-Chathaoirleach. So is it the case that anybody can call the vote and then does the Leas-Chathaoirleach or the Cathaoirleach have to magically be in place for the vote to take place?

Yes, but there is an issue if the Government is in a position whereby it can effectively, and this raises a question, and we have had the debate on the voting for the Chair and the Leas-Chathaoirleach, that they are serving the House impartially according to the same rules for all. There is a question mark if a Government Member, who is the Leas-Chathaoirleach, delays in entering the chamber is facilitative of the Government being able to bring many more Members in.

It is the case that the way the Standing Orders-----

-----are being interpreted has that effect.

I do not attribute intention to any person but I speak to the effect of what is being done right now.

I did not make that accusation.