I propose the suspension of the House.

Through the Chair, it is unfortunate that I was not allowed to come in. I hope that I can still speak and I do not wish to allow the suspension of the House without-----

No, with respect to the Acting Chair, I will take it up now. I thank the Acting Chair for her time as she has been sitting here waiting for a Minister to show up to take my Commencement matter. It was Commencement matter No. 4 in which I was to raise Portumna Forest Park. While I understand the Minister is in the Chamber and quite rightly so, I am disappointed that there was not cover from the Front Bench to facilitate. I always thought the procedure was that when a Minister takes that chair, they never leave it un…

I thank the Acting Chairperson and I thank the Minister of State for making such an effort to be here. I really appreciate it. He was in the Dáil Chamber and I saw that. It is just unfortunate the somebody from the Front Bench could not have covered him at this moment in time because he cannot be in two places at one time. I raise Portumna Forest Park. It is a park under the control of Coillte which happens to be under the Minister of State's remit. At the outset, I wish him the best of luck in that portfolio. Port…

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. It is greatly appreciated. While I hear what he is saying in relation to Storm Éowyn, I hope Coillte can look again at the recreational space, which is the amenity space, and at where the toilet block would be or the picnic area could be. If it could review that as one phase, along with signs and walkways, it would be greatly appreciated. Coillte is doing phenomenal work. It is great to get the up-to-date figures in relation to the 40,000 visitors. That …

The Minister is very welcome to the House. I am glad to make an opening contribution and I want to acknowledge that State investment in early learning and childcare has more than doubled, with approximately €1.5 billion in 2026. Budget 2026 provided €1.48 billion for early learning and childcare, supporting the national childcare scheme, ECCE, the access and inclusion model and core funding. Childcare goes beyond crèche- or centre-based childcare provisions. I agree with Senator O'Loughlin that it is also the after…

I am wearing sandals today. Good afternoon to everybody. I warmly welcome the Minister for justice's bringing his memo to Cabinet where he seeks to criminalise extreme violent pornography. For too long, this has been a glaring gap in our criminal law. The High Court has confirmed that possessing extreme pornography material is not an offence in this jurisdiction. This is simply not acceptable in 2026. The evidence before us is stark. Research from the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy, SERP, Institute shows t…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, to the House.

The Minister of State is an expert on Cavan roads at this stage.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.2) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.3) Regulati…

I thank Senators for their sizeable contributions and attendance here this morning. It is greatly appreciated. Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony spoke about sport and the values of sport. When we think about sport, not all of it is professional. There are a lot of amateur sports, particularly our national games. Nobody sets out to lose a game and everybody goes to participate. At the same time, we should be mindful that they are community men and women who are putting on their county or parish colours to represent t…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 15th July, 2026, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) s…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.2) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 15th July, 2026, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order …

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.3) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 15th July, 2026, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order …

Amendment No. 5 has been ruled out of order.

Amendment No. 6 has been ruled out of order.

Amendment No. 7 has been ruled out of order.

Amendments Nos. 8 and 25 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed?

Amendment No. 9 has been ruled out of order.

Amendments Nos. 10 to 12, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.