I thank the Minister of State. Is it okay if I share some time?

I can only speak? Okay. I thank the Minister of State for his genuine response and for bringing the human element into his response as well. I had read through the speech and I am glad that he blended our contributions into his response as an acknowledgement of the richness of the contributions that were made here today. This is only a start. This is opening a conversation. The conversation that was brought to the floor today in response to this amending Bill on Second Stage was around flooding and about the two fl…

I welcome the Minister to the House again this afternoon for the continuation of Committee Stage of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Amendments Nos. 16 and 17 are in the name of Senator Keogan, but as she is not here, they cannot be moved.

This will be a two and one.

Senator Ruane, we will certainly adhere to that now. We are just getting the Standing Orders. It was a two and one. Just give us a moment, please. Thank you.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1", therefore putting the Electricity Supply (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025 before the House. I brought forward this Bill so that, I hope, later in the week we might be able to reach Second Stage. The whole purpose of the Bill is to address the water levels around the River Shannon which have not been changed since 1934 when Ardnacrusha was put in place. I am seeking to bring forward this Bill and to have a robust debate on it. For far…

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to reduce restrictions on the power of the Electricity Supply Board to carry out works concerning the levels on the Shannon Lakes (Lough Derg, Lough Ree and Lough Allen), to amend the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1934 and to provide for related matters. I thank the Leader for allowing me to move the Bill this evening. It does not pretend to solve on its own the issues with River Shannon flooding. Rather, it is a practical legislative …

On Thursday.

I thank the Minister of State for being here this evening. I thank my colleague, Senator Casey, for previously raising an issue in relation to the Affordable Housing Act 2021. It generally excludes applicants who have previously owned a property from the first-time buyer allowances and grants. Perhaps we can look at that in the future. The Act recognises certain exemptions under the fresh start principle whereby an applicant may be treated as single for housing purposes if their marriage or civil partnership has le…

I welcome the visitors from the Wexford Chamber of Commerce. They are the guests of Deputy Verona Murphy, the Ceann Comhairle. The Minister is also very welcome to the House this afternoon.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister and his officials for their co-operation.

Are the Senators sharing time?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister for being in the House this evening and giving of his time and giving us a comprehensive overview as to why we should support this non-contentious legislation. It is important to say Fianna Fáil welcomes the debate and supports the Bill. It is a priority for Fianna Fáil to ensure that our court services are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. It is also important to say that it was a commitment in the programme for Government and we are hopefully fulfilling this with th…

Next Tuesday.