I am pleased to propose this motion on behalf of the Fine Gael group in the Seanad. It comes in the context of the legislation that relates to political donations and political funding in Ireland. All of us in this House know that in the past, the culture of political donations in Ireland involved politicians receiving money without any oversight or transparency. We are acutely aware of the damage that did to all aspects of Irish society, but particularly to the esteem in which politics was held in this country. It…

I would happily answer. The Senator should not ask a question and then not allow time to answer.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as ucht a chúpla focal agus as ucht an tacaíocht don rún freisin. In bringing this motion before the House I sought to raise an issue that needs to be addressed by this House. I agree with Members who expressed regret that we have used our Private Members' time to do this. I agree that it is regrettable that we have had to do it. I sought to do so on a party-to-party basis which is why this is being brought by the Fine Gael group. I did not seek to make it personal. I regret that…

I welcome this Bill and I commend Senators Byrne, Cassells and Casey on bringing it forward. The Minister of State has said he will support it, and I welcome that. I welcome him to the House. He has a very interesting portfolio and I am looking forward to much of the work he outlined in his speech this evening. It is not true to say that everybody welcomes the Bill. We heard speeches from other Senators who have not welcomed it, but I believe it is a progressive initiative. It is true that it does not achieve every…

I do not believe that is a fair comment from Senator Mullen because I have always supported this House and have always been a strong supporter of Seanad reform. I listened to what Senator McDowell said about his first preference vote. I am not being vainglorious in saying that of the 47 panel Senators and the six university Senators elected earlier this year I got the lowest first preference vote of any. I was also the most transfer friendly candidate in the election, so there was a little bit of this and a little …

I am in no way a small parcel. However, Senator McDowell is somewhat comparing apples with oranges when talking about the different votes because the electorates and the size of the electorates on each panel are very different. There is a danger of suggesting that this House should be elected in the same way as the Dáil is elected. I doubt that anybody is suggesting that, but we do not want a mirror of the other House. One of the great strengths of this House is that it is a reforming Chamber. It looks at things fr…

I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Act 2020 (No. 14 of 2020) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on the 9th day of November, 2020 and ending on the 9th day of June, 2021.".

I support the motion that the Minister has put before the House in circumstances where I think it makes perfect sense. The legislation passed by this House a number of months ago was introduced in a context where some Members in both Houses complained of what they considered to be its draconian aspects. There were legitimate concerns about that, and there were also some who raised concerns that were not pertinent to the Bill such as, for example, the invasion of dwellings and other such issues. This legislation doe…

Ba mhaith liom labhairt ar feadh nóiméid faoi chlárúcháin vótála. The deadline for registration on the draft register of electors is 25 November next. It is important to encourage people to register to vote so that they have a say in the next election, whenever that might be. It is also important to remind people that no matter where they come from, as long as they are living in Ireland and they are over 18 years of age by 15 February 2021, they are entitled to be part of that process. I know the Minister of State,…

I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. Like my colleague, Senator Gallagher, I welcome the Bill. Fine Gael is supporting this legislation which is very important to implement the existing directive relating to these matters. This legislative measure comes at the end of a long path of legislation in this area. Obviously, theft, fraud and dishonesty offences are as old as time. In 2001, Ireland passed an Act which gave effect to other international conventions at that time and replaced the Larceny Act 191…

Next Tuesday.

I welcome the Minister. I acknowledge and welcome what he stated at the outset. One of the issues with Irish politics is that, when we make mistakes, we do not admit them often enough. As the Leader stated, the Minister's comments demonstrated a humility that is often absent in politics. I welcome the compassion of his comments and I acknowledge Senators' remarks about the level of pain and anxiety this legislation has caused in the public discourse in recent times.

I am sorry. I do not know whether I need to repeat it, but I acknowledge what the Minister stated at the outset of this debate. The humility of his comments and his acknowledgement of mistakes in the context of this legislation were important. Senators have mentioned the effect of those mistakes on the survivors and victims of the horrible deeds about which we know. The anxiety, hurt and upset they have been caused are undeniable. In all of the discussions in the Houses, what has been absent is a recognition of wha…

They have wilfully put out information that has deliberately caused upset, anxiety and hurt to the very people whom they purport, in this House, to represent. In fairness, some of those same people have acknowledged the Minister's good intentions in this. He has an honest and forthright approach and he has sought to do what is right. However, others have twisted that and taken what is in the Bill, misrepresented it and led the people they claim to represent up the garden path.

I recognise the point Senator Bacik is making.

I acknowledge what Senator Bacik said but it is really important to call out what has happened. She is correct that there are people who have been wronged. To be absolutely clear, I am not blaming any of them. There is a cohort of people, including those who have been through the homes, those who were born in the homes and the families and friends of those people, who have endured unimaginable suffering as a result of what happened in this State. None of that is denied and I do not blame any of those people. I blam…

Will Senator Bacik allow me to address what she said?

I have already yielded once, a Chathaoirligh. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with sending emails. God knows we welcome emails. If Senator Bacik will allow me to finish the point I was making, it is that much of the information contained in those emails is deliberately misleading and inaccurate in terms of-----

A Chathaoirligh, I must be allowed to address the point that was raised.