The Minister emphasised the changes made. What interaction did she have on those changes with the representatives of the islands? Is she telling me they are happy with those changes and have abandoned their campaign to be recognised as a subregional area? This is very important. During the presentation in the AV room, the representatives pointed out that they had been looking for this recognition for almost 40 years. The funding was upped for a specific period and then went backwards. They pointed out that islands …

I know the Minister's heart is in the right place and I have recognised her commitment on record. My difficulty is that during the presentation in the AV room, the islanders told us it was absolutely essential to have the recognition as a subregional area and that alignment with the counties does not suit the sustainability of the islands. It is as simple as that. The interaction the Minister had was prior to this presentation. They made their views known in November and they have made them known to all of my colle…

Before starting the next business, I ask Members to join with me in expressing our deepest condolences to the family of the soldier killed in the ambush in Lebanon, Private Seán Rooney, from Newtowncunningham in County Donegal and to the families of the two soldiers injured. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Mar a dúirt an Tánaiste, tá an tír uilig faoi scamall an bhróin. Seasfaimid le chéile i ndíol cuimhne Seán Rooney.

Go raibh maith agat.

I call on the Tánaiste to respond.

Go raibh maith agat.

Go raibh maith agat a Theachta. We are way over time.

The Deputy has raised this matter before, and while I will let the Tánaiste respond in a moment, I wish to say that I have repeatedly pointed out to the Deputy the separation of powers. He is raising serious allegations across the border. I am not taking issue that he may be raising a serious issue, but the manner in which he is raising it means I will have to draw his attention once again to the separation of powers.

I will take the last two speakers together.

Is the Bill opposed?

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

Seanad Éireann has passed the Appropriation Bill 2022, without amendment. Seanad Éireann has also passed the Local Government (Maternity Protection and Other Measures for Members of Local Authorities) Bill 2022, without amendment.

Exactly four years ago this month, the Government made an announcement that vessels over 80 m would be excluded from fishing in inshore waters. That followed a consultation with than 900 submissions. Subsequently, a policy directive issued. Unfortunately, it ended up in the courts with a High Court decision against the Government. Then, a Court of Appeal decision was made in July of this year for the Government. Where are we now with regard to the policy? The answer I received up until recently is that it is open s…

Once again, we are rushing through important legislation in a busy week during Christmas. We did this two years ago. We have done it many times but one stands out, which is the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, and we saw where that ended up. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan already referred to the change in the quorum, which was rushed through and of course, to the strategic housing developments. Yet here we are again doing the exact same thing. I have in front of me the digest from the …

Is the proposal agreed to? Agreed.

This Bill, which is certified to be a money Bill in accordance with Article 22.2.1° of the Constitution, will be sent to the Seanad.

Does any Member wish to make a contribution?

I did not follow the debate on the Bill but it seems we are in danger of having more discussion and comment on Fifth Stage than we did on any other Stage, but there we are.

Cuirfear an Bille chun an tSeanaid anois. The Bill will now be sent to the Seanad.