I also extend my condolences to the family of Brian O'Shea. I will highlight that in the past weekend the Global Sumud Flotilla has once again set sail from Barcelona to break Israel's illegal siege of Gaza. The flotilla will consist of over 70 boats carrying thousands of participants from over 100 different countries. They will be carrying medical aid and medical professionals to bring supplies into Gaza, where aid is still desperately needed. Every boat represents a failure by government of implementing internati…

Senator Seán Kyne is under pressure.

Senator Joanne Collins and I, with each of us having four minutes.

I agree with Senator Collins. Sinn Féin has no confidence in Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Lowry Independents who are propping up the Government. They are clearly opposed to the interests of ordinary people. It is interesting, as has been said, that Fianna Fáil Senators are complaining about Fine Gael Ministers. That may be payback for the Fine Gael Minister complaining about the Fianna Fáil Minister for calling out the Army. In some ways, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, has orphaned the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan…

Yesterday, another video containing the distressing image of a horse being killed in Clonmel, County Tipperary, was circulated. The video, which is absolutely sickening, shows a horse terrified and out of control being forced to run on a public road with a child no older than 13 years of age in charge. That child obviously had no training or protection, and there was no regard for life. The video ended the only way it could end in tragedy, fear, chaos and the brutal death of a horse. That horse ran for hundreds of …

The Minister of State has five minutes. I ask that contributors keep to their allotted time so it does not eat into other people's time at the end.

We know who is guilty of that.

Before I call the next speaker, Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony, I want to welcome guests of Cormac Devlin: Eamon de Valera, whose name is obviously recognisable in this House, Lily Cummins, Cormac Kavanagh, Lily Mae Fahy, Cian Bermingham and Lily Wade from the US. You are all very welcome and I hope you are enjoying your visit. You are in safe hands. I hope Cormac will buy you lunch later. Next is Senator Murphy O'Mahony.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, are out of order.

Amendment No. 5 is out of order.

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the pupils from St. Andrew's College. They are here with Senator Clonan. I hope they are enjoying their visit. The Houses is a really interesting place to visit. They have no homework for the rest of the week. That is the tradition. That is what they say, although a couple of people there do not look like they are of the age for homework. They must be the teachers. They are very welcome anyway. I call Senator Byrne.

I second that.

I agree with Senator Higgins's request for a debate. Now more than ever we need to ensure that Ireland is not facilitating, and does not facilitate, war, militarisation and genocide. On another issue, a young man, Gary Ward, died by suicide on 7 April 2023. He had his struggles with his mental health. He was interested in and studied politics in UCD. He had schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. He was a loving son. He was hospitalised a number of times. The mental health system failed Gary and his fami…

I move amendment No. 25: In page 29, after line 30, to insert the following: “ Matters concerning minors 14. The best interests of the child shall be primary consideration in the application of this Act, and the Minister shall have due regard to this principle in respect of all matters concerning minors.”.