I second the amendment.

Senator Garvey can speak for herself.

Hear, hear.

International Women’s Day is not only a day of celebration but a day of action. If we are going to celebrate International Women’s Day it has to be a meaningful day for all women in Irish society. That means breaking down barriers that keep women from reaching their full potential in society. During my work as an activist I was taught to walk into a room or a building and ask the question, “Who is not here?” My question today is “Who is not here?” Obviously the male Senators are not here in solidarity for the discu…

I thank Senator Ruane for all the hard work she has done from day one since she has been elected to this House. On many occasions, Senator Ruane has come in here showing her passion about the real experience that you see in Tallaght that she went through as an individual. Senator Ruane has brought so much to this discussion, for example, the Bill that she brought forward in 2017. We must give credit where credit is due. We would not be here today without the hard work of Senator Ruane pushing through. It was always…

I move amendment No. 3: In the lead-in to the motion, line 5, after “State could make to significantly” to insert “improve its response to drugs use and abuse, to improve outcomes in relation to drugs use and abuse, to”.

I move amendment No. 4: In the lead-in to the motion, line 6, to delete “illicit”.

I move amendment No. 5: In the lead-in to the motion, line 6, after “harmful impacts of illicit drugs” to insert “and the criminalisation of drugs”.

I move amendment No. 6: In the second bullet point, to delete “harmful”.

I move amendment No. 7: After the second bullet point, to insert the following: “- the impacts of criminalisation of drugs use and possession, and convictions for drugs use and possession, on individuals, families, communities and wider society;”.

I move amendment No. 8: After the second bullet point, to insert the following: “- the potential for, and prevalence of, safe, social, recreational drugs use by individuals;”.

I move amendment No. 9: After the third bullet point, to insert the following: “- the potential benefits of promoting a harm-reduction approach to drugs policy, including through the provision of certain supports, including, inter alia, safe-injection and safe-consumption facilities, and medication-assisted treatments for drug addiction;”

I move amendment No. 10: After the third bullet point, to insert the following: “- the opportunities to improve the number and diversity of wraparound supports available to individuals who use drugs, including, inter alia, detox and aftercare facilities, and other supports which can assist individuals in their recovery from drug addiction;”.

I move amendment No. 11: After the fourth bullet point, to insert the following: “- the perspectives of the general public, representative groups, advocacy groups, experts and policy makers on drugs use and its impacts;”.

I move amendment No. 12: In the fifth bullet point, after “local” to insert “research and”.

I move amendment No. 13: To delete the seventh bullet point and substitute the following: “- international best practice and practical case studies in relation to regulation of supply of drugs, and the impact of relevant legislative, policy and operational responses; - international best practice and practical case studies in relation to increasing resilience, health and well-being in relation to drugs use; - the opportunities to promote greater public understanding of, and support for, a health-led approach to dru…

I move amendment No. 14: To delete the final bullet point under “notes that” and substitute the following: “- make payment to the members of the Citizens' Assembly and members of the Expert Advisory Group of a fair stipend commensurate with the time and energy dedicated by members of the Assembly and provide for an additional payment to fairly compensate those who incur additional costs as a result of attendance at the Assembly, including childcare costs and other caring costs.”.

I thank the Minister for coming to the House today as we mark Ash Wednesday. My mother – Lord have mercy on her – used to ask why people who wear the sign of the cross on their foreheads would do so if they were just going to be going around hypocritically. That stands with me today, for one reason or another.

As everyone is aware, I am a member of the Traveller community. I know exactly what it is like to be hated within Irish society. On social media, we see the burning of Traveller houses. We have seen it in counties Donegal and Galway for many years. There is no legislation in place that will protect vulnerable groups. What we should do first is prioritise positive policies and legislation for migrants and refugees. Every single one of us in this and the other House has a family member or extended family member who h…

There are people in Tallaght who should not have to face discrimination and who were born and reared in this State but who are black. It is divide and conquer, but divide and conquer does not work for everybody. This is part of the Government's plan: that it is okay to divide, because once people are divided then the Government does not have to do its work.