I apologise. My other half gives great care in my home. My father gave great care in my home. Some of the Senator's language is disgusting. To go back to International Women's Day I want to acknowledge women who are in conflict. Thousands of women are suffering in war. We see on our screens every day the women in Gaza who are losing their babies straight after birth or who are not able to give birth in safe places. There are 32 conflicts ongoing at present. We are really lucky in this country that we live in such a…

I welcome my big brother, Matthew, to the House. He is the one who indulged my interest in politics, brought me to cumann meetings, comhairle Dáil ceantair meetings and other Fianna Fáil meetings all over the country. I would not be here today without him. I also welcome my other guests, Gerry O'Callaghan, Peter Paul McShane and Jimmy Hanlon. They are fantastic representatives from County Louth with us here today. I want to raise an issue concerning Mandy Kelly, a Dundalk-based mammy whose children Zayn and Kareem …

I also welcome the news of the shared island funding. Today we heard that the Government will provide the targeted cost of construction of the Narrow Water Bridge. The Cabinet signed off on that this morning. Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love my county and region and am so proud of it. I genuinely believe in it and in its bright future. Today's funding announcement highlights my belief and that of this Government in my region. It is a really proud day for me because for many a long year my area has b…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2024, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 25th January, 2024.

The Minister is very welcome to the House. While I moved the motion, it would be absolutely remiss of me not to speak about what was announced to the people of Louth and Drogheda yesterday. The D Hotel is a central economic hub and a focus of a lot of the activity, tourism, and events that happen in Drogheda. It is not just the bed nights. There is an impact to closing down that hotel in its entirety. We know that not all hotels that take international protection applicants close down entirely. They share the space…

Absolutely.

This morning, I would like to wish everyone a happy St. Brigid's Day. Brigid was born in Louth 1,500 years ago, so we are very happy that she is being recognised to the extent that she is being recognised. I congratulate Louth County Council's arts office and tourism team, Dundalk BIDS and all the community groups around County Louth who have come together and made the celebration of Brigid 1500 a real showstopper in north Louth. The "northern lights" are happening in Dundalk's Market Square, and if Senators have n…

I, too, express my solidarity with Senator Clonan. When we ask a question in this House, we expect it to be answered properly, at least, but also by a Minister in the line Department. The situation this morning was uncalled for. I wish to raise a separate health issue. I am calling for a debate on GP shortages. Last year, the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, increased the number of GP training places by 35% compared with the previous year. That is a record increase, but it is clear many people want to get into GP care. T…

I did not know Mr. Connor but I want to express my condolences. It is a desperately lonely time for families and friends today with such an untimely death. I send my blessings and my thoughts to that family because it can be an horrendous, lonely, dark road they have to walk over the next while. I express my relief that the DUP voted last night to re-enter Government. I congratulate Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on the work he did in ensuring that. It was a tight vote. A lot of work was done and there was much political br…

I very much welcome the opportunity to speak. I also welcome the inquiry. It has been long sought after. It is a signal of hope to ensure that our armed forces are held to the highest standards of accountability, transparency and justice. We all believe that our Defence Forces represent the pinnacle of bravery, dedication and selflessness. We all look up to our soldiers and respect them. It is essential therefore that these exemplary individuals are treated with the utmost respect and integrity. It is our collectiv…

That is the next Bill.

This is an exhausting debate, and it is frustrating in many ways. If we go back to what we want to achieve in this referendum, it is quite simple. It is quite clear. It is whether this country and its people want our Constitution - all our Constitution - to catch up with the society that we live in. Those who advocate for a "No" vote have to ask themselves whether they are happy that the Constitution leaves out so many homes. I say "homes" because under the Constitution, they are not families; they are homes. Many …

We know that.

As I said yesterday, I welcome this opportunity to change our Constitution. We have listened patiently - perhaps a little impatiently at some stages - to today's debate. I was glad there was at least an acknowledgement that the Article is not reflective of reality and not to include more - the parents - was unfair and unrealistic. However, going back to the previous debate, we have to acknowledge what the family is, what it has become and what it actually always was and have that acknowledged in our Constitution. W…

I second the motion and thank Senator Byrne for moving it. The Tánaiste is very welcome to our debate, which is a good opportunity to speak about China, particularly after the recent visit. There are so many things, as Senator Byrne said, that are wonderful about China. However, none of us can hide from the many things that need our attention and action. Our motion outlines the continued detention of Jimmy Lai, a peaceful pro-democracy campaigner; the reported use of coerced testimony in cases involving the nationa…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for accepting my Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is great to have a Minister of State from the Department of agriculture. I do not always get one when I am speaking about agricultural issues. Today I want to highlight the plight of north Louth farmers who have been severely impacted by the recent floods and the importance of providing financial assistance to these farmers. This cannot be overstated. It is crucial for their individual recovery and for t…

I mean no harm, but that is absolute baloney. I do not need the preaching of a fairy tale from the Department of agriculture. These farmers are very well equipped and very well aware of the responsibilities to environmental mitigation. Yet, it is absolutely the Department's responsibility to mitigate against farmers going out of business. It is absolutely the Department’s responsibility to look after the farming communities and it is its remit. The strategic aims, which are on the Department's website, are to suppo…

It is in absolute fairy tale land.

I am furious.

I apologise.