First, I welcome the Ukrainian Ambassador. Like many in the Chamber today, I express my solidarity once again for the people of Ukraine. As Senators McGreehan and Wilson referenced, they could be facing another holocaust. What is being done by the Russian leader and some of his people to the Ukrainians is shocking, brutal and outrageous. We must think of them now because they are experiencing shortages of heat, water and food. Obviously, this could have huge consequences for the population of Ukraine. We hope and p…

I join with the Cathaoirleach and Senator Conway in welcoming Aimee, her family and friends here today. If Aimee and people like her did not stand up, they would not get that justice. I will support and work with her and I admire what she has done. I will continue by welcoming all those who have been in the Gallery today but also by extending congratulations to our junior certificate students, who are getting their exam results today. Possibly most of them have received their results by now. There were 67,000 stude…

I thank the Minister of State for being here. The issue of safety on our streets applies to the whole country, not just to one part of it. However, I acknowledge that where there are bigger populations there can be bigger issues. I sympathise with the two gardaí who were attacked recently in this city. I also extend my sympathies to a friend of mine from Longford who was viciously attacked recently. We have heard of other similar incidents up and down the country. We must have respect for An Garda Síochána. I know …

The Government is toughening up on the issue. Great work is being done in respect of those criminal groups at the moment. It is necessary, and it is what people want. Of course, we all have to be sympathetic towards young people who are in the situations where they are, for example, acting as money mules. This is a massive issue that is happening in our own counties. Young people's lives are being destroyed. It needs to be tackled, and young people need to be warned about the dangers of it.

The Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has completed its consideration of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, section 9(2), Amount of Financial Contribution Order 2022.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. I am glad to see him back, looking well and looking good.

I thank Senator Fitzpatrick and we all echo her sentiments. It is a challenge for Ireland but most of us understand that those people are fleeing a terrible war and a brutal man. As much of a strain as it is, we have to try to hold our hands out to them and to support them in every way we can. I am glad to now extend a céad míle fáilte to representatives of the Vevay active retirement group from Bray, County Wicklow. They are here with Deputy Matthews, who is sitting nice and quiet in the background. There are two …

I have a point of order. I do not wish to start a dispute but I sat here waiting, as did other Members, while Senator McGahon came to the Chamber after us. The Leas-Chathaoirleach seems to have jumped the queue.

I do not think the Leas-Chathaoirleach is correct about the rotation but as Senator McGahon has guests, we will let it go.

I certainly was not questioning the chairmanship of the Leas-Chathaoirleach in any way.

Nor was I questioning Senator McGahon. I have often given way to other Senators-----

I accept fully what the Leas-Chathaoirleach said. I wish to speak briefly about the importance of farm payments to many counties. Today, counties are getting green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payments for 2022, which have been announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue. These are coming at an important time for farm families. In my county of Roscommon, 1,800 farmers will get those payments, which will be in their bank accounts in the coming days. The payments ar…

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit and her officials. Before I call the Minister of State, I extend a céad míle fáilte to the students and teachers of Aillebrack in Connemara, County Galway. Céad míle fáilte go léir and enjoy your stay in Leinster House. We love having people here.

The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, wants to extend a céad míle fáilte to the ladies as Port Láirge. They are also very welcome.

I thank the Minister of State. I am sure all Senators would join me in acknowledging the great work she does. It is hard to get all things right but she and her officials make a real effort. I think that is acknowledged by the House. I was to be the lead speaker on this but I cannot be in two places at one time. With the agreement of the House, I will instead call on Senator Dooley to take that slot.

Ciúnas. I thank the Senators. The next speaker is Senator Mullen from east Galway who has eight minutes.

I am sorry for pushing the Senator on but we have a limited amount of time for the debate. I am sure he understands. Before we move on, I note that former Senator Michael Mullins came into the Gallery there. I just wanted to put on the record that he was here with Senator Aisling Dolan and some of his friends from Ballinasloe. I know him very well. He is a gentleman and a former Senator of this House. Some of the Members might meet him around and tell him we wish him well.

I thank Senator Black. Her co-operation is always first-class. The next speaker will be Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, to be followed by Senators Maria Byrne and Aisling Dolan, who are sharing time. Senator Sharon Keogan then has five minutes. If there is two minutes left at the end of the speaking time of the next Acting Chair on the rota, who is Senator O'Loughlin, she can give it to me. If not, that is okay. I call Senator O'Loughlin.

Before I leave the Chair, I welcome Councillor Sarah Kiely and all of the nice people from Limerick. I know Senator Maria Byrne is particularly pleased to have them here today. All I can say is that when I am in the Chair, Senator Byrne is a lady to deal with. Enjoy your day. You are very welcome. I ask Senator O’Loughlin to take over the Chair.

I will keep my contribution brief because I chaired this debate up to a few minutes ago. Whatever the reshuffle is, I hope it is right for the Minister of State. Many comments were made in her favour. I will refer to when, some time ago, she visited the Roscommon-Galway region. I saw the respect she has for older people from watching how she engaged and sat down with them. We spent a day on the road and met so many groups. The feel-good factor for everybody involved was fantastic. I hope that she is allowed to cont…