I extend a fáilte mhór do na daoine as Cnoc Buí retirement group, who are here as guests of Senator Sherlock. Did they leave the gentlemen at home? I cannot see any. They are very welcome. I thank them for visiting Seanad Éireann. We are always delighted to see visitors and I hope they enjoy the rest of their day.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. I thank the Minister of State and Senators for participating in the debate.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Next Thursday. Is that agreed?

Is next Thursday agreed? Agreed.

I may not use the ten minutes. Fianna Fáil welcomes the support for the Bill. We all know that charities play an integral role in the provision of services to our communities. Where would we be as a society without all the work that is done in areas of great need, whether it is cancer, heart diseases or whatever else, in a voluntary capacity up and down this country? Those people have done us all a great service. The Bill is needed, as Senator McDowell said. I have a few issues of clarification on it but, in genera…

Before the Minister replies, I echo what the Cathaoirleach said earlier. We wish the Minister well. I know he will be staying around as Minister for a while. We have had some friendly disagreements, but I always found him to be a gentleman. I wish him and his family well. I know how dedicated he is to his family.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Chambers. Lá speisialta a bhí ann dó inné. Gabhaim comhghairdeas leis as a bheith ina leas-cheannaire Fhianna Fáil. We wish him well on his new appointment and he is here to take Commencement matter number 2, in the name of Senator Sharon Keogan, on the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on whether climate or weather modification operations have taken place in Irish airspace. The floor is Senator Keogan's who has four mi…

I thank the Senator. We will have a final comment from the Minister of State.

We will now move on to the third Commencement matter in the name of Senator Maria Byrne. The Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, is staying with us. Senator Byrne has the floor for the next four minutes.

I thank the Minister of State and the Senator.

Is i nGaeilge atá an Seanadóir Barry Ward ag ardú an chéad ábhar eile; sé sin, an gá atá ann go n-úsáidfidh gach comhlacht Stát an síneadh fada go sásúil, agus go gcuirfear an nós sin i ngníomh í i ngach réimse.

Is ábhar an-suimiúil é sin.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. Is é sin an deireadh leis an seisiún seo. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire, an Teachta Ryan, agus na Seanadóirí freisin and to the staff of the House. I thank them all for their co-operation and help. It is always very nice to have some of our more senior Ministers here. We appreciate both the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, being here this morning.

Like Senator Seery Kearney, I am delighted to see Senator Conway in the chair today. I wish him well. I hope he or the Cathaoirleach do not mind if I stay very local, because today I want to pay tribute to one of the best known Rossie fans and a character who is retiring from business, a man called Paddy Joe Burke, nationally known for his barber shop in Roscommon town. Many well-known dignitaries through the years have been there. It is an unusual place because it was like a rambling house rather than a barber sho…

I first want to commend Senator Ardagh on tabling the Health (Postponement of Certain Leave) Bill 2024. I want to second that item. I have to commend her on lobbying all her party colleagues and I am sure people throughout this House will support this. It is really well done, and I hope it will be successful in this House. Like others, I want to wish the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, well. We had many conversations and I know he will still be a Minister. I did not always agree with him, but I did agree with him on s…

In fairness, everyone has had their say, so let the Minister reply.

Senator, I cannot allow this.

Senator, please respect the Chair.

You have had your say. Let the Minister respond. That is all I ask.