The Senator survived, some of them did not.

I agree with Senator Kyne's comments about the hospitality business, a matter I spoke about yesterday. I believe something will happen there. I know the Government is very conscious of the difficulties. It is a great morning - I know the Leader will be very happy about this - because last night the Irish organisation, See Her Elected, scooped the award in the democracy category of the European Innovation in Politics Awards 2021. That group has significant connections with the midlands and west. It is a fantastic co…

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its consideration of the Draft Planning and Development (LRD Fees) Regulations 2021.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach. We will now discuss Covid-19 and the new measures introduced by the Department of Education. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.

I gave the Minister some extra time because it was important that Members heard her entire contribution. I think all Members will appreciate that she has clearly addressed the issue of mask wearing for children aged nine and upwards who are not comfortable with them. Along with other Members, I wish the Minister well in her portfolio which is challenging because of the ongoing Covid pandemic.

It is great to see senior Ministers coming before the House and giving ample time to sit with us and listen to us. In fairness to all sides of the House, we all acknowledge that. It happens with the Minister, the Minister for Health and others, and it should be appreciated. It is a challenging time for the Minister and other Ministers. When we talk at parliamentary party meetings, she always mentions her staff and the effort they put in, and we all acknowledge that as well. I return to the point I always make in th…

It is unbelievable that at this stage, after the past almost two years, we have such a crisis in the hospitality sector. I experienced a notable increase in phone calls and emails from people in the hotel and restaurant sector, especially on Monday and Tuesday. To say the sector is in a tailspin at present is nearly an understatement. Staff in one local hotel told me that they had a 75% cancellation rate in the run-up to Christmas. Another local restaurant has a rate of 64%. It can be assumed that a cancellation ra…

I was delighted to sign the motion and I praise Senator McDowell and his colleagues for bringing it forward. I have always had an issue with the subject but, in more recent years, I have become even more concerned. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I welcome his statement. Fianna Fáil welcomes the debate and endorses the long-standing policy and practice of raising concerns about human rights and fundamental freedoms directly with counterparts in the Chinese Government in the context of the EU's rela…

I join all my colleagues in saying how upset and annoyed I was with what happened outside the Minister's home. A member of my family brought the matter to my attention and I watched the video. It is shocking. It is good to hear all sides stating we totally condemn it. I experienced this a few years ago as a Deputy. It was not as bad as this. It should not be happening anywhere. I know the Minister is a strong man but we very much think of his family in this situation. It should not be happening to any politician. I…

It was great to have the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, with us yesterday to launch the Shannon master tourism plan. It was a great day for the region and all living around the River Shannon. Unfortunately I do not have too much time but the Acting Chairperson might be kind and give me a minute or two. I do not think it is fair for any Senator to say that anybody who put their name to this particular Bill was doing it for any cynical reason. I studied horticulture in college and my firs…

I thank the Acting Chairperson. It is nice to see him in the Chair for this debate. I know how passionately he has spoken about this issue since I have come to the Seanad. It is appropriate that he is in the Chair. I welcome the Minister to the House on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party. We welcome this discussion today. Even though it is just a discussion on the mother and baby institutions, it is so important that we use every opportunity to assure and to reassure the people that we are taking this matter seriously…

I agree with the many speakers who spoke up for our secretaries. In response to what Senator Sherlock said, I was a Deputy and two people worked with me. My secretary is doing the work of two people. Incredibly, on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays she is doing work that I would not ask anybody to do. These people are so committed and dedicated. I hope we can solve this issue as quickly as possible. I support all of the people who have spoken here this morning about violence against women. We must all work very …

I should not mention Christmas because it is a little bit early, and I certainly should not mention "Silent Night".

On a very serious note, I should not be mentioning "Silent Night" but for many politicians and entertainers there will be many silent nights. Musicians are facing a second season of cancellations. These cancellations are piling up with the new Covid-19 restrictions on hospitality and social gatherings. A recent survey by the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland found that almost 75% of its members have experienced cancellations of events for the month of December. This is resulting in a significant drop i…

I acknowledge the role of Senator Ruane in introducing this legislation and allowing us to have what I would call a very important debate. I am sure it is in everybody's interest to have this matter discussed and make progress where we can. However, I am inclined to support the Government's proposal to wait 12 months in respect of this Bill. I do not believe this is a delaying tactic whatsoever. I very much share the view that we are making a huge effort to bring Irish society with us to make massive changes in thi…

It states "fewer than 50 employees".

My apologies. A company employing 50 is still very small. I am not opposing what the Senators are doing but we need time. We need to have proper discussions and consult the industry more. I return to the point that Ireland has now set really solid targets for the reduction of emissions. That is what we have to do. We all acknowledge that. I am sure we can all work together on a process that will ensure we can make further progress. I am sure good will come from this Bill. There are provisions in it that I agree wit…

I did not mean that. That is a fair point.

Ar mhaith le haon Seanadóir eile focal a rá?

Senator Gavan is slightly outside the scope of the amendment, but I will leave that for the Minister of State to talk about. I take his point.