I do not disagree with much of what Senators Craughwell, Boylan and Buttimer have said. That we, as Oireachtas politicians, have received many emails on a number of issues in this area, particularly safety, makes me quite concerned. Aviation is not just another business; we all understand that. It is a serious business where nothing can be left to chance. I am sure people in IALPA and other groups are focused on safety at all times. I am also sure the Minister of State will have taken this into account in addressin…

Excuse the pun but without doubt the Acting Chairperson is flying through the amendments. I would not want Senators Craughwell and Boylan to think that I have not taken their points seriously. I back what they have said on the basis that we have all received the emails and met the people concerned. Maybe "disharmony" is a mild word to use but things need to be corrected. I wish to mention something that has not been said so far. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the pilots and air traffic controllers for ensuring …

Due to the Minister of State's efficiency in replying I will not have to divide the time into 30 seconds each. I will give 50 seconds each, but please try to stay within that time.

I did not know that. The fourth commencement matter was in my name and was on the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the implications of the recent High Court order to temporarily halt the flood release works at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon. I have had to withdraw that Commencement matter and I will explain at a later date why it was withdrawn. I apologise to the Cathaoirleach and staff, who were good enough to accept it as a Commencement m…

I very much agree with Senator Norris. Mervyn Taylor was certainly a very forward thinking politician. I read an article about him in recent days on how many friends that he had in other political parties. He was a really good man. It is very appropriate that Senator Norris should mention him today and I am sure that all Members would agree. I wish to briefly refer to two items. It is coming up to budget time and old age pensioners need to be respected, and thought about, in a very serious way. I hope the Minister …

I compliment Senator Chambers and the committee. They have been working on the report in a very productive and united manner. I pay tribute to the Minister of State on his work and, of course, that of the Taoiseach. All Senators know the difficulties and troubles that have been created for Irish farms and agribusinesses, as well as for many other sectors but we should not forget that Ireland has done very well out of the Brexit fund. The fund of €1 billion is really important for the future of those businesses and …

I support the Bill. The project that has been mentioned most in this debate is Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub. I invite the Minister of State to visit it some time. I am a huge promoter and supporter of it and was involved in it from day one. Senators Dolan and Carrigy would be well aware of it as well. There is no question that the national lottery is a very good system. I acknowledge that it is a form of gambling. We cannot stop a person buying 20 lotto tickets in the shop and I see it happening at times and …

I thank Senator Dooley for keeping to the time and getting his point of view across.

Is Senator Pauline O'Reilly or Senator Boylan due to speak next? According to my list, it is Senator O'Reilly and then Senator Boylan. Senator O'Reilly has eight minutes.

My apologies to Senator Boylan. I thank her for giving way.

I thank the Acting Chairperson, Senator Pauline O'Reilly, for accommodating me by taking over the Chair in order that I can make my contribution. I welcome the Minister of State. From the west of Ireland perspective, the Minister of State and I have supported Galway Airport in the past and we continue to support the important Knock Airport, also known as Ireland West Airport. This is a technical Bill. I do not propose to get into the technical detail of it but, like other Senators, I will make some points that have…

As I do not see any other Senators offering, I call on the Minister of State to conclude.

I thank the Minister of State. We used the opportunity to ask very important questions which were probably a little outside the technicality of what this Bill is about but, as a politician, the Minister of State understands we had to do that on the occasion. I appreciate she came back individually to try to give us all the answers she could. I thank the Minister of State and her officials, Senators and all the staff for their co-operation.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I am speaking now because Senator McGreehan had to leave the Chamber. I welcome the Minister to the House. I pay tribute to the Defence Forces throughout the country who, throughout Covid, have made us proud of what they do. We should also remind ourselves of the increased role of the Defence Forces in dealing with unfortunate communities that have been hit by severe flooding in this country in recent years as well as their fantastic ability to help people by removing them from difficult situations where there is f…

Is deas an rud é go bhfuil gach duine ar ais sa Seomra agus cuirim fáilte ar ais rompu. Like many others, my thoughts this morning are with Senator Hoey and her family. I want to refer to two issues. One is local to my area and one is national. Last Thursday, a young boy from Tulsk National School in County Roscommon, Callum Clarke, who is 11 years of age, saved his grandfather from drowning. His grandfather had taken him out fishing on a local lake. His grandfather stood up to disentangle the line that had got cau…

It is good to see the senior Minister coming into the House to discuss these important issues.

Senator Keogan had wished to change slots with Senator Boylan but she is not here. I presume the Senator wants to go ahead now. Alternatively, I can call on Senator Martin and come back to her.

As the Minister of State pointed out, what we are addressing here is an anomaly relating to the 2009 scheme. The Bill will be a real game changer for people. As the Minister of State has said, the amount of representation we have received over the years on rectifying this, particularly from the farming community and the small business community, has been significant. I have already received representations from people via email and text stating that they are very happy with what is happening here today. It creates …