Amendment No. 31 has been ruled out of order.

I understand Senator Warfield was written to.

I am told it was not in order to put forward this amendment on Report Stage. Is the Senator happy with that?

I am only asking the Senator but that is the situation.

It has been pointed out to me that it was not in order on Committee Stage.

Senator Warfield is still happy enough.

I apologise for interrupting. As it is now 5.30 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad today: "That amendment No. 34 is hereby negatived; Fourth Stage is hereby completed; the Bill, as amended, is hereby received for final consideration; and the Bill is hereby passed."

This matter is exercising the minds of many people, particularly young people. I accept that because of a Cabinet meeting this morning, the Minister of State is filling in for various Ministers. I appreciate that this is not his area of responsibility but I am sure he will convey the message to the Minister for Transport. The issue of the driving theory test has been in the public arena for some time. My frustration at this stage stems from the number of young people who have approached me about their test having b…

I thank the Minister of State. I am disappointed with his detailed reply because I feel that it will take a long time for us to clear the backlog if we do not take exceptional measures. I stand to be corrected but I have been told that one cannot get an online test as none are available. I do not know whether that is true or whether the Minister of State has up-to-date information. If we are going to give online theory tests, we certainly need up it from 4,000 a month. We should consider introducing emergency legis…

The world held its breath on Saturday evening. Europe held its breath and Ireland held its breath as Christian Eriksen fought for his life. Many say the cameras showed us what was happening for too long, but because they spent so much time showing us, it has alerted the world to the importance of defibrillators and what they can do. I fully endorse and support the comments of Senator Wall. I want to use my time this morning to encourage the Government and all communities to ensure defibrillators are working. There …

I was a few minutes late. I was in Roscommon town on personal business this morning and when I came out, the tyre burst on my car. I thank the lads in Roscommon who did a quick change for me and sorted me out. I should have been before. That is the reason I am running a bit late. Thanks to everyone, and I appreciate the House letting me speak after I was supposed to be here. Like many others, I welcome this Bill. As others have pointed out, the Sláintecare consultant contract will require consultants employed by th…

I will be brief. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for allowing me in even though I was a little late arriving. As Senator McGreehan said on behalf of our side of the House, we will not be opposing the Bill. Indeed, we support it. Like other Senators, I compliment Senator Ruane, who has done a lot of work on the Bill. Of course, Senators Black, Flynn and Higgins have given significant support to it. The Bill proposes the insertion of a new section into the Employment Equality Act 1998 to restrict the use of non-discl…

The Minister of State, as a good Kildare person, will know all about the racing business but without horse and pony racing, there would be no Irish racing industry to enjoy. This business is the essential foundation for all young jockeys to learn the skills and competencies to enable them to become top-class jockeys in Ireland and abroad. It is a sport for males and females from all walks of life. People start at the age of eight or younger, and there is no upper age limit. It is good for people's well-being. It cr…

I appreciate that the Minister of State has given such a comprehensive reply. I am delighted there will be discussion and a recognition of how important the matter is. If we do not support the sport now it will die out. It will affect Irish racing hugely. No young talent will get the chance to become a jockey. No disadvantaged child will get the necessary training he or she would need, unless they can all afford to own their ponies, which is impossible. I know where the Minister of State's heart is on this. I know …

I will not comment on the last speaker other than to say that the issue is not vaccinators but the supply of vaccines, which is a problem we have no control over. I raise an important issue which featured in one of the lead stories by Lorcan Allen in yesterday's Business Post . Part of the article stated: An expert has warned that Ireland's power system is at risk, amid concerns that national infrastructure is buckling under pressure of growing demand. System alerts typically occur during the winter months when ele…

At present, 90% of those aged 60 to 69 have started vaccination. For those aged 50 to 59, 90% have registered and almost 80% have started vaccination. Almost 100% of citizens over the age of 70 are now fully vaccinated. It was an extraordinary challenge but it has been a huge success. I often say that when a challenge is thrown down to Irish people, they like it and they respond. We have fantastic people in our medical service, including our GPs and their staff, people in the health service and the Minister himself…

Before I call the Minister of State, I remind Members that there is a large number of amendments before us today. I do not mind if we discuss this amendment until 4 p.m. but I am reminding them of that if they wish to move through the amendments. I do not want to hear anybody complaining later that we did not give enough time. Members have every right to keep speaking, but perhaps they will keep that in mind. I call the Minister of State.

The Minister of State without interruption.

Senator Warfield, I am very fair in the Chair. You will be allowed to respond. I will not allow any Member to heckle the Minister of State, but you will get a chance to respond.

Senator Warfield should be allowed to finish his point.