While Senator Dolan had not indicated, does she wish to speak?

Before I bring in the Minister of State, I want to say the following. When I am in the Chair, I am fair and independent, and I think most people would accept that. Two Senators have asked for the opportunity to clarify a small point. I am not going to allow big speeches. I ask all Senators to do that with respect. There are people in the House who are relying on us to do the right thing and I do not think they want to see slagging matches. In fairness, two speakers have asked me for the opportunity to make clarific…

I thought the Senator wished to clarify something that was said.

The Senator is happy.

I have allowed the clarification. Before we deal with the sections, I think we are all very interested to hear from the Minister of State. The floor is hers.

We have until 5.30 p.m. if we have not finished before then.

I do not want to cut the debate short, but it is important for me and everybody else here to pass this Bill this evening and not allow it go to another day. We have until 5.30 p.m. to debate the Bill and I will give everybody their say. I ask Senators to be conscious of what we are trying to achieve here today and get it done, and not put it off to another day, which would probably be next week.

That is a very encouraging and fair contribution. None of us doubts the Senator's commitment to this and we are anxious to help him. I will allow others to comment briefly on sections 2 and 3. I remind them the debate must adjourn at 5.30 p.m. If they want to get the business done or leave it for another day, it does not matter to me. Senator Carrigy has indicated.

Before we conclude, this has been an important day and I am going to allow the Minister of State and perhaps Senator Clonan to say some brief words. I sat in a room with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, in County Roscommon some time back with the family of a child with severe disability. It was a family suffering trauma and hopelessness. The Minister of State was obviously doing her best to follow up on it. When the family left the room I watched her shed a tear that evening. She turned to me and used a phra…

I will allow Senator Clonan to say a few words in conclusion.

Once again, I sincerely thank Senator Clonan for his contributions today. It is very important to have those people here to see that we do care, that we want to make the changes, and we have to make the changes. I appreciate our audience on both sides. I thank them all again. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit, leis na Seanadóirí agus le hoibrithe an Tí.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

It is nice to see Senator Currie in the Leader’s chair. Good luck with that. I wish to raise the issue of rural nursing homes and the lack of footpaths and lighting outside them. Despite all of the money that is going into active travel, nothing is being given to help nursing homes put facilities in place so that loved ones can take their mother, father, uncle, aunt or whoever for a walk, whether in a wheelchair or otherwise, outside the nursing home. They simply cannot afford to do it. A number of such cases in Ga…

Fearaim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Calleary, agus a fhoireann go dtí an Teach ar maidin.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Does the Minister of State wish say a few words to conclude?

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. Gabhaim buíochas le foireann na Roinne agus leis na Seanadóirí. Gabhaim buíochas freisin le foireann an Tí. Tá súil agam go mbeidh deireadh seachtaine saoire deas agaibh go léir. When is it proposed to sit again?