Lá Fhéile Bhríde shona daoibh go léir. Today is a very special day, not just for Kildare people but for people right around the country and indeed, all over the world. There are 52 events taking place in 52 different embassies across the world today, which is wonderful. Brigid was very much known as a woman of peace and as a negotiator. There are many legends and stories about her but there is no doubt about her ability to bring people together. In that context, I very much appreciate that the Cathaoirleach has agr…

It costs €40 and is well worth it.

I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this matter. I appreciate having the opportunity to talk about something very positive, although I am looking for some more detail on its implementation. This is very important for commuters in south Kildare, Drogheda, Wicklow and parts of Meath. Since my election to the Oireachtas, I have advocated very strongly for better commuter fares for south Kildare. The population in Kildare has grown a great amount over recent years. Because of the price of accommodation…

Obviously, this is good news. It is certainly good news for many who will be using this. The Minister of State has clarified that it will probably be the end of September before this comes in. I know it will not be long coming. It is always a little painful when something is announced and you have to wait quite some time before it comes in. I do appreciate that the implementation comes down to the NTA, but the Government plays a very important part in setting the policy and ensuring that the money is put in place. …

I add my voice in welcoming our guests from Moyle Park College and the Isle of Man. My home village of Rathangan hosted the Isle of Man delegation for the Special Olympics held in Ireland in 2003. We built up a very strong relationship, so the delegation is incredibly welcome. I welcome the survey published yesterday on the best towns in the country to live in. Two towns in County Mayo, Ballina and Castlebar, featured, as well as Longford. Newbridge, where I live, was identified as the safest town in Ireland. It is…

I regret that I cannot stay for the full debate because I have to go to the disability committee straight after this. There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more than their disability. I am a strong believer in that. I know many people with disabilities, including in my own family. Honouring their ability to be the person that they can be is so important in my eyes and in the eyes of many. Before I respond to the motion I wish to make a few points, particularly in relation t…

I would like to express my own deepest sympathy to the family of John Connor, and indeed, to the people of Roscommon, who were very well represented by John. I also express my sympathy to the Fine Gael Party. When you lose someone who is such a stalwart and a source of huge wisdom and experience for everybody, it is a huge loss. Following the Order of Business, we will be moving a motion of sympathy. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Matters Relating to the Complaints…

We started this morning with Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee who, along with many of my colleagues, welcomed the news overnight that Stormont will be re-established. It is very important not only for the people of Northern Ireland but particularly for them. It is sad to think there were elections in May 2022 but Stormont has not sat since. Many communities and public services have been let down because of this. Let us all hope this will lead to good stable government for a period of time. Senator Clifford-Lee also sp…

I move: That Seanad Éireann: - expresses its deep sadness on the death of John Connor; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.

Listening to the debate today has brought me back to that Saturday when I was in my kitchen in Newbridge, County Kildare, listening to Katie Hannon's documentary. I heard the revelations with shock and horror. I listened to the testimonials of the women involved, the Women of Honour, speaking about the sexual assaults, discrimination and many other injustices they suffered. Equally as harrowing as the outlining of the injustices the women suffered is the way they were treated when they went to raise these issues. I…

I add my voice of gratitude to Tom Hickey as he enters the next phase in his life. He has the energy and enthusiasm to embrace many new hobbies and possibly many new roles. Tom has always been exceptionally courteous and professional and he has a special gift with the young people who have come in to see the workings of Leinster House. I have watched him deal with children and the way he was able to explain democracy was really something to behold. I wish you well and thank you very much, Tom. At this time of Chris…

Senator Currie has five minutes.

I thank the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, for his unstinting and relentless work on women's health throughout the year. What he has managed with the legislation, even just this week, is quite incredible. I thank him and all of the team behind him, who I know are very supportive. It would be difficult to manage the Minister's legislative programme without their work. I add my voice to those expressing gratitude to Together for Safety, Karen Sugrue and her team, who have been relentless in keeping all of us honest as re…

When is it proposed to sit again?

I have the happy pleasure of wishing the House, Martin Groves, all of his staff and all of those who work here in Leinster House a very happy Christmas.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I appreciate that. On the capital plan, which is under section 68, investment in capital is hugely important to the people who are served by our police force. I have just a few questions and comments. In terms of the capital plan, I take the point that the best resources are the people who are employed as members of An Garda Síochána. Yet, here I am assuming we are talking about buildings. Quite some time ago, two Garda stations were closed in Kildare in Ballitore and Ballymore Eustace. I…

I completely understand that under section 70(6) the Minister may exclude any information that may not be in the interests of the security of the State or that may prejudice a criminal investigation, etc. That is certainly important but I will go back to section 70(3)(b) and (c). That report would have to be on the implementation of the strategic plan, including the achievement of the performance targets. It would be hugely important for there to be some level of consultation with the people that are served, and in…

It is good to see my old sparring partner, Councillor Dermot Lacey, who is always an advocate for the importance of local government. I thank the Minister for being here. I know from being part of a delegation with him about two weeks ago that he is supportive of local government and councillors. Councillors are the backbone of our democracy. They do untold work on many levels in all of their communities. A significant number of functions are carried out at local government level. Local authorities deliver over 1,1…

I thank the Minister of State for being with us to discuss this important Bill. I must say that I am disappointed the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, is not here because I had spoken to her about this legislation in the past and I also had a Commencement matter in relation to it. Jason Poole, who is joining us in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery today, has had several meetings with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. Whatever about me, I would have hoped that Jason would have been afforded that respect. Nonethele…

I thank the Acting Chairperson and I also thank her for seconding the Bill. I thank all of the speakers tonight, including the Acting Chairperson and Senators Ward, Warfield and Wall, for their support for this Bill. It means a great deal to me, to Jason, to Jason's family and to all of the women out there who could be protected and saved if this legislation becomes law. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, for being here and for her empathy in such a sensitive, delicate and awful situation where we are tr…