To clarify, it is not to get a response within 12 months but for the scheme to be extended for a 12-month period in order to get the additional costings, etc., in.

Last night I attended an online meeting organised by Newbridge community development group about commuter issues and particularly the proposed new national fares strategy outlined by the National Transport Authority, NTA, last month. It is regrettable that the NTA, despite being invited, did not attend the meeting. The NTA needs to listen to these customers and people, as the consumers of a product. The direction of the national fare strategy will be good for people in commuter areas such as Newbridge and Kildare i…

I was told the Minister of State, Deputy Burke, would deal with my Commencement matter.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this Commencement matter and the Minister of State for making himself available. The Tánaiste, as Minister for Defence, contacted me to apologise that he could not take this matter as he is meeting with PDFORRA, which is a very important organisation to the whole Defence Forces family, so I totally accept why he cannot be here. As a very proud Lillywhite, I know only too well the closeness and pride the people of County Kildare feel for the Curragh of Kildare, which is not ju…

I thank the Minister of State. It is heartening to know this report should be ready in a few weeks and that the recommendations are currently being looked at. The national heritage status is absolutely key. While we may see this area being transferred to the OPW, which would be a good home, there are obviously a number of different Departments involved, including the Departments of Defence, Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Possibly, funding should come from all those plac…

I add my voice of welcome to our distinguished guests, particularly to Michael Chambers and Denis Kiely, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at lunchtime. I can assure them that Senator Chambers is a beacon of hope and light and I have no doubt but that they are all incredibly proud of her. I wish to raise a few issues today and will first refer to foster carers. I have been dealing with a number of foster parents in Kildare over the past while about the foster carer's allowance. It is quite shocking that the foster…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chathaoirleach for selecting this Commencement matter. I believe the Minister of State will remain with us to take this matter. I appreciate this. Many Members of this House and of the Lower House, will be aware that public transport is a key issue for me in representing the needs, desires and wants of those I represent in south Kildare. This matter is in the context of Local Link, which is very important for accessibility and for commuters. It will not be a surprise to anyone that I am rai…

I thank the Minister of State. His reply is certainly signalling good news for commuters from Newbridge in Kildare and for those in the 23 km to 50 km zone. I accept that there has to be a budgetary cost for this but I certainly will not be shy in looking for it. It is incredibly important that we support our commuters for all sorts of reasons but particularly in respect of climate change and trying to make travel more sustainable. We still have some key issues. What I will be pressing the Minister of State to brin…

I add my voice of welcome to the Polish ambassador and her team. I welcome Mary and Liam and friends. It is a great privilege and pleasure to have them here. This morning I hosted a tea party in Leinster House as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer's society. I thank everybody for supporting it, both Members and staff. We were particularly pleased to have such strong ambassadors and advocates in Brian Murray and his partner Una. It is wonderful when one sees people who are living with dementia acting as peers, and talki…

I thank the Minister of State for his kind words. It is important that this House and the Lower House discuss the upcoming summit. As he stated, it is the fourth such summit in 73 years. There will be significant attendance by Heads of State, with more than 40 countries having indicated they will attend. It is an important day for Europe, the world and Ireland. In particular, I thank Ragnar Almqvist, who is sitting behind the Minister of State. Ragnar and Michael Treacy have been with me on this long journey that s…

As the Deputy Leader may recall, I raised the issue of the EU Commission's case against Hungary's anti-LGBT law in the House previously and called on Ireland to join the lawsuit in solidarity. I am really pleased that, under the stewardship of An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, Ireland has formally supported this particular case. It shows once again that we here in Ireland stand resolute in our commitment to an inclusive society and it also shows our party's commitment to equality …

Yes.

I really am delighted to be standing here today with my brave, open and courageous colleague, Senator Catherine Ardagh, who just laid bare her life over the last number of years. I really appreciate it. I have learned a lot from Catherine since we started on this journey with regard to drafting this Bill. I came to this Bill not from personal experience but from listening to and understanding the experience of family and friends and by reading about others. We have put countless hours and huge work into this Bill o…

I propose we adjourn this debate.

On Friday, 20 October 2023.

Next Tuesday at 12.30 p.m.

I also welcome the boys and girls. We are really glad to have them here to see how democracy happens. The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, to be taken without debate on conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of…

A number of matters were discussed on the Order of Business. Senator Kyne commenced with yesterday's good news regarding the State's financial surplus. Of course, a surplus did not happen by accident. It came about as a result of prudent and careful planning by the current Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, and his predecessor, Deputy Paschal Donohoe. We all agree that there are many pressing needs. It is appropriate, as the Senator said, that we have a debate on priorities because we as individuals or g…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and co…

I propose a suspension of the sitting for five minutes until 12.45 p.m.