The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in An Garda Síochána Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the orders of reference of the Joint Committee on Autism - extension of reporting deadline, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, motion regarding referral to committee of the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Civil L…

Senator Ward spoke about Seachtain na Gaeilge, which is important. We should all learn from Paul Mescal and use a cúpla focal, agus mise freisin. Senator Ward mentioned the exhibition pertaining to the 26 females who are or have been MEPs, which was opened last week by Frances Fitzgerald. Obviously we should support that and take the opportunity to see it. Senator Ward also mentioned the number of refuges for victims of domestic violence and welcomed the good news that Dún Laoghaire is about to open one. I know tha…

Senator Davitt spoke about the planning legislation, which is a catch-all, and the fact that people cannot extend planning permission for more than five years. While I think we all understand that this was targeted at those hoarding land to get higher prices, it has unintended consequences for rural Ireland and one-off houses. We all know that with the costs associated with building and trying to get builders, it is very difficult for those who have planning permission for a one-off house. It is a serious issue for…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the draft of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, a copy of which was laid before Seanad Éireann on 28th February, 2023.

I move: That the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee on Autism, as agreed by Order of the Seanad of 9th February, 2022, be amended in paragraph (3), by the deletion of ‘within nine months of the first public meeting of the Joint Committee’ and the substitution therefor of ‘not later than 1st June, 2023’.

I move: That the Order of Seanad Éireann of 21st February, 2023, referring the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2))(Scheme Termination Date) Order 2023, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 7th February, 2023, to the Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, be amended by the deletion of ‘7th March, 2023' and the substitution therefor of ‘21st March, 2023’.

I raise an issue relating to women's health. I acknowledge all the work the Leader has done in this area and that of the Minister for Health, who has taken action in many areas. I raise the issue of the cost of hormone replacement therapy, HRT. In the past, there were many disproven theories that HRT was not suitable for women and could cause breast cancer. Thankfully, we know from recent research that is not the case. Many have found it a lifesaver. A number of women have contacted me in recent weeks on symptoms t…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, for making himself available to take this Commencement matter. The Minister of State will be aware that I regularly raise issues facing people in my own area of south Kildare, a place which the Minister of State is very familiar with, in regard to accessing housing and, of course, the rental market within our communities. My office regularly deals with complex and difficult housing situations, and I know this is no different for the Minister of State or for other Member…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am afraid it is not going to bring any comfort to the couple I am engaging with or, indeed, anybody in that situation. I fully understand the rationale for the eviction ban. It was the right decision at the time. However, I do not think first-time buyers or even the landlords themselves were considered when implementing that ban. Due to that eviction ban, hardworking people have been penalised from the get-go as those who were ready to make a closure have not been a…

I wish to add my voice of congratulations on and support for the Windsor Framework, as published yesterday. This certainly marks a new phase of both EU-UK relations and Irish-UK relations. It also solidifies a strong partnership that is necessary to face global challenges as they arise. I congratulate in particular the Tánaiste, Deputy Micheál Martin, who, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, was central to these negotiations. I repeat our appeal and our hope that those who were elected as MLAs to Stormont will finally…

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Deputy Leader. I welcome the Lithuanian ambassador and my colleague Deputy Devlin, who is chairperson of the Ireland-Lithuania friendship group. This morning, as I was driving into Leinster House, I listened to a discussion on the radio about the Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, ONE, campaign for UN veterans. ONE is all about support, comradeship, advocacy and remembrance. It was good to hear the update. Today is a special-awareness day. It is not related to the Fuch…

I thank the Minister of State and I will certainly allow Senator McDowell to speak if he so wishes, to respond to the Minister of State.

I am giving Senator McDowell that possibility.

I will not take six minutes, because I had the opportunity to speak extensively last week during statements on domestic violence, when the Minister, Deputy Harris, was here. However, this is a very important Private Member's Bill for which I wished to come down to show my support. We are very pleased that the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, is supporting this important Bill. We talk about domestic violence and the statistics. We have heard the statistics here today and I had the opportunity to read them in to the…

He is very welcome in our county and we acknowledge that. The measures that he is proposing are important and it is about protecting victims and protecting survivors from re-victimisation and re-traumatisation. Allowing the court to prohibit the accused from personally cross-examining victims and children when they are giving evidence during a trial is so important. It is quite barbaric when one thinks about it. It is important that this is accepted. When we talk about the suite of measures in today's Irish Examine…

I welcome the Minister. I attest to the Cathaoirleach's words about how supportive she is of the Seanad and how readily available she is to come to the Chamber to speak to us on pertinent education issues. She always begins her contributions by thanking teachers and school communities for the incredible work they do. That is important and much appreciated. Our teaching community is exemplary in the work its members do in providing supports to all the children within their care. I will refer to teacher numbers brief…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to say that these areas are hugely important to the people they represent.

I propose a suspension until 6.30 p.m.

I appreciate that the Cathaoirleach has selected this matter and that the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, is here to take the Commencement matter. When I was mayor of Kildare, I had the opportunity to launch the consultation on the proposed blueway and how that would have an impact on Kildare. I have taken a keen interest ever since in the development of the blueway and how people are perceiving and using it. On one of my own regular walkabouts to see what is happening, I was in Rathangan on Friday with Cou…

I thank the Minister of State. Certainly, the development of the blueways and our waterways is of great importance, especially in inland Ireland and in my case, in Kildare. I already mentioned we should have additional signage with directions and distance in miles and I ask the Minister of State to bring that request back. We also need good mapping and to make it widely available both online and in a physical capacity for those planning journeys. I also think there should be extra supports for those businesses that…