That is farcical.

On a point of order, the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, is not here to defend himself. That has to be withdrawn.

I start today by congratulating Deputy Kyne. It was a privilege to work with him as Leader of the Seanad. I have no doubt that I speak for all of the Senators across the House when I mention his sense of fairness to everybody. His office was always open, his phone was always ready to deal with an issue or a problem that anyone had, and he carried the role with great dignity. I wish him very well in his time back in the Dáil. I wish to raise the wonderful campaign being carried out by Jordan and Cian Adams in raisin…

The Minister is very welcome. I know him to be a politician of conviction, particularly when it comes to education and access to it for everybody of every type of ability and those with mixed abilities. The Minister has done a lot of work already. I note a report that came out today, the Mid-term Progress Review of the National Access Plan 2022-2028 for higher education and equity of access. We have actually gone beyond the targets and we are two years ahead. I commend the Minister on that. It is really important. …

The Order of Business is No.1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the extension of sections 1 to 7, inclusive, and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021, No. 14 of 2021, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate.

I thank all 11 Senators who spoke this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke initially about the committee work in relation to drugs and the new drug strategy that is upcoming. It is very concerning, listening to some of the media coverage over the past few days in relation to the present-day status regarding drug use and, indeed, the nature of drugs that are used. As the Senator rightly said, the use of drugs now is widespread and complex. There is no street, village, town or city that is free from this. When we look…

I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that the period of operation of sections 1 to 7 and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) be extended for a further period of 6 months, beginning on the 1st day of June, 2026 and ending on the 30th day of November, 2026.

Next Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.

Déanaim comhghairdeas le seacht scoil ar bronnadh Gaelbhratach orthu. Tá Athy College ar cheann de na scoileanna sin. Tá trí scoil eile ag glacadh páirt sa scéim freisin, is iad sin, St. Conleth and Mary’s Primary Scoil, an Droichead Nua; Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy; agus Scoil Bhríde, Kilcullen. Tá mé an-bhródúil astu. This is an excellent programme, and it is important we highlight both those who received the flags for their use of Irish language and also encourage others to participate. It is important we show ou…

The Minister is very welcome to the Chamber. I thank him for the vision and ambition he has shown in relation to this Bill and for bringing it before us. As my good colleague Senator Davitt has said, following up on that vision and ambition is really about collaboration and implementation. It is really important that we address the infrastructure deficit, particularly in areas where the population is growing. The Minister will have noticed that the latest statistics show that the county whose population has grown t…

I welcome the ambassador, the First Vice Speaker and my good friend Yevheniia from Ukraine. We must use every occasion we can to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. I am also delighted to welcome three young people from Avista whom the Cathaoirleach mentioned and who join me today in a job-shadowing experience in the Seanad, so a very special welcome to Elio Rabbitte, Danny Dowling and Franziska Klien. Franziska works in a bakery in Clondalkin and Blackrock. She promises the next time she comes in to…

Hear, hear.

Fair play, Senator O'Flaherty.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and thank him for being here to take this Commencement matter. In a way, this feels like Groundhog Day. Several times every single year I have to stand up and talk about the Curragh Plains and the illegal encampments there, causing all sorts of damage and stress. This year, despite previous commitments, I have to do so yet again and I will continue doing so to express the level of frustration people in the area who are impacted feel. This is an important matter rega…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I acknowledge the good intentions of the Minister. I also acknowledge those in the Department whom I have been liaising with. They are very prompt. They put in place the system that is currently there. However, it is not rectifying the problem because even when the court proceedings are issued, there is a period in which those who are there illegally can occupy that land, and during that period there is damage done and an awful lot of waste left there. While I acknowl…

I wish to give a shout-out to all of those involved in the Kildare Inclusivity Festival, which took place on the Curragh racecourse last Sunday. It was the brainchild of Councillor Bernard Caldwell, and it is such a positive and uplifting community event. It celebrates diversity, accessibility and the power of inclusion. Kildare County Council is very involved, as is the County Kildare Access Network and a whole range of local organisations. It is a free festival and it celebrates people of all abilities through li…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Fourth Report of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight on the amendment of Standing Order 87, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; and No. 57, motion 1, Private Members' business motion regarding domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, to be taken at 5 p.m., with the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours.

I thank the 15 Senators who contributed to this morning's Order of Business. We started with Senator Kennelly speaking about the GAA, the upcoming match between Kerry and Donegal and the fact that it is behind a pay wall. There is no doubt that it will be spectacular match. It is sad that the volunteers who spend their time week after week helping support their local clubs, training, washing gear and providing food, may be precluded from watching the match because it is behind a pay wall. The GAA is made up of the …

We need to spend a proportionate amount of time to make sure that we get it right. I think Senator Clonan is completely wrong in what he says. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the Social Democrats' Bill in the Dáil. I acknowledge that it is a very difficult situation for any woman who has a crisis pregnancy. Our first thought must always go to that woman in relation to difficult decisions facing her. It is a difficult situation. There is no other area of healthcare where practitioners are exposed to criminal liab…

Of course his wife, too. Senator Andrews spoke about the committee this morning at which My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue was present and the horrific situation in Rathcoole where a horse died while giving birth and both were sadly lost. It is shocking where we see neglect all over the country. My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue does incredible work in rescuing horses. Our animal rescue centres and the volunteers there do amazing work in rescuing animals, supporting them and trying to find new homes. From the figures the S…