The Order of Business is No. 1, Mental Health Bill 2024 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 3.45 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government.

I thank all 18 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business this morning. We started with Senator Fitzpatrick, who is convenor of the Irish-Hungarian Parliamentary Party Friendship Group and spoke about the elections in Hungary over the weekend, where we definitely saw democracy in action. We absolutely welcome the election of a pro-European Prime Minister who is progressive and forward looking. In terms of how Europe deals not just with Russia but with America as well, it is a very welcome result. Senator Fit…

I move: That the Bill be recommitted in respect of amendments Nos. 28, 29, 286 to 302, inclusive, 306 and 309 to 328, inclusive.

At 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday.

I congratulate the new Hungarian Prime Minister and I welcome the results at the weekend. It is very clear that the people of Hungary decided to choose liberal democracy and a pro-European party. This election really mattered. It was probably the most important election in Europe in 2026. It solidifies the European response to Russia and to Putin and is a very clear rejection of Viktor Orbán. I pass every good wish to the new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, and the Tisza Party. I ask for a debate with the Minister fo…

Members and indeed many Ministers will have heard me talking about the absolute need for a second bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure, for Newbridge and its environs. The bridge is an essential part of the southern outer orbital route. About 25% of the route has been completed, and much of the remaining 75% is at the stage of completion. Why is the bridge needed? Newbridge is a town of around 30,000 people. There are five schools practically sitting on the bridge that we have, which is the only way in and out o…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. A key area I asked about related to engagement with Kildare County Council. Based on his reply, I am very satisfied that that is ongoing. The second element was to ensure that this remains a priority. Again, I am absolutely happy from what he has said that this is an absolute priority. It is great to have the €20 million investment in roads in Kildare. A lot of the roads in the county are regional roads that people have to go through both on the western side and the e…

I thank the Minister of State.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for reading out that resolution. It is important that we acknowledge the 150th anniversary of Catalpa . It will certainly be interesting to see the flag. I also acknowledge a good Kildare man the Cathaoirleach mentioned, John Devoy. When I was mayor of Kildare, I had the privilege of unveiling a statue to John Devoy in Naas, paid for by the John Devoy association in New York, which was always very proud of the work that he did. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I extend our deepest sympa…

I move the amendment.

I move: That Seanad Éireann: - honours the 150th Anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue of six prisoners for their involvement in the Fenian Rising; acknowledges: - those prisoners rescued - James Wilson, Thomas Darragh, Martin Hogan, Michael Harrington, Thomas Hassett and Robert Cranston - and their suffering in harsh and cruel conditions in Fremantle Penal Colony in Western Australia; - the bravery of the Captain of the Catalpa, Captain George Anthony, and the crew who, despite demands by the British authorities to su…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Collins, for being here. He had to step in at the last minute, so we appreciate his being here. As he said, Trump’s war on Iran has had an absolutely devastating impact around the world. The cost of fuel, energy and food has risen hugely. The impact, unfortunately, is going to go on for some time. We are in a very strange world in terms of what is happening. Of course, those external factors have a huge impact on what is happening in Ireland. We often talk here about food secur…

I propose, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of the House today, the statements on fuel protests will conclude at 7 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 2, the Health Information Bill 2024 - Report and Final Stages, shall be taken at 7 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 1 whichever is the earlier. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026 – all Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 1.45 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government and the time allocated to the debate on Second Stage is not to exceed 40 minutes, with the opening remarks by the Minister not to exceed fiv…

I thank the ten Senators who contributed this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the historic legal judgment in the US regarding a case taken against big-tech companies by the parents of a minor. It was fascinating to listen to the judgment and the reaction to it As the Senator pointed out, the judgment is significant. It is a milestone decision. There are going to be implications across the world, and rightly so. In this case, the jury found big-tech companies guilty in relation to the design of the product …

I add my voice of welcome to the Greek ambassador. I had the pleasure of visiting Olympia, the home of the ancient Olympics, which is a very special place indeed. We have to remind ourselves that the Irish Special Olympics is coming up in June. I know we support all of our athletes from all over the island of Ireland who will then be taking the opportunity to compete in the next Special Olympics World Summer Games, which will be in Chile. Athens actually hosted the 2011 Special Olympics. I had the opportunity to go…

I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Commencement matter, which relates to the need for a dedicated town bus for Newbridge and its environs. I want to outline first why Newbridge, one of the fastest growing towns not just in County Kildare but, indeed, in the country, urgently requires a dedicated local bus service to serve those who live within the town and, of course, those who visit it for work, leisure or to shop. Newbridge is now a major regional centre. It is home to a large population of…

I also welcome our guests and I hope they have an enjoyable and interesting day in Leinster House. I thank the Minister of State for her response and I am absolutely clear that the Minister has responsibility for policy and funding, which I would argue are the most important parts, and that the NTA has to provide the service. To be fair, I thank the NTA for its regular updates and the opportunity to engage with it always. In any year it has a number of events in Buswells Hotel and Richard Kelly is the Oireachtas li…

The Order of Business is No. 1, International Protection Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business and, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion at 4 p.m. by one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government.

We have had nearly a record attendance, and it is good to see so many Senators remaining in the Chamber for their response as well. We had 22 Senators speak, so I thank all of them for their contributions this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about being in London at two important events during the St. Patrick’s recess. One of these involved Tesco Ireland, which was supporting small indigenous producers through a Love Irish Food element. I have no doubt that this was a great promotion of Irish foods. It was inter…