I thank the Minister of State for being here. I thank Senators Ní Chuilinn and Harmon for bringing forward this opportunity to speak on the report that was done by the sports committee two years ago. A lot of people have mentioned that the committee did an incredible amount of work. It is important to remember that was also the committee that was dealing with other issues as well, such as RTÉ and other things, at the time. To find the time to do that report and do it with a lot of detail and work has to be commende…

The Order of Business is No. 1, address to Seanad Éireann by MEPs representing the European Parliament Dublin constituency, to be taken at 2 p.m., in accordance with the amendments set out in the motion passed by the House on 22 September 2026; and No. 68(6), Private Members' business, motion regarding childcare, to be taken at 5.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the 22 Senators who made contributions. Senator O'Loughlin referred to Chambers Ireland. A Senator raised yesterday the report launched by the Minister, Deputy Burke, during the summer on the cost of business. I understand the report had 63 recommendations. I said yesterday, and will repeat today, that I am willing to have a debate on it with the Minister. The Senator also asked for a debate on older people, including vaccination programmes for older people. We are very good about vacc…

Did it not go ahead? He was simply invited. I have never heard of that organisation before. I do not know the person at all. If what the Senator is saying is true, I think the majority of people will be uncomfortable about those sorts of things happening.

I do not know the case in general, and I do not know the person at all. I will speak to the Minister about it. We will have a debate with her at some point in the next couple of weeks, possibly after the budget. There will be an opportunity to put that to the Minister when she is in the House. That concludes the Order of Business.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I thank the three MEPs, Barry, Regina and Aodhán, for being here today. First, I know we did it in this House in June but, considering Barry is here, on behalf of the House, I pass on our condolences to him and his family on David's passing. I am sure the summer was difficult but in time, I am sure Barry will reflect on his career and the service he gave to this country with great pride. This is the third debate we have had with all MEPs across the country. This one was not as boisterous …

Thanks very much, a Chathaoirligh. May I also be associated with your comments about former Senator Enda Bonner, who served his community in Donegal very well, especially Glenties? He was a Senator for five years from 1997 to 2002. All our thoughts are with Phyllis and his family at this difficult time. As you said, a Chathaoirligh, we acknowledge Senator Craughwell on the very sad passing of Helen during the summer. I think we all knew it was going to be a difficult summer. I know that looking above, she would be …

I thank the Cathaoirleach. You would know we were on summer holidays. Twenty-five questions have come in today, which is much larger than most days. I will take the last one first. You even see an air of confidence and a little bit of arrogance coming into Mayo as well after the couple of weeks they have had.

Like the Cathaoirleach, I come from a county where we are used to winning. It is actually nice to see Mayo succeed. It is a good idea to bring them in. On a serious note, it creates excitement and a buzz, particularly for young children. It is a time they will never forget and they will be talking about the win of 2026 in 50 years' time.

They are a very good team. I think they could go on a run here. Confidence is a great thing as well. There is a good opportunity to bring them in here and if for nothing but to frustrate the Cathaoirleach, I think I should allocate some time to speak about it when they are here as well, if that is agreed.

As I said, we have 25 contributions so I will try to keep it as brief as I can. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin spoke about the work the European Committee of the Regions does. It is led by Councillor Gillian Coughlan and we know members of that committee who are in our own party. I know Councillors Brídín Murphy, Jimmy McClearn and Neil Feighery do incredible work, but as a team they represent local authorities across the country incredibly well. It is great to see them acknowledged. As the Senator said, the ploughing ch…

He is now going to be in a photo that will be seen for hundreds of years.

I move: That Seanad Éireann: - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Enda Bonner; - 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.

I move: That the Clerk of Seanad Éireann do send to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage notice of a vacancy in the membership of Seanad Éireann occasioned by the election to Dáil Éireann of Senator Seán Kyne, a member elected from the Nominating Bodies Sub-Panel of the Cultural and Educational Panel at the General Election for Seanad Éireann, January, 2025.

I move: That, in accordance with Standing Order 63(1) and the approval of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, Seanad Éireann agrees that, in respect of the European Parliament Dublin Constituency, Mr. Barry Andrews MEP, Ms. Regina Doherty MEP and Mr. Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP, may attend and be heard in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026, and that the following arrangements shall apply: The proceedings shall commence at 2 p.m., shall not exceed two hours, and shall consist of— (a) a …

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025 (Revocation) Order 2026, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1 without debate; No. 3, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2…

Is that so?

I am very conscious that No. 10 is to be taken at 11.30 a.m. and it is now 11.30 a.m. I will be brief. I will make a note of any contributions relating to debates for when we come back in September. There were a lot of calls for debates. I will make sure there is a significant amount of time for a debate about drugs, in particular, because it is an important piece of legislation. To anyone who has called for a debate, I hope we will have opportunities when we come back in September. I will record those requests and…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025 (Revocation) Order 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026.”

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026.”