On prevailing side: this member voted with the winning side in 503 of 506 decisive votes (0 abstentions excluded). Read it as a government-or-opposition indicator rather than a measure of influence — the figure is near 100% for members supporting the government of the day and near 0% for those opposing it.
This is the point of the site: contributions keep the party held on the day, not the one held now.
| Party | Recorded as | Contributions | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| FG | Fine Gael | 828 | 2020-07-09 – 2026-09-29 |
| CC | Ceann Comhairle / Chair | 241 | 2021-12-09 – 2026-04-28 |
Membership spells on record: FG 2020-03-30–2025-01-29 · FG 2025-01-29–present
Amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 31, in the names of Senators Stephenson and Higgins, has already been discussed with amendment No. 20.
Amendments Nos. 32 and 47, amendments Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, to amendment No. 47, amendments Nos. 48 and 49, and amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 49 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Do any Senators wish to speak on the amendments?
We are on amendments Nos. 32 and 47, amendments Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, to amendment No. 47, and amendments Nos. 48 and 49.
Irish foster carers play a vital role throughout our country in terms of caring for children and the most vulnerable. There are 3,600 foster carers in the country. Unfortunately, this is a reduction from 4,800 five years ago and there are a number of reasons for this. These 3,600 foster carers look after and protect 5,800 children in care. That is approximately 87% of children who need foster care. The other 13% are in institutions. The Irish Foster Care Association has launched its pre-budget submission and the ne…
I too support my party colleagues' comments on the messages from the Minister for higher education about increasing fees in the next budget. I have got hundreds of calls from parents who are absolutely terrified of the cost that college fees will impose on them come September if there is an increase of €1,000. We know a lot of families who have two, three and even four people going to college at the same time. That is a massive increase for people. This reduction is something that was introduced by Deputy Simon Har…
I now call Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who I believe is sharing time with Senator Boyhan. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Senator Maria McCormack is sharing time with Senator Andrews. Is that agreed? Agreed.
That is not relevant to the Bill.
Senator Laura Harmon is sharing time with Senators Noonan, Stephenson and Cosgrove. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Before I call Senator Stephenson, I welcome guests of Deputy Barry Ward, sixth class from Kill O'The Grange National School and Mrs. Harris. I hope you have a lovely day. You are very welcome. I hope Deputy Ward is looking after you. As is tradition in the House, you have no homework this evening.
You can take five minutes.
When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Amendments Nos. 1 and 6 are related and may be discussed together by agreement Is that agreed? Agreed.
It is up to the Minister of State to respond.
Amendment No. 12, in the names of Senators Stephenson, Cosgrove, Harmon and Noonan, has been ruled out of order as it involves a potential charge on the Exchequer.
Amendment No. 13, in the name of Senator Tully, has been ruled out of order as it involves a potential charge on the Exchequer.
Amendment No. 14, in the names of Senators Stephenson, Cosgrove, Harmon and Noonan, has been ruled out of order as it involves a potential charge on the Exchequer.
Unless there is any Senator who wishes to speak I call the Minister.