At 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 June.

I thank the Minister. I welcome guests in the Chamber - guests of mine, actually. They are: Aidan Hanrahan, Brian Harrington, Donagh Tarrant and my brother, Liam Ahearn, who is up here this evening. I have told Liam to be on good behaviour today. He is the last one on the right.

He wins the competition. We were having a discussion about businesses. We have in the Gallery a very good business owner from Cork, Donagh Tarrant, who would have been interested in the contributions.

I wish to also be associated with the condolences on the very sad passing of the Minister of State's sister. I hope he is well and it is good to see him back. We are all thinking of him. As the Minister of State is aware, a number of years ago there were new security allowances put in place for public representatives. This was in light of the change in society, the change in the workload for councillors and Oireachtas Members and essentially to make sure people could go about their day and do their job without fear…

I thank the Minister of State. He is right that 23 councillors out of 949 applying for the scheme means that there is something wrong with it. This has been recognised by the Department of housing and it has acted quickly. The Minister of State noted that the business case is being considered by the Department of public expenditure. I acknowledge the importance of this. However, councillors would say that there was a business case put forward for Oireachtas Members before Christmas. That was reviewed and decided up…

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on mental health and suicide prevention, to be taken at 12 noon and to conclude at 1.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed seven minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate. On the conclusion of today's business, the House shall stand ad…

I thank all the Senators for their contributions. Senators O'Loughlin and Tully spoke about the tragic case of Clodagh Hawe and her three children. First, I acknowledge the incredible bravery of Jacqueline to be able to speak about this tragic incident that happened to her sister and her nieces and nephews and to write a book about it. Senator O'Loughlin raised the serious crime review findings. They need to be released. There is an opportunity for the Minister for Justice to come to this Chamber. The Minister, in …

Exactly. This issue is really important, however. The people of Kerry need to receive the sort of service they are used to receiving. I agree with the Senator that the HSE needs to consult with all public representatives in the area to make sure that a satisfactory agreement is put in place. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of deportation orders. There are an awful lot more people coming into this country. There is absolutely no doubt about that. Changes have been made by the Minister for Justice in the mont…

I welcome those from St. Mary's secondary school in Edenderry, County Offaly. They are very welcome and I hope they have a lovely day today.

I call Senator Maria Byrne, who I believe will share time with Senators Scahill and Cathal Byrne.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I understand that Senators Nicole Ryan and Pauline Tully wish to share time. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I ask Senator Stephenson to speak, I welcome pupils from Pobalscoil na Tríonóide. They are welcome to Leinster House. I hope they have an enjoyable day and I wish them well.

And they should have no homework as well. Senator Andrews requested that and it has been approved by everyone in the House, I suspect, so they will not have any homework tonight, or if they do not have any anyway, it applies tomorrow night.

Before I ask the Minister of State to respond, I welcome St. Canice's Girls National School from Finglas today. You are very welcome to the Chamber. You are here for a timely debate. We are talking about mental health and what we as a Government and Members of the Seanad can do to support mental health. The Minister of State with responsibility for mental health will respond to the debate. What we can do to help your well-being is to tell your teachers that you have no homework tonight or tomorrow night, whichever …

I remind the Minister of State we are to conclude now at 1.15 p.m., but if she wants another minute or two to conclude, she may have it.

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome guests of Deputy Jennifer Whitmore from St. Kilian's school, Bray. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their day here. They have been listening to a debate on mental health and, in particular, mental health of young people. We have been discussing it for the past hour and a half. As is tradition in the House, the teachers are to give the students no homework tonight, and if they had no homework tonight, it is tomorrow night they are to get no homework. Since I have been…

I actually am. When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?