Now.

Next Tuesday, at 12.30 p.m.

I also welcome the guests from Cashel and Knocklofty to the Chamber. I am right next door to Knocklofty at home. The Order of Business is No. a 1, Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. and to conclude at 8.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes and the Minister to be given no less tha…

I thank the Senators who have spoken. I will start by acknowledging Senator O'Loughlin's well-thought-out contribution on the very sad passing of the former Minister, David Andrews. I pass on our condolences not only to our colleague here, Senator Chris Andrews, but also to Mr. Andrews's family - Annette, Barry, David, Mary and Sinead - on his sad passing. He left an incredible legacy over decades of service to this country. He has passed on that passion for public service to the next generation of his family, who …

Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about the income disregard for carers, which she raised yesterday as well. It does seem ridiculous that approval is being restricted based on just how severe the situation is. That is not where we should be, certainly at a time when we have funding in place and there is money in the country to be able to support our most vulnerable people. A number of issues have been brought up over the past couple of days on the Order of Business in relation to health. We should have a wide-scope deb…

We have a few sports teams. I am a member, as is Senator Andrews. It is good for mental health and body health.

On the money we are spending on the EU Presidency, we are in the fortunate position of being the fastest growing economy in Europe and having the money to spend on a Presidency. Not long ago, in 2013, we did not have a penny to spend on the Presidency and every meeting was held in Dublin Castle. Even those from Dublin will recognise the importance of branching out beyond the M50. Some 25% of the meetings that will happen during these six months will be held outside of Dublin. That brings a wider audience to the Pre…

They all try to be as close as possible to the people.

Yes, but it is important we recognise that. Men's sheds have taken off in recent years. The request of €3,000 per shed is not a lot in terms of a budget measure. We can talk to the Minister on what can be done. Many men's sheds have not got any money at all. Rates are a matter for the Department and, in particular, county councils to decide. I think it is a token of gratitude. A lot of the work men's sheds do helps local authorities in terms of isolation and involvement in communities. A symbolic thing to do would …

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Data Protection Act 2018 (section 51(3)) and (section 60(6)) (Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Regulations 2026, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the opt-in to Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 under Article 4 of Protocol 21 TFEU, to be taken on con…

I thank the Senators for their contributions. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin spoke about the Pride event last weekend. It was a very positive event that has garnered support through the years in increased numbers, which is very good to see. She also spoke about primary schools and the fact that the class size of 80% of our classrooms across this country is higher than the EU average. I know that something the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, did when she was Minister for Education was reduce the numbers. We need to do more …

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) and (Section 60(6)) (Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Regulations 2026, copies of which were laid in draft before Seanad Éireann on 16th June, 2026.

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to accept the following measure: Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating viole…

I acknowledge the good work my colleague, Senator Gareth Scahill, has done on this Private Members' motion on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, primarily because of what happened in his own constituency last year, the issues caused by Storm Éowyn and what seems to be an unfair charge when people are left without electricity for almost a month. This is about fairness and making sure that people receive what they pay for. When people in Roscommon and in other counties are left without electricity for a period, they shou…

I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 (No. 32 of 2009) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2026 and ending on 29th June, 2027.”

The Order of Business is No. 1, the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, changed from, Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2,…

I thank the 18 Senators for their contributions. Senator Dee Ryan spoke about the dental scheme and simplifying it. As well as outlining an issue with dental care and access for children needing dental care, the Senator outlined a solution or a measure that could possibly help, which is the €200 tax credit. Obviously, we have a budget in September. I know the Senator will use her powers of persuasion within her own party - I am sure we will too - to try to convince the Minister. We have done a lot in the health ser…

And old people as well.

I am sure the Senator is talking about himself, not me. The facility is wonderful. It would be great for the Senators to go and see what has been done out in Sandyford. Senator Victor Boyhan spoke about the Fianna Fáil Private Members' motion. The local government task force has been brought up a number of times by Senators Davitt and Boyhan. I have contacted the Minister's office to make sure that the task force's final report is published. When it is, it is important that the House has a debate on it. We speak to…

Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.