I thank the Minister of State for being here. The reason I tabled this Commencement matter is that there are an awful lot of businesses in County Tipperary that, over the past year, have tried to look at ways to change their business expenditure and reduce costs. Obviously energy costs have been a significant challenge for businesses over the past year. It is worth noting, and I know the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, said it in an interview a couple of days ago, how the wholesale costs of energy have dramatical…

I thank the Minister of State and the Department for the response. I welcome the fact that the Department is developing a small-scale generation scheme for generators above 50 kW to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. That is really significant. The Minister of State indicated that the scheme is expected to be launched this year. I hope that will be done as quickly as possible, because I have talked about energy supports for up to 50 kW at least. When I say that businesses get no supports…

I ask that we have a debate with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coveney, on businesses that are still trading with Russia. We had news last week that Pernod Ricard restarted selling Jameson whiskey in Russia since last September. Sean Pollock from the Sunday Independent had a very revealing story. Since September, Jameson has sold almost €16 million of product into Russia while the war is going on. Pernod Ricard made a big announcement. This was a decision made in a board room in France, …

I also wish to congratulate the Leader on her wedding. I congratulate Jarlath and Louis as well and both families. I compliment Senator Keogan on hosting an event in the audiovisual room today with a young girl who is from my parish, Cara Darmody. She is fighting for services for her two younger brothers, Neil and John, who both have severe autism. They are calling for three things in respect of early intervention. They as a family have seen first-hand what early intervention does. Of their two boys, one had early …

I second the Government amendment. I thank the Labour Party for tabling the Private Members' Bill. In particular I acknowledge the work done by Senator Sherlock in this area. I know from being on the committee with her that she has a real passion for this issue and has put an awful lot of work into it. She spoke about it yesterday at the committee. It is important to discuss fair pay for apprentices and the role they play. I see it in Clonmel and the number of apprentices that come through Tipperary Education and T…

But you do not know-----

I am delighted that Senator Gallagher is the Acting Leader, as I want him to see whether he can arrange a debate with someone from his area, namely, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys, about funding-----

I am referring to funding under the rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF. There have been incredible announcements in recent months, particularly relating to the Acting Leader's constituency, of funding received under a number of schemes, including the RRDF. County Tipperary was successful in that regard in the last round, with us receiving more than €30 million for three projects in Roscrea, Carrick-on-Suir and Cahir. These were announced as phase 1 and 2 projects because some had not been delivered or re…

The Acting Leader will support her.

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2023, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 5th April, 2023.”

I, too, welcome the pupils from the school and the distinguished guests from Wisconsin. They are in very good company with Councillor Michael "Moegie" Maher. They will certainly enjoy their stay. Regardless of how long they stay in Galway, it will definitely be memorable with Moegie – that is for sure. I wish them well on their trip. This is Deputy Richmond's first time in the Seanad as Minister of State, at least while I have been present. I officially congratulate him on his new role as Minister of State in the D…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for accepting this matter, which relates to an issue that is very important to us in Tipperary. It is particularly important to Councillor Declan Burgess, who has been working with the HSE for a number of years to try to push this project along in his home town of Cashel. It is infuriating because the process is stuck at a particular stage. St. Patrick's Hospital in Cashel in County Tipperary provides residential rehabilitation and respite care to older adults in the south Tipperary area. …

I thank the Minister of State for his response. In fairness, I understand that the Minister for Health and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, are in the Dáil taking questions. I welcome the fact that they are committed to the development of a new CNU for older persons in Cashel. That is the most important thing. It is important that there is a commitment in this regard. Investment has been made in Tipperary in other areas and there is future investment planned also. The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, will unde…

I second what Senator Lombard said. It gives me a bit of concern. I am at the stage with my kids where we are looking at "PAW Patrol" and a little four-month-old is turning over. When they get to the 10, 11 or 12 years of age, they will have access to mobile phones. There is no regulation in that regard. We need to have a serious discussion about this matter. The Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, Grange and Newcastle Gun Club has been in existence for years. It has about 90 members. I have referred to it in the Seanad on prev…

I welcome the Minister to the Seanad. Like others, I called for this a few weeks ago. I thank the Minister for coming to the House. In this House, as many Senators know, we call for many Ministers to come in but they do not or we cannot find them, or Ministers of State come in from other Departments. In fairness to the Minster, he always comes in any time we ask and he takes this seriously. I thank him personally for that. I welcome the members of farming organisations. They are familiar faces who gave a dire outlo…

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank her for being here for this important debate. I am covering for Senator Dolan, who could not be here today, but I acknowledge her support for what this Bill is trying to do. I thank the Senators for putting this Bill forward, including Senator Mullen, and for outlining quite well what this entails. An awful lot of it is common sense. In schools in recent years there has been so much pressure on staff and on principals in particular. There have been worries with…

I wish Noel Murphy well on his retirement. In my short time here I have had one or two interactions with him and I found him extremely professional. I am one of those people who have given him awkward things to deal with and he has done them in a very subtle but professional way. I thank him for that and wish him well. I welcome the announcement by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, yesterday of the €8 million in CLÁR funding that will be provided to communities and sports facilities nationwide. This is particularly i…

I ask for a debate with the Minister for Social Protection on the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance, which is a really important provision for people on social welfare and working people on very low incomes. The challenge we have had over the past year is that the increase in the cost of living means everyone is struggling significantly. We need to get to a point where the scheme, which is available for a certain number of people in the country, is expanded further. The Minister has done a lot in expan…

I request a debate with the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys. We have not had a debate for quite some time about rural affairs and the schemes available for communities. One scheme in particular is popular at the moment. I refer to the community recognition fund, which was set up to support communities that have gone above and beyond in welcoming Ukrainian citizens into their communities. County Tipperary was quite successful, and has received just under €1 million for communities acro…

I thank the Minister of State for being here and taking this important question on Scoil Aonghusa. I acknowledge the Minister of State’s work in recent weeks and months on free book schemes for all special schools in the country. It is really important, as the Minister of State knows because she has been in Tipperary with me. It is important for schools in Tipperary, particularly the school I will discuss. I want to give the Minister of State the opportunity to speak on that because it is important for those school…