I did not watch it and I have not seen it but a number of people have responded in defence of the good work that Fianna Fáil has done. That is to be acknowledged. Senator Harmon spoke about AI smart glasses and the consent that needs to be given when anyone is being filmed and how there should be consent for that. That is why the AI committee was set up; to look at things like this that have not been looked at before. It is important that we have a debate in the House on this. Senator Maria McCormack spoke about Ro…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to adjourn after three hours, if not previously concluded.

I thank all the Senators who have made contributions this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about her recent visit with the drugs committee to Iceland. A lot of the stuff learned in Iceland was learned in the 1990s. They had the highest rate of drugs use in the 1990s and implemented what was called an Icelandic prevention model that has now led to the lowest rate. It is obviously a model that we should be looking at and seeing if we can implement here. In particular, she spoke about the youth, mental health and th…

I propose, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of Business today, that the House does suspend until 12.30 p.m.

I propose, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of Business today, that the House does suspend until 12.50 p.m.

I propose, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders relative to public business or the order of the House today, that the House now adjourn until 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding arrangements for the address to Seanad Éireann by MEPs representing the European Parliament Midlands North-West constituency, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude not later than 3.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed three…

I thank the Cathaoirleach and all my colleagues who raised matters this morning. Following the contributions from all Senators, I wish our colleague, Senator Nicole Ryan, the very best on the wonderful news of her new baby girl being born this morning. We all wish her well. Many of us in this Chamber understand the excitement and joy of a newborn baby coming into the world. It is such a special time for her and her family. I suggest we write, or the Cathaoirleach might write to her on behalf of all Members of the S…

In fairness to the Senator, he made some very valid points. Neither he nor I were at the important committee meeting last Wednesday as we were engaged in business abroad. His concerns are genuine and should not be dismissed, and nor should it be suggested that nobody on the committee is in favour of a ban. That is not the case at all. Senator Mullen outlined his concerns very well this morning. Deputy Carrigy and other members of the committee would agree with him. I am one of those in agreement with him when it co…

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 Midlands-North-West Constituency, Ms Nina Carberry MEP, Mr. Barry Cowen MEP, Mr. Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP, Mr. Ciaran Mullooly MEP, and Ms Maria Walsh MEP, may attend and be heard in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday, 27th May, 2026, and that the following arrangements shall apply: The proceedings shall commence at 2 p.m., shal…

The Minister of State is very welcome to the Chamber. I thank him for being here for such an important debate. I acknowledge the work that my colleague, Senator Nelson Murray, has done on this over the past 18 months since becoming a Senator. She has been a champion on this issue and has represented her own views and the views of our party extremely strongly. She has worked with the Minister of State’s Department since becoming a Senator to try to deliver change in insurance policy that could benefit small business…

Hear, hear.

I was smiling when I was listening to Senator McDowell speak of when he was the Minister for Justice in 2018. He might not remember but it reminded me of when he was at a passing out event in Templemore. I was a student and I was doing some small piece of work for Tipperary Mid West Radio for the news department. I was sent off to get an interview with him. I thought my best chance was by just telling him who I was and who my mother was so I would have a good chance to get an interview. It worked and he was very ki…

Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.

I also acknowledge today as international nurses and midwives day. I agree with the comments made by Senators Clifford-Lee and Cosgrove about the work nurses and midwives do across this country. I saw when my two sons were born the calmness and professionalism midwives show in doing their work. I spoke last week in the Chamber about the work nurses do, particularly in Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, and the service they provided when I was in hospital with sepsis. It was a nurse who spotted it and, luckily,…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval of Seanad Éireann of a meeting of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy in County Wexford, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; and No. 2, statements regarding fuel supports to the fishing industry, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to conclude at 1 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks by the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to e…

I thank the Senators who made contributions. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the national lottery and the loss in the revenue it is making because of betting on the national lottery through other betting avenues. She has asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Chambers. I will contact his office to see if that is possible. It is important to recognise that the national lottery contributes 30 cent of every euro spent back to communities. Right across the country, communities have had work or something beneficia…

It is UEFA really that makes the decision on it. It has happened already. I cannot remember who Israel played against but it has happened already. I know it is in discussions with other countries in terms of how to deal with it from a security perspective. If you talk to Israel, the country it is most frustrated with is Ireland in terms of what we have done against Israel and in support of Palestine. I support Deputy Andrews on the flotilla and I will make sure the Department of foreign affairs is aware of his conc…

I move: That Seanad Éireann, in accordance with Article 15.1.3° of the Constitution, hereby determines that the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy may meet in Wexford Town, County Wexford, on a date in 2026 to be decided by the Committee, in order to hear from community groups, locals and stakeholders on the progress made at Lady’s Island Lake; provided that, pursuant to Standing Order 91(3), Members may participate in such meeting from within the parliamentary precincts by means of the videoconfere…

Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.