I agree to the motion proposed by Senator O'Loughlin and seconded by Senator Harmon to amend the Order of Business. There were a large number of speakers - over 20 - so you would know we had been on recess for a week or two. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about Jennie Poole on the fifth anniversary of her passing. She spoke about the incredible work Jason and Jennie's children, Nevaeh and Zack, have done since her passing in trying to push forward domestic violence law, which will hopefully be done by next year. What hap…

They will still vote for him in Galway.

I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Brian O'Shea; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a Member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.

Now.

As students of media and journalism, I am sceptical of them already. I am fearful about how they might misinterpret what I am going to say. That is always the paranoia in politics. Our guests are very welcome. I hope they enjoy the day. I will not speak for too long. We spoke about this matter last year when the measure to which it relates was extended. I will raise one point with the Minister of State. I do not know if it is possible, but it was an issue last year and the year before. The decision that is made to …

I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber and thank her for being here. I acknowledge the good work and intervention by the Minister, Deputy Foley, last week in relation to an issue in Tipperary with St. Bernard's therapeutic fostering support service, which provides foster care support across counties Tipperary, Kilkenny and Carlow. Tusla, because of the Minister's intervention, has agreed to continue that service for 2026. This is a service that is critical and extremely important in the area. While the deci…

I thank the Minister of State very much for her response. As she said, it needs to be acknowledged, through the Minister's intervention. The work the Irish Foster Care Association has done and the support it has given me over the past week on this issue played its part in Tusla rolling back on that decision of ending the service with St. Bernard's. It is hugely welcome that has been done, as was the acknowledgement from Tusla that not enough consultation had happened. However, we do not want to be in this situation…

Through the Chair, please.

Amendments Nos. 19, 37 to 42, inclusive, 45, 46, 48 to 52, inclusive, and 53 to 57, inclusive are related. Amendments Nos. 49 to 57, inclusive, are physical alternatives to amendment No. 48. Therefore, amendments Nos. 19, 37 to 42, inclusive, and 45 to 57, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement.

I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber and thank him for coming in to speak about the upcoming EU Presidency. I do not think we can start a conversation about the EU Presidency without acknowledging our diplomats across the world and the officials working in the Department of foreign affairs. The work they do on a daily basis is very impressive. It makes us proud to be Irish when we go abroad, as Mary and I did in September, to see the professionalism of our diplomats right across the world. The work they a…

This week is foster carers awareness week. I acknowledge the work Foster Carers Ireland does to support around 4,000 foster carers and families who care for about 5,600 children across the country. I want to raise the decision by Tusla to discontinue the funding of the St. Bernard's therapeutic fostering support service in Fethard as part of its move to a standardised national model. Foster carers in south Tipperary have expressed real concern about the removal of this specialised therapeutic, relationship-based su…

That is not true.

You should be more honest.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, to the Chamber and thank him for being here.

Amendment No. 1 is in the names of Senators Collins, Murphy, McCormack, Tully, Ryan and Andrews. It has been ruled out of order as it is in conflict with the principles of the Bill.

Amendment No. 2 is in the names of Senators Collins, Murphy, McCormack, Tully, Ryan and Andrews. It has been ruled out of order as it is in conflict with the principles of the Bill.

Amendments Nos. 3 to 8, inclusive, 12, 15 to 20, inclusive, and 24 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Senator. Before I ask the Minister of State to respond, I welcome Liscarroll Women's Association, who are guests of Deputy John Paul O'Shea, and the Shamrock Men's Shed, guests of the Ceann Comhairle. You are very welcome and I hope you have a lovely day.

Before I call the Senator, I welcome to the Gallery some girls from Scoil Mhuire in Ballincollig, County Cork, who are here as guests of Senator Kelleher. In particular I welcome Mary, Kadija and Mrs. O'Brien. As is the tradition in this House, on the next day they are due to have homework, they officially have it off. They can remind Mrs. O'Brien that they have homework off the next time. I hope they enjoy the day. Does Senator Collins wish to respond?

Amendments Nos. 9 to 11, inclusive, and 21 to 23, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed.