-----but this is not a Second Stage debate.

I gave the Senator as much discretion as I could.

I am probably giving a bit more discretion than I normally would, possibly because I am the Chair of the transport committee. It is an issue I am very concerned about. Equally, it is because we did the topic quickly. I invite Senator O’Reilly to speak as briefly as he can.

To conclude again on this, it is a very important topic. I thank the Minister of State and his officials for their personal commitment to it. Let us make sure and hope that what we pass here and what has already been passed in the Dáil makes a difference for the many affected families and prevents others from being affected. Technology has a big part to play in the longer term. Everybody’s car is capable of being tracked, everybody’s phone is tracking them, we know what speed everybody is going at and so on. If peo…

When is it proposed to sit again?

On the day that is in it, I wish An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the very best. It is fair to say I am the only Fianna Fáil Senator in the Chamber who the Taoiseach put a number one beside my name in a recent by-election. I do not think anyone else got a number one from Leo and I am pretty sure I did, so I can go down in history for that at least. I thank him for his support on that occasion and equally wish him the very best. He has given a lot of service to the Houses and the people, as a member of Fingal County Coun…

Now.

Now.

I will speak briefly because the business is concluded. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and his officials for all the work that has been put into this legislation. It is important legislation, as the Minister of State outlined in his concluding remarks. Clearly, with no members of the Opposition present in the Chamber, it is not particularly difficult or contentious legislation. It has been welcomed on all sides. No amendments were tabled. It is positive legislation that is being adopted by the House …

Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.

It is a little bit disappointing for myself and Senators Kyne and Conway, who all have health related topics, that despite the fact there are four Ministers in the Department of Health, none of them are here today. However, I do not doubt the Minister of State and his extensive knowledge of the health portfolio. We were joint rather than fellow councillors on the south Dublin-mid Leinster regional forum of the HSE a long time ago. We will do our best. I know he will have a response for me and will relay back my poi…

We were on the same local authority but that is about as far as it goes.

I am sure the Acting Chair will give me extra time if I need it.

This is shingles awareness week. Shingles is a painful condition that is estimated to affect one in three people during their lifetime. It generally presents as a painful rash on one side of the body, a kind of a belt across the torso, but it can also be on the face and sometimes affect the eyes. Up to 30% of people who experience shingles develop nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia that can last for months or, in rare cases, longer, which needs treatment with pharmaceutical drugs and so on. Around 10% to 2…

Unfortunately, the Minister of State has told me much that I already knew. I asked him to indicate the likely funding that would be required to do this on an annual basis, and to make a statement in that regard. The vaccine is available for free from the NHS in the UK, so it is free in Northern Ireland. It is free on part of this island, but not down here. The assessment is due to be completed by July. I ask that it not be delayed in any way. The sooner it happens, the better. Cost-effectiveness obviously needs to …

They do not do any anyway.

I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the Bulgarian ambassador and wishing the very best to the people of Bulgaria on their national day on Sunday. I know they will be celebrating in Ireland on Monday, 3 March. On 1 March, Moldovans will celebrate a tradition known as Mărțișor. I am convenor of the Moldovan-Irish friendship group. For the month of March, Moldovans wear a small brooch, keeping it close to their heart. I wish Moldovans in Moldova, as well as the many in Ireland, a very happy 1 March. They have done a…

Before we commence, I remind Senators that they may speak only once on Report Stage, except the proposer of an amendment who may reply to discussion on the amendment. Also, on Report Stage each non-Government amendment, of which I do not think there are any, must be seconded. Amendment No. 1 is a Government amendment and it arises from Committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, and 7 to 11, inclusive, and 14, 16 and 17 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? It is agre…

Amendments Nos 5 and 12 are related and will be discussed together by agreement.

Amendments Nos. 6 and 13 are related and will be discussed together by agreement.