Amendments Nos. 26 and 27 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

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 take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a collaboration platform to support …

I thank the Minister for her comprehensive opening statement on the motion regarding the proposed approval of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council in respect of joint investigation teams. Of course, such teams have been around for quite a while. The regulation, in essence, proposes allowing them to set up a collaboration platform. The platform will be a highly secure online collaboration tool aimed at facilitating exchanges and co-operation within JITs through the duration to provide them with…

I know that the census has been mentioned already but I am not sure the point I am going to make has been mentioned. I met the Romanian ambassador this morning. It is very important that all our new Irish right across the country ensure they record their status and identity and let us know they are here. In planning the curriculum, for example, if we know there are more than 100,000 Romanians here, it is more likely we may have Romanian as a leaving certificate subject on the curriculum. It is important that people…

Deputy Joe Flaherty was also with them.

I thank Members very much for the honour bestowed upon me for the day. I have received notice from Senator Garret Ahearn that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the new package proposed to support tillage farmers in the production of more native crops and crops with a low demand for chemical fertiliser. I have also received notice from Senator Róisín Garvey on the fol…

I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, back to the House.

Before I call on the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business, I wish to pay tribute to Dermot Fitzpatrick, former Member of this House and the Dáil, who sadly passed away yesterday evening. Dermot, whom I knew personally and who was in college with my father, served in this House from 1997 to 2002 and served terms in Dáil Éireann from 1987 to 1992 and 2002 to 2007. He was a dedicated and committed politician who made an important contribution to the lives of many, particularly throughout the Dublin Central c…

I propose that we observe one minute's silence for the late Dermot Fitzpatrick.

I rise to reflect and pass on my deepest sympathies and condolences, along with my party, Fianna Fáil, and, indeed, the entire House, to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. David Hill. He was over at the weekend representing the Scottish Parliament and passed away during the match against the Oireachtas rugby team, the Dáil and Seanad XV, early on Saturday afternoon. I met Mr. Hill the previous night at an engagement that the Scottish office had organised. I am wearing my Scotland and Ireland flags today in h…

I move: "That Second Stage be taken today."

I am not going to repeat everything in the Minister of State's speech and the briefing notes, given he has already very well articulated the purpose of this Bill. As a party, Fianna Fáil, the party of Government, supports this Government legislation which is effectively bringing Garda compensation claims within the remit of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. As a former member of the finance committee, which often discussed the cost of insurance, I know much of the cost of the process was not about what the pe…

Next Tuesday.

Section 7 was the subject of considerable discussion when we last debated this legislation. Does anyone wish to contribute on this section now?

The Senator can, of course, contribute.

Much of today's debate has been pretty similar to the previous debate with the Minster, Deputy McConalogue, and the Minister of State, Senator Hackett. I happened to be in the Chair on the day in question. The points are very well made but I ask that Senators try not to repeat points that were very well made in the two previous debates. This is not to curtail the debate. There are 37 more amendments to be dealt with in the fullness of time. I ask the next speakers to be as brief as possible, after which the Ministe…

I will bring in the Minister as soon as I can.

I can bring in the Minister as soon as the House wants.