I will share time with Senator Cassells. We will take three minutes each. I am very happy to support this motion, which Senators Kyne and Buttimer and the Fine Gael group have tabled. There is almost nothing to object to in it. It is all very positive. I had not even considered it a motion just on public transport, which is what the screen is telling us it is, because it is not really just about public transport. It also refers to active travel, although not enough, which is why I am speaking. I would have liked to…

I thank the Senator. It did.

It did. Perhaps Senator Boyhan should cycle too. It would probably be of benefit to us all to get a bit more exercise. That modal shift should not only be to public transport, although public transport is very useful. Although Senators Boyhan and McDowell probably do, many people may not remember the furore over the quality bus corridor for the 46A taking over a lane of traffic of two lanes in Donnybrook in 1998 and 1999. That was the most unbelievable achievement. I believe Owen Keegan was director of traffic for …

There is party loyalty for you.

I thank Senator Buttimer and the Minister of State for her very comprehensive response to the debate.

I welcome the COP26 statement. I just read the remarks of the Taoiseach, who was speaking as we started the Order of Business. It is very important, as a number of people have said, that we all play our part in every way we can, be that through a small thing or a big thing. That might be not buying as much food when we do not really need it, which Senator O'Loughlin referred to, or something like cycling. I cycled in today. I am lucky enough to live relatively close so I can do that but the route I take is one on w…

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. Maybe I will use the minute and a half Mr. Andrews did not use at the end of my speech. This is a very important day. Ireland is a member of the European Union since 1973. I do not believe this process has happened before, namely, MEPs coming into the Seanad Chamber and addressing the Senators. It is very worthwhile. The MEPs might not realise it but they are approximately half way through their five-year term as this month is two and a half years into the term of 2019 to 2024. Prob…

I support Senator Keogan. I just came in from the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications. It is a harrowing story. I had seen it online. It is so tragic. If anything can come out of it, it is that people might try to be that bit kinder to each other and try not to engage in this activity. It is horrific. Perhaps they do not appreciate what they are doing but they are really doing enormous harm. I rise today in relation to the final reopening of hospitality - the reopening of the late-night entertainment se…

I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, back to the House, exactly a week since he was last here.

Amendment No. 1 is in the name of Senator Higgins who is not present.

Amendment No. 2 is also in the name of Senator Higgins.

Amendments Nos. 3 to 12, inclusive, have been ruled out of order as they are in conflict with the principle of the Bill as read a Second Time.

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

First, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Sir David Amess MP, whom I had reason to meet a number of times. He was also an alternate on the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, as I was in the last term. What happened to him last Friday was truly shocking. I wish to place on the record my condolences, which I extend to his friends and family. I appreciate the fact that the Ceann Comhairle, on behalf of Members, has arranged a mass to be said for him on Thursday…

Senator Buttimer said pretty much exactly what I was going to say, but I will say it a little bit differently. I want to build on the comments of Senators Ahearn and Buttimer. The figures do not lie. Professor Philip Nolan spoke on the radio this morning. Everybody is calling for certainty, but unfortunately if certainty was given today, it might be the wrong certainty. It might be the certainty people do not want to hear. I agree with everything Senator Ahearn and, in particular, Senator Buttimer said. I ask peopl…

I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to the House after what I am sure was a very busy 48 hours. In fact, it is exactly 48 hours since he rose to his feet to start his budget speech. He is very welcome to the House once again.

I thank the Minister for his very detailed and comprehensive opening statement. I remind Members that, while all group spokespersons have eight minutes, this should be considered a maximum rather than a target. The Minister has covered a lot of the detail of the Bill but Members may, by all means, engage in debate on it.

I thank the Senator for his remarks. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that the Minister has been appointed President of the Eurogroup. It is great honour for him, and for Ireland, to hold the position. As no other Senators have indicated a wish to speak I invite the Minister to conclude the debate.