As Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and as a friend and a colleague of the Minister’s for a long time, I thank her for her dedicated public service. I thank her wonderful husband and family for being her rock solid harbour and support. I thank her for the friendship she has shown to many of us in this House. Míle buíochas. To those who are watching at home and listening, the Minister’s contribution should be used as a podcast on how to live in the political world. She is right that there are many in both Houses of the …

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together, by agreement.

Amendments Nos. 5 and 6 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement.

The Senator missed the opportunity.

I am not going to allow the Senator to reply because in fairness we have discussed it and we did indicate that. I will ask the Minister to reply very briefly. I will be fair to Senator Higgins.

Amendment No. 8 has been ruled out of order, as it does not relate to the subject matter of the Bill.

Amendments Nos. 9 and 10 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 11 and 12 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement.

I call Senator Higgins and remind her that we are due to finish at 6 p.m.

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister and Members of the House for their consideration of the Bill. As this is probably the Minister's last time in the Seanad, as we did earlier, I genuinely thank her for engagement with us as Members of this House. I thank her and her officials for their unfailing courtesy. I know she has not had the pleasure of being a Member of this House, but she may come back in the future.

Dáil Éireann has passed the Social Welfare Bill 2024 on 16 October 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has agreed, on 16 October 2024, to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022.

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has completed its consideration of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2024.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Eugene Murphy - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the establishment of a new Garda station in County Roscommon. Senator Mary Seery Kearney - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on budget 2025 allocations for youth work and the subsequent concerns raised by the National Youth Council of Ireland about this allocation…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, who is in the House to take the four Commencement matters.