Will the Senators claiming a division please rise?

As fewer than five Members have risen, I declare the question carried. In accordance with Standing Order 61, the names of the Senators dissenting will be recorded in the Official Report and the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.

I welcome Sheena Burke to the Public Gallery. She gave many great years’ service in Leinster House. Sheena is welcome. It is good to see her again and her friend who is accompanying her. Céad míle fáilte. I ask the Leader when is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Dáil Éireann passed the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 on 9 October 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Bill 2024 on 9 October 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. On 9 October 2024, Dáil Éireann agreed to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Planning and Development Bill 2023. Dáil Éireann passed the Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Bill 2024 on 9 October 2024, to which…

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to allocate funding under the large-scale sport infrastructure fund for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park, Dublin. Senator Tim Lombard - The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide an update on progress in building world-class facility centres for outdoor water…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, to the House on this Thursday morning.

I wish to inform the House that Senator Fitzpatrick has withdrawn her Commencement matter and, therefore, it will not be taken now. As Senator Malcolm Byrne is delayed, I ask the Acting Leader to propose the suspension of the House until 9.55 a.m. I apologise to the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, for the inconvenience.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, for facilitating that sos.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the reason so many farmers have to repay moneys under the agri-climate rural environment scheme. Senator Paul Gavan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the claim of nursing staff shortages made by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Senator Eileen Flynn - The need for the Minister for Justi…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, to the House and thank her for being here.

There is no need, Minister.

The Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment has completed its consideration of the Trade Marks (Madrid Protocol) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, copies of which were laid before Seanad Éireann on 16 November 2024.

Even though I gave the Senator latitude, I agree with her on that point.

I should not say that as the Chair but Senator O'Loughlin has raised a very good point. I call Senator Boyhan.

Before I call on Senator Gavan I welcome the rang a sé students from Scoil Mhuire Navan who are in the Public Gallery. Cuirim céad míle fáilte roimh gach duine. I hope they have a very pleasant visit. They had a unique experience because I was their tour guide for a while as Mick was on a different mission. Because of their generosity of spirit in the time they spent with me I offer them homework off tonight as a gesture of appreciation for my bad tour guiding here in Leinster House.

Hear, hear.

Well said. I thank Senator Ardagh for her generous remarks and well done, Senator Carrigy. Anois an Seanadóir Mary Seery Kearney.

I thank Senator Clonan.

Senator, be careful.