Before I call the Tánaiste, I welcome the guests of our friend and colleague Senator Horkan to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, Candice Bergen MP, from Canada, and her husband, Michael. Candice is the former leader of the opposition in Canada. I thank them for being here and hope they enjoy their visit. Please make sure Senator Horkan buys you at least one glass of wine tonight. There is to be no heckling from the Gallery. I call Senator Wall.

I welcome the reverend father, sisters and all involved with the Ruach ministry, Portlaoise, who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming. Céad míle fáilte roimh gach duine.

As it is now 4.45 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: "That section 21 is hereby agreed to in committee, in respect of each of the sections being disposed of, the section is hereby agreed to in committee and the Title is hereby agreed to in committee." Is that agreed?

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Marie Sherlock - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on the national childcare scheme, with reference to its admissions policy, termination of a child’s place policy and the role of his Department in investigating possible breaches of the scheme. Senator Mary Seery Kearney - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integ…

I welcome Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Anne Rabbitte, to the House. I call on Senator Sherlock, who has four minutes.

I welcome all the crew from Ballinasloe and well done on Saturday night. We are delighted that they beat the Dubs. I congratulate Senator Kyne on his new role and position. We all look forward to his leadership in the House.

The Minister of State's opening remarks are not to exceed ten minutes; those of group spokespersons are not to exceed ten minutes; those of all other Senators are not to exceed five minutes; time may be shared; and the Minister of State shall be called to reply to the debate. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, and I congratulate him on his elevation last week to the position he now entertains in being a Minister of State at Cabinet. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire Stáit.

I, as Cathaoirleach, formally welcome them to Teach Laighean. They are from the Irish Countrywomen's Association, ICA, in the Glen of Aherlow. I thank them for being here. I am glad the hay is saved and Cork has won.

Our friends from Tipperary can be very proud of Senator Ahearn, who is a fine Seanad representative for the people of Tipperary. I call Senator Higgins, who is an equally fine public representative.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I read messages from Dáil Éireann, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the retired classmates of our colleague and friend, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, who trained with him on Sharman Crawford Street in Cork. Their wives and husbands are all very welcome. I thank them for being here. I am sorry they had the misfortune to put up with this man for a long time. On a more serious note, Deputy O'Dowd has been a good friend to us here in Leinster House. We wish our visitors all a happy and pleasurable day in Leinster H…

Dáil Éireann has passed the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 on 26 June 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Digital Services (Levy) Bill 2024 on 26 June 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024 on 26 June 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 on 26 June 2024, to which the agree…

I welcome for the first time our new Deputy Leader of Seanad Éireann, Senator Seán Kyne. I congratulate him and wish him well in his post.

I thank Senator Wall. I would like to facilitate Senator O'Hara and call him before Senator Seery Kearney.

We wish Senator O'Hara well. We hope that we will not lose him but if we do, we do. We know he will do a good job for the people of his constituency. Go n-éirí leis. I call Senator Seery Kearney.

Mo mhíle buíochas. It gives me great pleasure to welcome the retired members of the Defence Forces who predominantly served in Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick. They are very welcome to Leinster House and I thank them for their many years of dedicated service to our country, especially in the very difficult and turbulent time in the history of our State. We thank and salute them for their bravery and courage. They are guests, I believe, of Deputy Cathal Berry. Anois, I call a former member of the Defence Forces, Sena…

I remind Deputy Craughhwell that he has the opportunity to submit amendments on this Bill. I presume the Senator is referring to the Secretary General with regard to the position rather than the person.