Before I call on the next speaker, it is my pleasure to welcome the retired members of An Garda Síochána and their families to Leinster House. I thank you all for your service. Our communities and our State have been enriched by your service and we are very grateful to you, and those of you who served in particular during a very difficult and turbulent time for this State. They were the men and women who stood up for our country and we thank you for your service. Enjoy your visit to Leinster House. Go raibh míle ma…

An Seanadóir Barry Ward, an chéad chainteoir eile.

Anois glaoim ar an gCeannaire Gníomhach freagra a thabhairt inniu. The Acting Leader to reply to the Order of Business, le do thoil.

An amendment to the Order of Business was proposed by Senator Ardagh, "That No. 10 be taken before No. 1." It was seconded by Senator Murphy. The Acting Leader indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the guests of our colleague and friend, Senator O'Loughlin, Caroline Hamill and Feargal from Suncroft Community Complex and Miley Wickham from Newbridge Volleyball Club. I also welcome guests of Senator Dolan who are in the Gallery. I congratulate the principal of Ballinasloe College of Further Education, Bridie Dolan. who is retiring this week. Congratulations and best wishes to her. She is also a guest of Senator Dolan.

I remind Members this debate will conclude at 9 p.m. if not previously concluded. I welcome the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, to the House, congratulate her and say we were glad she did not fall into the water in Monaghan this morning. She looked well on the news on TV3.

Amendments Nos. 2, 5, 6, 9, 28, 33, 35, 36, 40 to 49, inclusive, 52, 54 to 63, inclusive, 65, 71 to 106, inclusive, 108, 119, and 122 to 127, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 are related and may be discussed by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I call on the Minister, I welcome Councillor Avril Cronin. I congratulate her on her recent re-election to Wicklow County Council. I also welcome her cousins Moss Grace and Sheila Grace. They are very welcome to Leinster House. I hope Councillor Cronin treats them royally here this evening. Is the amendment being pressed?

Amendments Nos. 7 and 8 are related and may be discussed together by agreement

Amendments 10 to 15, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Amendment No. 13 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 12.

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.

When is it proposed to sit again?

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Tim Lombard - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the number of increased-cost-of-business grant applications approved and paid to businesses by Cork County Council to date. Senator Garret Ahearn - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on financial supports for food-led businesses, including whether he supports th…

The Minister, Deputy Burke, has just bounded into the Chamber.

It is probably new energy. I thank the Minister for being here. I always commend members of Cabinet who are here to take Commencement matters, especially on a Tuesday. I thank the Minister for making the effort to be here; it is really appreciated.

Before I ask the Acting Leader to outline the business of the day, I will announce to the House for the information of Members that Senators Regina Doherty and Lynn Boylan have been elected to the European Parliament. Pursuant to the European Parliament Elections Acts 1992 to 2019, the Senators will cease to be Members of the Seanad when they take up their seats at the first sitting of the European Parliament, which is likely to be on the 16th day of July 2024. Accordingly, a vacancy in the number of nominated Memb…