We are on amendments Nos. 3, 4 and 7.

The Senator is now in the realm of repetition. He has made all those points.

I remind all Members we are on amendments Nos. 3, 4 and 7, which relate to the right to protest.

Will the Senators claiming a division please rise?

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

Will the Senators claiming a division please rise?

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

I understand that the Minister wishes to say a few words.

Dáil Éireann has agreed on 24 April 2024 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Gas (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023, changed from the Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023.

Prior to reading Commencement matters, I welcome the guest of Senator Clonan, retired sergeant and UN veteran, Paul Clarke. He is very welcome. I thank him for his service around the world on behalf of the nation. Míle buíochas. I also welcome Melview National School from Longford town, with teachers Kevin Reynolds, Conor Murphy, Eamonn Brennan and Kathleen O’Connell. They are guests of Deputy Joe Flaherty. I met them on the way into Leinster House. They are very welcome. I have received notice from the following S…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming to the House. Céad míle fáilte.

Before I call the Leader to announce the Order of Business I want to advise the House of the possibility that we will have the Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives with us during proceedings. I apologise in advance if I have to interrupt Members' contributions to facilitate this visit.

Senator Kyne is a long-standing Member of the Oireachtas. He had his opportunity. Let Senator Boyhan speak without interruption please.

I thank the Senator. Anois, glaoim ar an Treoraí le freagra a thabhairt ar ár ngnó.

Before I ask the Leader to propose a sos, cuirim fíorfháilte roimh chuairteoirí an Leas-Cheann Comhairle, an Teachta Catherine Connolly, agus roimh an Leas-Cheann Comhairle féin chuig an Seanad. I also welcome Deputy Grealish and the Claddagh Residents Association to the House.

It is my distinct pleasure as Cathaoirleach to welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery members of the parliamentary delegation from Malaysia, who are visiting Ireland this week. They are led by His Excellency Mr. bin Abdul, who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The delegates are welcome to Leinster House. I also welcome Malaysia's ambassador and thank him for his excellent work. I thank the delegates for their visit. It is important the bilateral relations between Ireland and Malaysia continue t…

I hope our guests enjoy their visits.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Malcolm Byrne - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, OPW, to provide an update on the development of the planned coastguard station at Courtown Harbour, County Wexford. Senator Gerard P. Craughwell - The need for the Minister for Defence to make a statement on the protocols, terms and conditions of the recent memorandum of understanding on defence co-operatio…

Before calling on the Leader to propose the Order of Business, I would like to welcome the ambassador from the Netherlands, H. E. Maaike van Koldam, to the Public Gallery. She is very welcome and I thank her for being here. We, of course, will celebrate tomorrow the national day of the Netherlands, King's Day, which marks the birthday of his majesty, King Willem-Alexander. As Members will know, King's Day takes place on 27 April, which is Saturday. The ambassador comes to us in a relatively new posting with a wonde…

We are also joined by guests of Senator Mary Seery Kearney: Carol and John Walsh, Michael Fitzpatrick and Steve Murray. They are very welcome and I wish them a céad míle fáilte. During the Order of Business we will be joined by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. Edwin Poots. Anois, an Seanadóir Fiona O'Loughlin.