As proposed during the Order of Business, I ask all Members to stand in silence for one minute to remember our friend, the late Michael O'Regan.

Before I call the Minister of State to reply, as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and, in my previous incarnation, director of elections for the plebiscite in Cork, I congratulate all Members of the House and the Minister of State on this historic occasion. This is transformative legislation that enables the appointment of a directly elected mayor. It is a monumental day. As a Cork person, I lament the fact the people of Cork and Waterford did not endorse the plebiscites in their cities due, in the main, to partisan pol…

I welcome to the Public Gallery guests of Senator Sharon Keogan, our friend and colleague. She is joined by her sister, Councillor Geraldine Keogan, and guests from the Donore Solas 21 Tidy Towns group from County Meath. They are very welcome. Céad míle fáilte. I thank them for being here.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:Senator Annie Hoey - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to review the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Senator Paul Daly - The need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to expedite the waiting times for SEAI warmer homes scheme applicants.Senator Mary Seery Kearney - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on his …

Senator Craughwell knows full well-----

The Senator mentioned Moyle Rovers. I recall my classmate, John Owens, played with Moyle Rovers, as did our former colleague and Councillor, Derry Foley, and, of course, the great Declan Browne.

I join in congratulating the Deputy Leader on her victory at the weekend and compliment Senator Ward on his fine showing as well. I wish you well.

We are waiting for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. I thank Members for their patience. The Tánaiste was just finishing his remarks in the Dáil Chamber. I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, to the House. He has ten minutes, group spokespersons have ten minutes each and the Tánaiste will be called to reply no later than 5.50 p.m. He will have ten minutes to reply and statements must conclude at 6 p.m. I commend the Tánaiste and the Government on their approach…

I thank the Tánaiste. I welcome St. Anne's National School, Bailieborough to the Gallery. The students are accompanied by their principal and members of staff. I know they are neighbours and friends of Senator Joe O'Reilly, who is doing them proud here in the House. They will be very proud of his work on their behalf. I thank Senator Malcolm Byrne for allowing Senator O'Reilly to speak next to facilitate him being here with the group.

Senator O'Reilly is sharing time with Senator Currie. Is that agreed? Agreed. I remind Members that time is of the essence. Their co-operation would be appreciated.

I thank the Tánaiste for being here. He has to leave the Chamber. The Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, is going to take his seat. At this juncture, I appeal to people regarding time. Also, while it is not often done, the official to my left is in my GAA club, works in the Department of Foreign Affairs and was a pivotal person in Ireland's battle for a UN Security Council seat, Eoghan McSwiney. He is welcome to the Seanad.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Dáil Éireann passed the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2024 on 14 February 2024, without amendment, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Rónán Mullen - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the compliance requirements in the Athena SWAN charter and the need to review the evolving nature of the charter as it applies in Ireland and the approaches to compliance being taken by third level institutions to ensure the necessary guarantees are in place that third level staf…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, to the House.

On my behalf and that of the House, I welcome the Lithuanian ambassador, H.E. Mr. Marijus Gudynas, who is here with us. I thank him for being here and for his friendship and extensive engagement with us in the Oireachtas on behalf of his country. The Lithuanian national day is tomorrow. I congratulate the people of Lithuania, the ambassador and the deputy head of mission, who is also here with us, on their national day, which will take place on 16 February. It is an important day for the people of Lithuania. It is …

I call on the Acting Leader, Senator Seery Kearney, to outline the Order of Business.

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the Girl Guides from Ballybay, County Monaghan. We met in the corridor earlier. They are all very welcome and I thank their leaders for being with them as well.

On my behalf and on that of other Senators, I welcome to the Public Gallery the members of the Sarawak State Government in Malaysia. I thank them for their commitment to public service. We wish them a fruitful and positive visit to Dublin and Ireland. We hope they engage with Members of the Oireachtas in a very productive way.

Senator Craughwell had his opportunity to speak. The Acting Leader is replying to the debate.