A number of amendments are being taken together. I read out a direction that amendments Nos. 2 to 7, inclusive, and 9 are being discussed with amendment No. 1.

I have received notice from Senator Frances Black that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the progress being made to provide equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for Palestinians under the €50 million global public health initiatives, including the COVAX mechanism. I have also received notice from Senator Eugene Murphy of the following matter: The need for the Minister of State at the Departmen…

I welcome my friend and colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Colm Brophy, to the House.

Dáil Éireann has passed the Health (Amendment) Bill 2021 on 25 February 2021, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I call the father of the House, Senator Norris.

I thank Senator Norris. I speak for every Member and every member of staff in welcoming him back and wishing him well.

I am delighted that everything has been successful. I only echo what everyone else is thinking and feeling.

We all join with Senator Buttimer in congratulating his fellow club member, Mr. Larry McCarthy. It is a huge achievement for him.

We have had a template of exemplary timing.

It is my great pleasure to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to the Chamber to address the Seanad.

I thank the Minister of State. In the next phase of the debate all Senators will have six minutes' speaking time. I call our first speaker, Senator Buttimer.

If everybody follows that type of timing we will get to hear from every Member, which would be great. Quite a number of speakers are offering so in the interests of colleagues I ask Members to do that.

That is much appreciated. I call Senator Dooley.

I thank the Senator. My job is very easy this evening. Senators are being extremely reasonable and collegial.

I thank the Minister of State. I thank colleagues for their co-operation in allowing me to get everyone in, and in making this a very worthwhile debate on a grave, national crisis. When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have receive notice from Senator Malcolm Byrne that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the timeline for completion of the M11 motorway from Oylegate to Rosslare Europort, County Wexford. I have also received notice from Senator Joe O'Reilly of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Transport to review the prohibition, in section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, on the …

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, to the House.

I thank the Minister of State for being here. The essence of this issue relates to the fact that at present holders of hackney or minibus licences cannot during their lifetimes pass on the business and licence to their children. On death, they can pass it to one of their children but in life they cannot so do. It is a huge anomaly and makes no sense. Obviously the personnel to whom they would be passing it on would have to reach the relevant criteria - that is not an issue - but they cannot pass it on in any circum…

The Minister of State's response is disappointing and I would like him to convey that to the Minister for Transport. He did not address this anomaly, which could easily be legislated for without damaging the Department's overall objectives. There is no issue with the person's suitability to carry out the function. The Minister of State said that the rationale is that the person must be suitable. That is not a problem and no one is suggesting otherwise. The licence can only be transferred on the person's death but t…