I have received notice from Senator Emer Currie that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to extend the funding opportunities available under the Town Centre First policy to suburban villages. I have also received notice from Senator Malcolm Byrne of the following matter: The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on the measures in …

I thank the Acting Leader. As is well-established custom, I now invite the father of the House to address the House.

Go raibh maith agat. I thank Senator Norris, father of the House. It is a very fitting tribute from someone who worked alongside Mr. Murphy. The Senator will be happy to know that we have held one minute's silence for Mr. Murphy, and that we have had some tributes also. We have also written to the family. I know that Senator Norris would want to be aware of that.

We can arrange that. We can do that.

We will now turn to the party rotation. To speak on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group I invite Senator Fiona O'Loughlin.

I should have pointed out that in addition to following the rota provided, I am following the normal party rota. I wish to explain this as Senator Conway was later coming in than others and there could be a misunderstanding around that. We are following a party rota as well. As per the party rota, the next speaker is Senator Craughwell, on behalf of the Independent Group.

I now call Senator Pauline O'Reilly, on behalf of the Green Party, and I take this opportunity to join with colleagues in acknowledging today being International Women's Day, which is a very important day and merits absolute recognition and a proactive response in terms of women's rights. All that has been said by colleagues in that regard is true. A great exemplar of a woman politician is Senator Pauline O'Reilly, hence my recognition of International Women's Day now.

Senator Dooley is next. I join in the congratulations to him on his recent initiative.

I thank Senator Keogan and congratulate her on that initiative. I have no doubt it will be supported across the House by all groupings and parties. I will move to our next speaker, Senator Malcolm Byrne.

Senator Hackett is in a hurry to get away.

I thank Senator Byrne for the suggestion.

This debate is to adjourn at 6.30 p.m.

That should suffice, but just in case. I did not want it to be sprung on Senators. It is to adjourn at 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, but I have a suspicion that will not be a difficulty. It is my great pleasure to welcome the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, to her own Chamber in her ministerial capacity. I welcome all colleagues and the iar-Chathaoirleach to the debate. I remind Members that a Senator may speak only once per amendment on Report Stage except the proposer of the amendment, who may reply…

Amendment No. 2 has been deemed out of order, as it was previously rejected in a committee of the whole Seanad.

Amendment No. 3 arises out of committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, 7 to 10, inclusive, and 14 to 16, inclusive, are related and will be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed. Does Senator Boylan wish to move amendment No. 3?

Is there a seconder?

The amendment lapses in the absence of a seconder.

Maybe the Senator will have someone for later amendments. I will move slowly to give her time to get someone.

Amendment No. 6 is out of order, as it was previously rejected in a committee of the whole Seanad.

Amendment No. 7 arises out of committee proceedings and has already been discussed with amendment No. 3. It is appropriate that Senator Boylan be given some latitude to speak to it.