Senator Gavan will be able to respond in a minute.

Can we abandon the discussion at this point?

I ask Senator Mullen to conclude. He was given a lot of time and did very well. We are making the same arguments in circles.

The Minister will respond later. Thank you, Senator.

I appreciate that. I wish to make it clear to Members that because of the gravity and sensitivity of the issue, I was trying to achieve a respectful and calm debate so that it did not turn into something it should not, and we are doing our best. We are trying to achieve that. Before Senator Hoey takes the Chair, it would be in order to let Senator Gavan respond to the specific issue relating to him, followed by Senator Boylan. I ask Senator Gavan respond only to the specific issue.

I second the amendment. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I also thank the Independent group of Senators for tabling this motion. It is an important discussion. There has clearly been a breakdown of human rights in Xinjiang province. A systematic effort is under way to destroy a culture, a heritage and a way of life. While there is not full extermination under way, through the sterilisation process, abortion, etc., there is, effectively, an effort being made to exterminate a people. We are talking about…

Senators McDowell and Boyhan have been appointed tellers for the Níl side. As no tellers have been nominated for the Tá side, I declare the question to be decided in the negative. The amendment is accordingly defeated.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, who is my friend and a former colleague for many years in the parliamentary delegation to the Council of Europe, where he was highly respected. He made a big impact at the Council of Europe, as Senator Mullen will testify. We are not surprised by subsequent events.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

I want to be associated with the kind words of Senators Murphy and Keogan regarding Leona Maguire. On a personal level, her grand aunt was my primary school teacher and like Leona, she too was a lovely lady. Thankfully, she is still with us and is very active in our community. Her daughter is teaching here in Dublin. I want to acknowledge that wonderful family.

I associate myself with Senator Byrne's remarks directed to our colleague, Senator Buttimer.

The last word today is with Senator Conway.

I thank the Leader.

Dáil Éireann passed the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021, changed from Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021, on 2 February 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

The Cathaoirleach has received notice from Senator Joe O’Reilly that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the current income crisis in the pig industry. I have also received notice from Senator Fiona O’Loughlin of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Defence to make a statement on the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks. I have also received notice from Sena…

Just as an aside at the outset, my good friend Senator Boyhan is actively listening. We have many people who are listening, but not actively listening, so that is good. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, and thank him for personally taking this matter. By coming in here as a senior Minister to take the issue, it is an indication that he is taking it seriously and not attempting to fob it off. This is a very serious matter. I will try to give some figures because there h…

I thank the Minister for his positive response. I appreciate that, refreshingly, he did not attempt any evasive nonsense and did not say there was not a problem. He has accepted there is a real problem and is on top of and dealing with it. I also pay tribute to my party colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, for his role in this, as cited by the Minister. I am glad the Minister is meeting farmers again today. My final word to him is to ask him to please present them with a package. At the end of his contr…

I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the House. That we have the senior Minister to discuss the motion is an indication of how seriously he takes the matter. We appreciate him being here. I thank Members also for being here in good numbers. I invite Senator Ahearn to speak to the motion.