We are entitled to-----

With respect-----

I thank the Cathaoirleach.

I thank the Cathaoirleach.

If I can continue making my point concerning section 68 of the Bill, and to refer to section 68(3), I have talked about the reasonable resources in this context. Section 68(3)(b) refers to "any priorities of relevance to such a plan that may be determined by the Minister for the period to which the plan relates". Can the Minister please expand on how the priorities will be established? Will they be done in consultation with anybody? Is it a matter for the Department or is it one for the Minister, working with the G…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a decision amending Directive 2014/62/EU as regards certain reporting requirements, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023 - Committee Stage (Resumed), to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 3.15 p.m. if not previously concluded; No. 3, Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3.15 p.m., and the pro…

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business. The first to speak this afternoon was Senator Seery Kearney. Given the smile on her face, I can see how delighted she is with the progress of the work she has done in the area of surrogacy and rights for parents. I concur with her remarks. Almost every Senator who rose this morning congratulated her and acknowledged her work. As Senator Mark Daly pointed out, it is very difficult to make changes to policy and legislation, even for us legislators and poli…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2014/62/EU as regards certain re…

On the appointment of the deputy Garda commissioner role, an issue arose a month ago regarding the recruitment process for that role and this is an opportunity to raise it. I acknowledge we are talking about it in the context of a process but is information on the status of that recruitment process available? It speaks to a broader conversation about the role of deputy Garda commissioner, the lead person in the State for intelligence and national security, and that brings with it a certain level of responsibility r…

I am aware of the work the Minister for Finance is doing on the pensions issue. Is it the Minister’s intention to wait to conclude the process until that work has been done? Will the role be left vacant until that point? I understand that would take some time. I also understand the need to let the process take its course. On the recruitment process and the applications having closed, can the Minister inform the House as to whether any senior members of An Garda Síochána have applied for that position? I agree entir…

The Minister asked where the gap is. I was not suggesting that she put into primary legislation something to the effect that somebody from An Garda Síochána should be appointed, although that is what I think. We have to consider people serving in our police force for the head of intelligence. The reason we had this conversation in the Chamber is that if ever this were to be looked at in terms of the intention of the legislation and the Minister, the debate in this House and the other House will be read to determine…

Section 52 deals with the Garda Reserve. While I have no difficulty with the section, I should point out that the potential of the Garda Reserve has been raised a number of times in the House, in particular, by Senator McDowell. In the context of the challenges we face in recruiting and retaining gardaí for many reasons, we are working to improve the lot of trainees and getting more people into the Garda. There is untapped potential within the Garda Reserve. The section refers to a garda reserve having the same dut…

I want to take this opportunity to talk about the admission of trainees, which is dealt with under this section. Somebody close to me has recently gone through the process of applying to join the Garda. They have gone through the fitness test, the interviews and all that goes with that. It was quite a lengthy process. It started at the beginning of this year and that person is still awaiting their date for call-up. There is a particular process to go through and the individual concerned had no difficulty going thro…

Now.

I move: That pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to him.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 2 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall in relation to amendments include only those set down or accepted by the Government; No. 2, Credit Union (Amendment) Bill 2022 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 2 p.m.; and No. 3, Finance (No. 2)…

I thank the Senators who contributed. Senator Kyne rose to speak, as he has done numerous times, about issues pertaining to Inland Fisheries Ireland. He once again requested a debate on the matter. I have requested that debate but have not been successful in securing it with the Minister. The Senator has raised some serious issues relating to governance and equity in how Inland Fisheries Ireland does its business. I hope that his words are being listened to and heard where they need to be. There are questions to be…

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. I want to raise with the Minister for further and higher education the issue of the student contribution fee, and the reduction announced in the budget that reduces that fee by €1,000 for all students going to higher education and third level college. That was really welcome. It was a huge easing of a burden on students and their families at a time when cost-of-living pressures are very significant. Students really feel that intently when they are trying to do their s…

I thank the Minister of State. I had anticipated that might be his response. I have probably addressed some of the matters he raised. I am aware of the structure of the free fees initiative and that the two courses I mentioned do not come under that. However, I refer to the practical reality on the ground. I think the Minister's intent when introducing this policy was to help students going to college. Marino Institute already reduced the fees of those courses, including the bachelor of science in early childhood e…