The horrific and barbaric scenes we witnessed, and that have been verified, cannot be simply brushed over. That is not to take from what has happened since then. All of it is equally horrifying. To try to bring some balance to the motion, the motion that was carefully drafted does reflect that. I take on board the comments made around the timing. There is an opportunity for debate today and tomorrow. Things are moving so fast that time is a luxury we do not have on these exceptional issues and in these exceptional …

In the past week there has been considerable discussion-----

-----with the group. I did speak to Senator Black in person.

Last night the motion went in. That was the end of the discussion because the motion was submitted. It is not reflective of the events of the past week to suggest that there was not discussion across the House because there was. I was party to that discussion. Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke-----

I think I have dealt with the points made and have responded with my own view. That is my view as it stands. Senator Byrne pointed to the fact that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and that events in the Middle East have somewhat overshadowed that in the past ten days or so. It is important. He referenced the growing allegiance between Russia and China. The European Union has taken a much stronger stance on China and the acceleration of the expansion of the European Union is partly due to that geopolitical situa…

I move: That Seanad Éireann: - unreservedly condemns the brutal attack by Hamas in Israel on Saturday, 7th October 2023, indiscriminately and systematically targeting civilians, and resulting in over 1,400 deaths; - emphasises that the deliberate taking of hostages, including children and the elderly, is unconscionable and calls for their immediate and unconditional release; - recognises Israel’s right to defend itself from attack, in line with international law; - stresses the universal applicability of internatio…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on Thursday, 19 October 2023, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; and No. 2, statements on the final report of the independent scoping exercise into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell, to be taken at 7 p.m. and to conclude not later than 8.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten min…

Senator Dooley kicked off the Order of Business by speaking about the University of Limerick and the lack of clarity regarding the appointment of a chancellor there. I might suggest that he table a Commencement matter on that. It is quite a specific question, and I do not have full details of the circumstances as to why that appointment has not been made. I take on board the Senator's comments. Senator Keogan referred to higher education and requested that the Minister come before the House. I will make the request…

Everybody is very proud of the team and gutted for the players as well. It was a great game to watch. The result was disappointing but we have fantastic memories. This is a lovely note on which to end the Order of Business.

I move: (1) That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Wednesday, 18th October, 2023, shall adjourn until 9 a.m. on Thursday, 19th October, 2023, and the following arrangements shall apply: ( a ) Commencement matters shall be taken at 9 a.m.; ( b ) Standing Order 30 shall stand suspended; ( c ) There shall be no Order of Business; ( d ) The business to be taken shall be confined to the item set out in the Schedule to this paragraph and, accordingly…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Control of Exports Bill 2023 [Dáil] – Committee Stage, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 2.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 128, motion No. 8, regarding the disability allowance, to be taken at 2.30 p.m., with the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours; No. 2, Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 128, motion No. 8, whichever is the lat…

I thank all Members who raised issues this morning. Senator Casey started today and spoke about the Transport Infrastructure Ireland report and the impact that a lack of progress on major road projects across the country is having. I believe the Senator said the report stated that this lack of progress could lead to an additional 77 deaths and more than 300 serious injuries. It has been well acknowledged publicly that there are now significant delays in progressing roads projects at the Department of Transport. I a…

It was very quiet and I think people missed the action. How to strike the right balance while ensuring both safety and openness is something for us to reflect on for the coming years. We do not have the answer just yet but everyone is doing their best to respond to the safety concerns that have been raised, which the Cathaoirleach has pointed out, and to ensure that staff in the Houses are safe in doing their jobs. Senators Maria Byrne and Conway both spoke about the health budget, University Hospital Limerick and …

I propose that we have a minute's silence on behalf of Members of Seanad Éireann to acknowledge the loss of life in both Israel and Palestine and in Gaza over the weekend and the last couple of days. We send our thoughts and prayers to the families and communities of those bereaved, those who are seriously injured, and those dealing with the fall-out of the conflict that is still ongoing.

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on budget 2024, from the Department of Finance, to be taken at 5.05 p.m. and to conclude not later than 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed seven minutes and all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, with the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, statements on budget 2024, from the Department of P…

I thank all Members who raised issues on what is also budget 2024 day. Remarkably, and rightly so, the main topic for discussion was Israel and Palestine and what happened at the weekend. Almost every Member who spoke this morning or this afternoon raised this issue and asked for statements. I have already requested that the Tánaiste come to the House next week and I am awaiting a reply. We all echo our utter condemnation for what happened on Saturday and over the weekend, and the indiscriminate murder of people an…

The comments of some public representatives were disappointing and shocking, while maybe not surprising in some parts, but certainly do not serve the cause of peace, which we all seek. I concur with the remarks of Senators who called for the release of those who have been taken hostage. We call for a ceasefire and for peace talks to begin again as soon as possible. I also welcome the comments of the Tánaiste and the Government in their support for Israel to defend itself but also in support of the Palestinian peopl…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to the House. Today was a particularly proud day for me, as a member of the Fianna Fáil Party, watching our Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, deliver the budget on behalf of the Government and, of course, on behalf of Fianna Fáil. What struck me today about the budget was that there was something for everybody. Sometimes people suggest that is a bad thing. It was a good thing to show that not only had we a significant social welfare package of €1…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023 – Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, statements on access to third level places and student a…

Senator O'Loughlin proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 17, which is the domestic violence register Bill, be taken before No. 1. This was seconded by Senator Fitzpatrick. I am happy to accept the amendment to the Order of Business. I commend Senator O'Loughlin on her work on this Bill. It is important, timely and links in very well with the programme of work the Minister for Justice has done in this really important area. A transformative body of work has been done in the Department of Justice r…