Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.

At 10.30 a.m. I was bringing you all in a bit earlier.

The Order of Business is No.1, Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024 - First Stage, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the arrangements for the address to the Seanad by Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, Family Courts Bill 2022 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to adjourn at 12.45 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No.…

I certainly was not expecting to be standing as early as I am. It is probably somewhat connected to the upcoming general election which we think-----

Perhaps the length of the Order of Business has been somewhat impacted by the Tánaiste's comments yesterday and the Taoiseach's comments this morning, which have sent Members flying to constituencies to start knocking on doors. It is not surprising in some ways. Mr. Maloney and the Canadian delegation are very welcome to the Chamber. It is lovely to have them here and to hear the history that has been outlined by Senator Daly, our Leas-Chathaoirleach, of the long-standing connection between Canada and Ireland and t…

I thank the Senator for his remarks this morning. Parents are already in an impossible situation. Respite should be automatic in those situations. It should not be a constant battle. All of us deal with cases locally in our own communities where parents are trying to get weekend or overnight respite. The respite is granted but then pulled because no staff are available. Given the level of care in the home, the least parents can expect is a break, a regular break that they can rely upon. They need to know when it is…

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for an offence for the action commonly known as catfishing and for that purpose to provide for the identification of such an offence; to amend and extend the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 and to provide for consequential amendments to the Broadcasting Act 2009; and to provide for related matters.

Next Tuesday.

I move: That Seanad Éireann agrees with the recommendation of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight that, in accordance with the provisions for the address to Seanad Éireann by Distinguished Persons, Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, be invited to address Seanad Éireann on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, and, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, unless otherwise ordered, the following arrangements shall apply: The proceedings in respect of the address by Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiro…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council regulation on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of resident documents issued to EU citizens and their family members exercising their free movement, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m., with the proceedings there…

I thank the Members who contributed to the Order of Business today. First, Senator Fiona O'Loughlin expressed her sympathy to the family of the young seven-year-old girl who is reported to have had a serious eye injury following a vape exploding in a bonfire and has reissued her concern that people should be safe come bonfire season and Halloween and be mindful of not bringing illegal fireworks over the border. She also raised issues around housing for single people, which I think was a really important point. The …

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 Council Regulation on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence docu…

At 9.30 a.m. tomorrow.

The ambassador is most welcome to the Seanad Chamber. The Order of Business is No. 1, report of the Seanad Committee of Selection, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the Horse and Greyhound Racing Regulations 2024 - referral to committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to conclude at 2.30 p.m. if not …

I thank the Senators who contributed. The first was Senator Horkan. I join in his and many other colleagues’ words of condolences to the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, on the sad passing of his mother. Senator Horkan rightly pointed out that it had not been long since the Minister lost his father as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter and the wider Burke family on the sad passing of their mum. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam. Senator Horkan spoke passionately about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and…

It is anguish for their families. I watched with interest the BBC’s “Panorama” documentary that followed four families – two Israeli families and two Palestinian families – through the conflict. We saw innocent people being destroyed on both sides and unimaginable horrors. We sometimes neglect to mention the hostages when discussing the conflict, but there is a consensus on seeking a ceasefire and peace in the region. We think of our troops in Lebanon, their families in Ireland and the troops due to go to UNIFIL in…

That has been requested by numerous Senators over recent weeks. We have asked for it. Understandably, the Tánaiste is quite busy, but the request has been submitted.

Senator Lombard spoke about St. Killian’s Special School and sought a similar school in the other part of the constituency. He also spoke about the changes coming about at An Post and how certain post offices are for sale. He wants the areas that they are being relocated to be fit for purpose and capable of facilitating people using those important services. Senators Mullen and Keogan discussed the SPHE programme. Senator Mullen spoke about how the programme worked in line with child protection and asked for a deba…

In managing all of that, she has proved herself an effective Minister for Education. There are particular views on the SPHE programme.

In any event, I will request a debate with the Minister. It will provide an opportunity to debate those issues. However, I wish to defend Deputy Foley. She has been a very good Minister for Education. Her recent work on trying to tackle smartphone use shows that she is thinking about children’s welfare and mental health. Senator Malcolm Byrne acknowledged that we were celebrating the centenary of bilateral diplomatic relations with the US. It is an important relationship for Ireland and the US. The Senator put on t…