I thank the Cathaoirleach. I, too, welcome the ambassador to the Chamber. I wish her and her team well on Poland's Constitution Day. It is great to have them in the Gallery. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding arrangements for the address to Seanad Éireann by Ms Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, on Tuesday, 9 May 2023, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, motion regarding Social W…

I thank all the Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator Maria Byrne was the first to contribute. She again raised the ongoing challenges being experienced at University Hospital Limerick and the capacity issues and bed strategy there. The Senator acknowledged the additional 98 beds that have been provided but noted that the situation is particularly difficult for staff, as highlighted by Senator Sherlock, and patients. This matter is being worked on actively by the Minister for Health and his Depa…

I move: (1) 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, Ms. Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, be invited to address Seanad Éireann on Tuesday, 9th May, 2023, and, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, unless otherwise ordered, the following arrangements shall apply: T…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) (Amendment) (No. 2) (Qualifying Conditions) Regulations 2023, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 3rd April, 2023.

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping, I welcome these statements today. I congratulate my party colleague, Senator O'Loughlin on her report for the Reykjavik Summit which sets out the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's proposals for the summit. I also commend the work of other colleagues who have sat on that as well, Senator Joe O'Reilly, Senator Gavan and Senator Garvey. I commend them on their work. I have seen, over the past 12 months, the level of engagement and work that has been undertaken by …

At 9.30 tomorrow morning.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023 - Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage, to be taken at 2.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022 – Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to adjourn and 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded.

I thank the Senator.

I will make a proposal following the conclusion of the Order of Business. I thank Members who have contributed to the Order of Business today and for their lovely comments to me personally. It is very much appreciated. I commend the Cathaoirleach on his performance and his remarks on behalf of the House on Thursday last during the address by the US President, Joe Biden. I very much appreciate it. He did the House proud on what was also a very special occasion for the Cathaoirleach himself. Senator O'Loughlin spoke …

We will engage with the Minister's office and determine what is appropriate in terms of facilitating the debate on all the issues and ensuring an opportunity in the House to debate the report. The report is an important body of work that was commissioned and published by the committee. Senator Warfield spoke about rents going up by 25%. Everyone is aware that the rental sector is under pressure and that there are significant increases in costs. I disagree with the Senator's point that the lifting of the eviction ba…

I move: That Seanad Éireann – – expresses its deep sadness on the death of Pat Magner; – conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and – expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a Member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.

I welcome Deputy John Lahart, Mr. Daniel Hyzack and the students from County Cavan. They are most welcome to the Chamber. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the Specialised Committee on Law enforcement and Judicial Cooperation established by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, regarding the establishment of a standard form for requests for mutual assistance referre…

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator Joe O'Reilly spoke this morning about the issue of gambling, which Senator Cassells also spoke about. I am pleased to inform the House that the Bill has commenced in the Dáil and is due to come before the Seanad before the summer recess in July. I am not sure it will pass all Stages before the recess but we would love it to do so. The comments made by both Senators show there is a willingness and momentum to put an end to that scourge on Irish so…

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 Decision on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the Specialised Committee …

I also welcome all our guests. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the appointment of members to the joint committee established to consider the application for a private Bill entitled the Royal Hibernian Academy (Amendment of Charter) Bill, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 2.45 p.m.…

I thank Members for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, seconded by Senator Ardagh, that No. 23 be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accept the amendment and I commend both Senators on their work on what I will refer to as the IVF Bill, to give it a shortened Title. In essence, the purpose of the Bill is to allow access to financial support for IVF services. The Senators have worked for the past two years with the Minister for Health and his Department to brin…

I was not aware of the issue. An interesting point was raised concerning the move towards more advanced fuel composition. I imagine once the issue is raised with the Minister, some concession will be made for motorists with vintage cars. They are part of every St. Patrick’s Day parade and rallies. They are so important to the culture of the country that I have no doubt the Minister will engage on the issue. It might be one for a Commencement matter with the Minister because it is quite a specific question, even if …

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

I thank the Chair, and happy International Women's Day to everyone. The Order of Business is No. 1 on the Supplementary Order Paper, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on Thursday, 9 March, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, statements to mark International Women's Day, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude after 90 minutes if not previously concluded, with the time allocated for the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes,…

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Almost all of them acknowledged that it is International Women's Day and wished everyone well. A number of important topics were raised in the same vein. Senator Maria Byrne spoke about a new clinical trial in the UK on endometriosis, which she will know is a topic close to my heart, and the focus on trying to find a drug to deal with the pain. My knowledge of the condition, from having a close family member who is dealing with it, is that the use of pai…