-----so I know exactly what he meant by it. I hated it. I used to be terrified but did it anyway because it was just part of what you had to do when living in a rural area. The term is funny and you either know what it means or you do not.

I move: "That the Twentieth Report of the Committee of Selection be laid before the Seanad."

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2024, copies of which were laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 3rd October, 2024, be referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)(b), which, not later than 22nd October, 2024, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 75, and Standing Order 77(2) shall accordingly apply.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the draft south coast designated maritime area plan for offshore renewable energy, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude at 2.15 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 ten minutes and the time may be shared, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes t…

I want to clarify that No. 1 on the Order Paper will conclude at 2 p.m. and not 2.15 p.m. as stated. I thank all Members who contributed. The first to speak this morning was Senator O'Loughlin. She and many others welcomed the Government commitment to ratify the optional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It is a positive step forward. As Senator Carrigy outlined, it is a recommendation from the autism committee in its report, which will be debated later this evening. It is so…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy, a copy of which was laid before Seanad Éireann on 26th September, 2024.

I thank the Chair. To clarify a point by the previous speaker, in budget 2025 the Government specifically addressed investment in the grid and in infrastructure and specifically allocated money from the sale of AIB. That was very much addressed in the budget. I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. It is welcome to have an opportunity to discuss offshore wind and its potential. It will come as no surprise that I support the motion. I am pleased to see the DMAP for the south coast but that is with a tinge of…

I referred to the DMAP on the west coast.

Will that be in 2025?

When will the process be concluded?

I move: "That Second Stage be taken today."

The Order of Business is No. 1, Motor Insurance Insolvency Compensation Bill 2024 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 2.15 p.m. if not previously concluded; No. 2, Family Courts Bill 2022 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 2.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 3, Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 5.30 p.m and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 8…

Is anybody missing?

I thank the Members who contributed this morning to the Order of Business. First, Senator Gerry Horkan welcomed yesterday's budget, and said how the mark of a good budget is when there is not very much to say about it afterwards. He said that things have gone well. I take on board the Senator's comments on hospitality. Certainly there is a body of work to be done on the cost base for business. A business support scheme was announced yesterday. There is a commitment from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Emplo…

Senator Vincent P. Martin has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1". I am happy to accept the amendment, which relates to vehicle registration. I commend the Senator on bringing the Bill to the House. I concur with his complimentary remarks about Naas Athletic Club. I wish the club well with its centenary celebration, which is a great milestone to reach. Senator Ardagh welcomed the budget as well. She particularly focused on the disability sector and the numerous tax measu…

Ms Mathews and her team have done a lot of work to bring the conference here. The event has been a number of years in planning. It is a huge logistical operation to organise the event in terms of transport, accommodation, dining and everything that goes with it. I wish the team here and the Irish delegation the very best over the coming days. Senator McGahon was looking for progress on the primary care centre in Dundalk. Senator Keogan raised issues in respect of the junior cycle SPHE curriculum. I have some of the…

Senator Seery Kearney welcomed the budget and said it was good for families. She welcomed the focus on smartphone use among younger people. It was announced in the budget yesterday that schools will be assisted financially to get rid of phones during the school day, thereby allowing children to be children and allowing young people to go to school without being distracted by their phones. I think it is going to take a joint effort across all of the school community - parents and teachers - because I hear from young…

I welcome the ambassador to the Chamber and wish Cyprus very well on its national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on budget 2025, from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, to be taken at 4.15 p.m. and to conclude after 90 minutes 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 ten minutes, time may be shared, all other Senators not to exceed five mi…

I thank the Members who contributed today. It was not as busy as other days, given the day that is in it, but still important points were raised. Senator O'Loughlin gave a lovely tribute to Micheál "Spike" Nolan. I did not know the man but obviously he was a very active councillor in the Newbridge and wider Kildare area and served his community with distinction. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. She also highlighted the Fuchsia Appeal which is open for Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉirean…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Planning and Development Bill 2023 - Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 5.45 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; and No. 2, Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 7 p.m. and to adjourn at 9 p.m., if not previously concluded…