I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, to the Chamber. We are entering a quite exciting renewables phase. The technology is advancing and the opportunity to generate renewable electricity, particularly off the west coast, is evident to everybody. In recent weeks, the Taoiseach referred to the cost-of-living crisis, particularly the energy crisis we now face, and acknowledged what we all know is a fact, that is, that we are in for a difficult seven or eight years ahead. This will mean the decarbonisat…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. There is some positive stuff in it, but it appears to be lacking in terms of the level of ambition we would like to see for the west of Ireland. I understand the technology is slightly different and it is not as easy to install floating, as opposed to fixed bottom, turbines, but the Minister of State acknowledged in his reply that the wind resources off the west coast are far greater than elsewhere. If we are serious about achieving our 2030 targets, which we are curr…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion in regard to the National Archives Act 1986 (Section 1(2)(d)) Order 2022 to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 2.45 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.45 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall in relation to amendments include only those set down or accepted…

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business today. The first contributor was Senator Kyne, who alerted Members to the Galway hydrogen hub public consultation taking place on Thursday and Friday next in Galway. The Senator spoke about the need for a hydrogen strategy, with which I would agree, and referenced the view of the hub that offshore wind would be needed. The Senator mentioned the Commencement matter I raised this morning which spoke about the State's offshore wind strategy. It appears to be…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: National Archives Act 1986 (Section 1(2)(d)) Order 2022, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 8th June, 2022.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re arrangements for the sitting of the House on Tuesday, 21 June, Wednesday, 22 June and Thursday, 23 June 2022, without debate; No. 2, Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2022 – all Stages to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to conclude at 3.15 p.m. and the proceedings on Second Stage shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 58 minutes with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, all Senators not to exceed six mi…

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator Conway kicked off discussions and he spoke about some of the briefing he attended yesterday. In particular, he referred to the briefing held by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. I think many Members of this House attended it to hear some of its requests which, from my perspective, were very reasonable. It is looking to reduce class size numbers by two, which would bring us in line with other European countries. It made a novel, interesti…

It is all part of the debate to come, when we will discuss that further. Senator Buttimer concurred with the request for the debate. We will request it. I note his comments as well in support of what Senator Mullen said. I understand from the Cathaoirleach that it will be an item for discussion on the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight's agenda at some point, to get clarification for Members on what we can or cannot say or do and how we conduct ourselves.

I take on board the Senator's comment about a debate with the Minister for Education. I am not sure that will be possible for next week as the schedule has already been sent to his group's leader and the Whip for discussion and sign-off by today.

With respect to the Minister and her significant workload, she has done a great deal of work in terms of grant funding and supports for school extensions. Every village, town and county has seen the benefits of education spending in the last two years. There is unprecedented spending in education. In terms of leaving certificate reform, the reforms that are taking place are long overdue so it is great to see them finally being implemented under the Minister for Education. We can see her experience as a teacher comi…

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, unless otherwise ordered, the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the sittings of the Seanad on 21st, 22nd and 23rd June, 2022: (1) The Seanad shall meet at 12 noon on Tuesday, 21st June, 2022, and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Commencement matters shall be taken at 12 noon and up to six matters may be selected by the Cathaoirleach for discussion; (b) Standing Order 30 shall stand suspended; (c) Th…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 - Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.45 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; No. 2, Sick Leave Bill 2022 - Second Stage, to be taken at 3.45 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 1, whichever is the latter, and to co…

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business today. Senator Buttimer started this morning by speaking about this month being Pride month and the Senator referred specifically to the recent controversy around Dublin Pride and RTÉ. I share the Senator's concern that Pride has pulled away from RTÉ. It is regrettable that this parting of ways has happened. I would certainly hope that both parties can get around the table to try to find a way forward. That particular debate was quite tense at times with …

I suggest that the Senator ask his questions.

I thank my colleague, Senator Ardagh, for sharing her time. I welcome the Minister to the Chamber and welcome this opportunity to have a conversation on the cost of living. There are some aspects of the motion that merit discussion and consideration. I am not sure that reducing income tax is the best way to achieve a reduction in childcare costs or medical bills. If we reduce income tax at the same time, that would be difficult because if you reduce income tax, it costs more to do that and you do not have as much m…

The Minister is welcome to the House. It is fantastic to hear him going through all of the delivery that has happened for women's health over the past two years. It sounds like he has been doing this for much longer. There has been a huge amount of delivery despite the fact that he was dealing with a pandemic for most of his term of office. The Minister hit the nail on the head when he spoke about women's experience of feeling not listened to. We often hear the term "gaslighting" whereby women are told something is…

I welcome the ambassador to the Chamber and wish him well with the opening of the embassy in December. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022, instruction to committee, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 2.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 4 p.m., if not previously c…

I thank all the Members who contributed this afternoon. Senator Kyne kicked off by speaking about the scenes we all witnessed in Dublin Airport, the very significant queues and those who missed their flights. Other Members raised similar issues around the airport, namely, Senators Gavan, Sherlock, Conway and Maria Byrne. I am happy to report that the Leader of the House boarded a plane this morning from Terminal 1 and, in her own tweet, said that she arrived at the airport at 4.20 a.m. and was through to the gate a…

We could discuss Tinder, a Chathaoirligh.

I will move on.