I thank all the Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator Kyne kicked off proceedings. He spoke about the announcement that the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys, made yesterday. She announced a €15 million fund for community centres to assist them to refurbish any buildings and carry out essential works. The Senator said that there was a gap as centres in urban areas were not included in the funding and has requested an extension of the scheme. I suggest it might be app…

Yes, exactly. Alan Gillis achieved a lot according to what Senator Boyhan put on the record this morning. The Senator paid him a very fitting tribute and I concur with his remarks. I extend our sympathies to his family, community and the Fine Gael Party on the passing of Alan Gillis. Finally, Senator McGreehan spoke about Irish Water. She has previously raised this issue that concerns the inhabitants of the area around the Cooley Peninsula. I urge the representatives of Irish Water to engage with the Senator and ot…

It has been 72 years since the Schuman Declaration was presented by French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, on 9 May 1950. Celebrating Europe Day annually allows us to remember where we started and to reflect on how far we have come. Remembering our history and bringing it to new generations is important because there was a very good reason for the development of the then European Coal and Steel Community, what is today the European Union. The original aim and purpose of the Union was peace and to ensure that we n…

I agree with the Order of Business. The first issue I wish to raise, and which I have raised previously, is the ongoing cost of childcare, the difficulty in accessing places and reliable childcare services. I request that at the earliest opportunity the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, come before the House to engage with Senators on the matter. Everyone is aware that new core funding has been announced. This is initially to stabilise the sector and ensure we pay …

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding membership of the Committee of Selection, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding draft Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2022, referral to committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; and No. 3, Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 - Committee Stage (Resumed), to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.45 p.m. if not previously concluded, provided that if a…

It is sorted now.

I thank all the Members who contributed to the Order of Business, which was kicked off by Senator Dooley who raised the tourism sector, in particular hospitality and the rising cost of hotel accommodation, especially in the capital city. He gave examples of how Dublin compares with other capital cities, such as London, Lisbon and Berlin. From the figures stated by the Senator, we seem to be far more expensive than those other capital cities. He has requested a debate on this and was supported by Senator Buttimer. S…

I move: That Senator Gerard Craughwell be discharged from membership of the Committee of Selection and Senator Victor Boyhan be appointed in substitution for him.

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2022, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 21st April, 2022, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)( b ), which, not later than 17th May, 2022, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 75, and Standing Order 77(2) shall …

The ambassador is most welcome. I concur with the Cathaoirleach's remarks in that regard. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on third level funding and costs of going to college and places for Ukrainian students in Irish universities, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude at 2.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes, and the Minister to be given no le…

I thank all of the Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator Horkan kicked off by welcoming the ambassador from the Netherlands to the House. The Senator also mentioned that 23 April to 27 April is Organ Donor Awareness Week. He stressed the importance of raising the issue of organ donation because it saves and improves numerous lives despite the tragedy that it flows from. Finally, he requested a debate on crime and we will seek that debate at the earliest opportunity.

We will probably have a justice debate for the whole thing. Senator Martin Conway spoke about Ukraine, as he has done on many occasions. He welcomed the fact that the driver's licence issue has been resolved. He also said that there is a need to establish a one-stop shop that will provide information and assistance to Ukrainian refugees as they arrive. The Senator spoke passionately about the leaving certificate. I think all Members will concur with his remarks on the digital leaving certificate papers but also the…

It is great to have a woman in the Chair for the debate. I commend Senator Regina Doherty on bringing this legislation before the House and I thank her for asking Senator Pauline O'Reilly and I to work with her. It has been a privilege to work on the legislation. It is needed. It is amazing that the position has not been changed before now and this that trial process has been allowed to stand. The Minister has heard from Senator Doherty why this is needed, and that she has full support for this Bill from Noeline Bl…

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. I will raise a number of issues. I alert everybody in the House that Saturday, 30 April is the annual Mayo Day celebration. I invite my colleagues to attend if they would like to visit Mayo. It is a festival we started a number of years ago and we were the first county in the country to do so. That is not a surprise because we like to shout about our Mayoness. This year's theme is home to where the heart is and home to Mayo. It is about getting people back …

In particular, but also my colleagues in the Seanad of course.

Everyone is welcome. The Senator knows we are the most welcoming county in the country. I also welcome the recent announcement of the Brexit adjustment local authority fund, where we had approval for seven projects throughout the county, including Ballina Quay, Rosmoney Pier and Killala Harbour to name but a few. We are a large coastal county so money like this is very important. We are trying at present to update our marine strategy and our marine policy, and encourage local fishing communities to survive and thri…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 1.15 p.m.

I thank all of the Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator O'Loughlin kicked off by congratulating the people who have organised the Calves for Ukraine event at Kilcullen Mart to raise much-needed funds for the Ukrainian crisis. She also referred to the progress that has been made by the women's caucus, of which she is chair, in advancing legislation to provide maternity leave for councillors, following a meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. It is great to see progress and she t…

Yes, absolutely. Senator Buttimer highlighted that today is World Health Day and commended all the healthcare workers. He said we will require a debate on health at a future date in the coming weeks to keep on top of that issue. He also raised the issue of the cost of living. Senator Boyhan spoke about the census that took place within the past week and referenced in particular the need to protect people living in their homes, which was a wish of a woman to whom he spoke. When asked whether she was putting somethin…

I join with the Cathaoirleach in welcoming Tom Clonan to the Chamber. It is an exciting day for all of us in the Seanad to have a new Member of the House. Senator Clonan is most welcome, as are his friends and family who are here to support him. It is a fantastic day for all of them, who I am sure were very involved in the campaign to get Tom elected. I can tell him that we all watched with great interest as the results came in. It is great to see a competitive contest. He has earned his position here and I have no…