The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on flooding at Lough Funshinagh, to be taken at 3.15 p.m. and to conclude at 4.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes and that allocated to all Senators not to exceed five minutes, with the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, Research and Innovation Bill 2024 – Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 7 p.m., if n…

I thank all the Senators who contributed on the Order of Business today. Senator O'Loughlin was first. The Senator acknowledged the beginning of the Punchestown race festival this week and the major contribution the horse racing industry makes to Ireland. This is the case not just in Kildare but right across the country. The industry is worth €2.45 billion to the economy and nearly 31,000 people are employed in it. The industry is extremely important, and I wish all the organisers of the festival the very best this…

I thank my colleague Senator Murphy, who raised the issue Lough Funshinagh in the Chamber when I was taking Order of Business a number of weeks ago. I was struck by his impassioned plea to help people in the local community, so I visited the site two weeks ago. Matthew Beatty and Geraldine Murray took me around. We visited four locations around the lake and the homeowners there. Nothing prepared me for what I saw when I visited the site. Senator Eugene Murphy had said to me that the videos and photographs do not do…

The ambassador is most welcome to the Chamber. I thank her for being with us and it is lovely to meet her. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2024, referral to committee, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Bill 2023 [Dáil] - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 2.45 p.m., if not previously…

I thank Members who contributed to the Order of Business today. I welcome our friends in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Senator O'Loughlin spoke this morning about policing policy. I understand the challenges in dealing with these topics in terms of the demarcation between roles and responsibilities between the Minister, An Garda Síochána and the Commissioner. Certainly, however, there would be broad agreement in the House that the work of the Garda is so important to the functioning of our State and our democ…

That is no problem. I acknowledge and concur with Senator O'Loughlin's remarks regarding sulky racing and with regard to childcare. There is much pressure on the smaller providers and operators. I have made my views known in terms of policy that is supportive of the larger providers, which perform an important role, but we certainly need to make sure there are still small operators as part of the system and the offering for parents in order that there is choice for parents and it is not a one-size-fits-all approach…

You can of course.

Mr. Poots is most welcome to the Chamber. It is great to have him join us today in Seanad Éireann. Senator Seery Kearney spoke about the data commissioner's ruling with regard to the HSE and the illegal gathering of data on families who were taking cases against the Department. I am glad the case was dealt with appropriately and that was highlighted and found, in no small part due to the efforts of a whistleblower who brought that information to light, which is really important. We have learned a lot about whistleb…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2024, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 16th April, 2024, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)(b), which, not later than 8th May, 2024, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 75, and Standing Order 77(2) shall acc…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between Canada and the European Union on the transfer and processing of passenger name record data, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreeme…

I thank the Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Fiona O'Loughlin acknowledged today's apology by an Taoiseach to the victims of the Stardust tragedy. Many Members spoke about that tragedy today, including Senators Boyhan, Cummins and Conway. It is a poignant moment in what has been a very long battle. They have waited more than 40 years for justice. I extend my solidarity and support to the victims and their families on this important day for them. The State apology is welcome, albeit long overdue. It…

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 signing, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between Canada and the E…

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 conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between Canada and th…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the proposal for regulations and a directive of the European Parliament and Council on international protection, asylum and migration, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, statements on the cost of doing business, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to conclude at 2.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening contribution of the Min…

I thank all Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. The first speaker was Senator McGahon, who made an interesting point around parental leave for 26 weeks. The Senator would like the period during which that leave can be accessed to be extended in order that adults caring for children with a disability or a long-term illness can take it up until the child reaches 18 years of age. The proposal merits consideration. Senator Fitzpatrick welcomed the new inner city task force. She made the point that furthe…

Senator Warfield proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 12 be taken before No. 1, which was seconded by Senator Ruane. I am happy to accept that amendment. I commend the Senator on his work on that issue. Our legislation often lags behind where the world is at. This is a good piece of work that I am sure will be looked upon favourably by the relevant Minister. Senator Malcolm Byrne welcomed the announcement by the Minister, Deputy Foley, that we will move slowly back towards normal grades in respe…

It is not a matter for the Leader to direct a committee Chair or a committee on how to do their work. It is just not within my remit. It is the normal course of work that this draft pact be referred to a committee for consideration and it then comes back to us for consideration by the House. We will have a full debate on this on 2 May. That will be our opportunity to do this. I take on board the frustration the Senator expressed around the committee process but it is just not within my remit to deal with that as Le…

It is okay. I can respond for myself, a Chathaoirligh.

I can speak for myself is the only point I was making. We will have a full debate on the matter on 2 May. I hope I have responded to the genuine questions and concerns raised by Members. I fully take on board what has been said. We will have a full debate in the House on it. On a completely different matter, Senator Dolan raised the issue of Lough Funshinagh, which was also raised last week. Significant flooding is taking place at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon, involving homes and farmland. The environmental i…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann, having regard to 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, and noting that copies of the following proposed measures were laid before Seanad Éireann on 23 October 2020, 23 October 2020, 29 October 2020, 2 August 2016, 28 October 2020, 2 August 2016 and 2 August 2016 respectively: (i) Amended …