Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I am particularly glad he is here because I know he is a straight talker and will be clear in his answers. In many ways, the issue I raise today is a quite straightforward question but it is one about which the entire country has a concern. I ask him to outline the progress on the building of the national children's hospital, the costs to date, the anticipated costs and, most important, the planned opening date. I noticed that in responding on the previous Commencement matter, he …

I thank the Minister of State. I appreciate that there will always be external factors that will have an impact but many of the factors contributing to the cost spiral happened prior to Covid-19 and the invasion of Ukraine. I am assured by the Minister of State's comments that the building will be substantially completed by the end of 2023 and that we will have an opening date in 2024. He indicated to me that the overall and final cost should be of the order of €1.73 billion. I assume some of the costs mentioned re…

I agree with colleagues. Senator Mullen's choice of phrase when he referred to "so-called transgender rights" was inappropriate.

In a republic-----

With respect, in a republic-----

In a republic-----

I assume the Leas-Cathaoirleach will be generous in time in light of the interruptions. Let us be very clear that within a republic, all citizens and residents deserve to be treated equally and with respect. That applies-----

That applies-----

-----to those who are transgender and choose to define themselves in that way. By the way, as far as I am concerned, there were no efforts on my part to shut down free speech. In fact, the interruptions were more a reflection of an effort-----

I wish to move on to-----

I do not intend to. I wish to raise the issue of Garda numbers. I have raised previously the fact that the Garda numbers for the Wexford division stood, at the end of November last year, at 341. At the end of February, the total Garda numbers in the Wexford division fell to 334. The reason I raised this matter specifically is because of the increased traffic at Rosslare as a result of Brexit, with more pressure on customs and immigration. It is great that Rosslare is busier, but it means that gardaí from the Wexfor…

Every summer it is guaranteed-----

I appreciate the Leas-Cathaoirleach's indulgence. Every summer and winter, the river is nearly always guaranteed to flood. I would appreciate if the Leader would raise the matter with-----

I will start by thanking Senator Boyhan for his kind words and by welcoming the publication of the Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022. Having had discussions with the Minister and the officials, I am quite happy that many of the measures contained in the Bill I proposed on allowing local authorities to use CCTV and other technologies to catch illegal dumping have been folded into this new legislation. I know it is about more much but these are particularly …

Sinn Féin does not talk about its support for Maduro, Putin and the Chinese Communist Party when it has its $1,000 a plate dinners at the Trump hotels with its American backers. It should not come in here and question my party’s record on foreign policy. We have always supported a peaceful solution, a two-state solution in Palestine, and we have always supported multilateral institutions. It is a bit rich for Sinn Féin to talk about us being on the wrong side of history.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I commend my Fine Gael colleagues for a well-considered motion. As it was being proposed by Senator Seery Kearney, I agree with her words. It is a comprehensive motion and reflects in many ways the concerns of the Irish people and our desire as a nation as to how the world should function. I am happy that President Zelenskyy has received and accepted an invitation to address the joint Houses. I made the suggestion a number of weeks ago. I thank the Clerk, Martin Groves, for his as…

I propose Senator Ned O'Sullivan.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this item which concerns the pension entitlements of those in the research sector. I am sure that, like me, he agrees that for our researchers it is essential that there is a very strong and clear career path for them and that as part of that, their pension entitlements are clarified and indeed that they are entitled to pensions. One of the things that we have invested a great deal of time in recently is around enhancing the research capacity of the technological sector. Unf…

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. There is very little I would disagree with, except that the answer that has been prepared for him does not respond directly to my question other than to say that his Department is continuing to work on this matter and that there will be an answer shortly. The researchers who are impacted by this situation are concerned because many of them have heard that the issue will be resolved shortly for quite a long time. The institutions that are impacted also have a difficulty. …

I will raise three matters. Today, the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, announced a series of welcome reforms to the leaving certificate. I ask for a debate on those reforms in the very near future, which I am sure can be facilitated. I particularly welcome the introduction of two new subjects, one in the area of drama, film and theatre studies, and the second in the area of climate action and sustainable development. The latter subject is the critical global issue of our time and many students will be interes…