When is it proposed to sit again?

Dáil Éireann passed the Appropriation Bill 2025 on 17 December 2025, which is sent to Seanad Éireann for its recommendations. Dáil Éireann passed the Credit Review Bill 2024 on 17 December 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025 on 17 December 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Aubrey McCarthy - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the national rollout of the drug-related intimidation and violence engagement programme, in particular to ensure funding and resources are in place to protect families from drug debt intimidation and criminal gangs. Senator Pauline Tully - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a stat…

I welcome Hansfield Educate Together National School from Barberstown, Dublin 15, who are guests of Deputy Emer Currie. I hope they enjoy their visit today. As is customary, there will be no homework for the rest of the day.

Before I call the Deputy Leader, I too wish everybody a very happy Christmas. I know I did it yesterday, but I wish a very happy Christmas to Martin, Aileen and the staff of the Seanad Office, and the ushers, down to the catering staff, cleaners and everybody who works in the different departments. I wish a happy Christmas to colleagues in the Seanad and in the Dáil. I hope you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas. I look forward to working with you all in a collegial way into the new year. I now call on the Lea…

I thank the Deputy Leader.

I welcome H.E. Ms Owen and her team here today. I had the pleasure of meeting with her recently in Limerick when she was there for the Joining the Dots programme, which is a very important economic programme. It showed the contact between the business community, which came together not only from Limerick and the region but also businesses from the UK. It was a very successful two days in Limerick. I wish the ambassador and her staff a very happy Christmas and I am certainly looking forward to working with them into…

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I, too, would like to start by wishing everybody a happy Christmas, including the Cathaoirleach. I thank him for his collegiality as we worked together over the past 12 months. I thank Mr. Martin Hughes and the staff in the Seanad Office but also the Leader's Office, our Leader, Senator Seán Kyne, and to Orla, who also buried her mother during the year. I extend my sympathies to her as well. I thank the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, for working with a cross-party group in the mid-west in regard to delivery at …

I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senators Paraic Brady and Dee Ryan and the Minister of State, Deputy Neale Richmond, especially the Quigleys from Limerick. They are guests of Senator Ryan. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.

I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Harris, to the Chamber. Amendment No. 1 in the names of Senators Paul Daly and Pat Casey has been ruled out of order but I understand Senator Daly would like to speak on it.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

While they are still here, I would like to acknowledge the students from Newbridge College. I hope they enjoy their visit today. I welcome the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary, and the staff from the Department.