The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senators Aubrey McCarthy and Rónán Mullen - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the release of the students and staff abducted from St. Mary's Catholic primary and secondary schools, Papiri, Nigeria. Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the status of the major building project for Gaelscoil Chnoc na…

Before I move on to the next speaker, I welcome Senator Comyn and her guests, the transition year class from Our Lady's College in Drogheda, along with teachers Una McGorry and Eileen O'Sullivan. They are all very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit. I also welcome Deputy John Connolly and his guests and the guests of Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan. Everyone is very welcome and I hope they all enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.

I welcome Mike Ward, a guest of Senator Ollie Crowe.

I welcome Oisín Corrigan from Ringsend. He is a transition year student who has a keen interest in politics. He is a guest of Senator Andrews. I hope he enjoys his interest, and I wish him the best of luck for his future in politics.

I welcome Deputy Eoin Hayes and his guests to the Gallery today. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.

I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this all-important issue. This is my ninth year in the Oireachtas, and I would not like to count how many times I, and many others in the Chamber from Limerick, raised the issue of UHL. I thank the Minister for her openness and transparency in terms of her thoughts and whole process, but also the fact she is taking the report from HIQA into account. It is very clear this is about capacity. I would like to compliment Catherine Peters and Sandra Broderick as well. It has bee…

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad shall adjourn today until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 2nd December; Standing Orders 31 and 32 shall stand suspended; and the Order of Business shall be proposed at 6 p.m.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. As convenor of the group, I wish to welcome the ambassador, Georgeta and the team form the embassy and congratulate them on their national day. I know they are having their celebration next Monday and I am looking forward to that. The ambassador and his team have been very proactive in meeting people around Ireland, encouraging people to get involved in politics, not pushing any parties or whatever, but just encouraging people to participate and get involved in Irish life. That is really …

I rise today to pass a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Donal Carey, a former Minister of State with responsibility for the arts and the Gaeltacht. He served in that position for two years. He also served as a Senator for a year from 1981 to 1982. He was elected in 1982 to Dáil Éireann, where he served until 2002. He was replaced by his son Joe, who took his place in the Dáil in 2007. Joe was a Member of the Dáil until very recently. Donal was a great character of a man and was very knowledgeable. He was …

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, and congratulate her on her new role. I look forward to working with her in her new position, as I am sure others in the Chamber do.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome to the Public Gallery Senator Cosgrove's guests from the Sligo-Leitrim Home Youth Liaison Service. I hope they enjoy their visit.

I welcome Deputy Neville and his guests to the Gallery. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.

Before we move on, I welcome guests of Deputy John Connolly. They are students from the University of Galway and they are very welcome here this evening. I hope they enjoy their visit here today.

I understand Senators Kyne and Kennelly are sharing time.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Dáil Éireann passed the Health Information Bill 2024 on 19 November 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 on 19 November 2025, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.