I welcome the Minister, Deputy Foley. I invite her to give her opening address.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Glaoim anois ar an Seanadóir Murphy O'Mahony chun tús a chur leis an díospóireacht.

I understand Seanadóir Harmon is sharing time with Senator Stephenson.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Dáil Éireann has passed the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2024 on 15 October 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 Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme. Senator Mike Kennelly - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the timeline for introducing national planning guidelines and policy on solar farm planning applications. Senator Joe …

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach as ucht teacht anseo inniu chun a chuid smaointí agus a chuid tosaíochtaí a roinnt linn. It is definitely a great pleasure for me to thank the Taoiseach on behalf of the Seanad for coming here today to put forward his priorities and his thoughts into the process, and also for the leadership that he has shown here today in highlighting the different things that need to be done. Infrastructure and research and development are two key areas the Taoiseach highlighted. That goes into e…

I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and thank him for coming for this all-important Bill. Previously, Senator McDowell was speaking on amendment No. 5. Would he like to continue?

Does anybody else want to speak on amendment No. 5?

Amendments Nos. 6 and 7 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Senator Mullen, I have to ask you to report progress.

As it is 4 p.m., the debate is adjourned by order of the House today, with Senator Mullen to be called on the next occasion.

I welcome Deputy Cormac Devlin and his guests, the Rev. Chris Hudson and his brother, Fintan, to the Gallery. I hope they are enjoying their visit to Leinster House today. They are very welcome. I understand that Senators Nelson Murray and Brady wish to share time. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I apologise. I am being tight on time because I am trying to fit everyone in, if that is okay. I call Senator Tully.

Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank the Minister of State for agreeing to the extension. I call Senator Flaherty.

Before the Minister of State gets up to speak, and as Senator Conway has said, a light rail system in Limerick would be welcome any time. I just want to put that the record. The Minister of State is very welcome.

Before we adjourn, I welcome former Deputy Olivia Mitchell and her grandchildren. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Burke. I thank him for coming to contribute to this all-important debate - statements on budget 2026. The Minister has ten minutes for his opening statement.

I welcome the Ukrainian ambassador to this debate. I also welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, and the staff from the Department. I understand Senator O'Loughlin is sharing time with Senator Paul Daly.

Is that agreed? Agreed.