I understand Senators Nicole Ryan and Maria McCormack are sharing time, with five minutes each. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The Minister of State, Deputy Collins, is replacing the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan. I now move to Senators Nessa Cosgrove and Patricia Stephenson on behalf of the Cross-Party Group. I understand they are sharing time.

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. As he is aware, I live in the centre of Limerick city. I have seen a lot of things happening in the city centre over the years. In December 2023, the Department of Justice and the local gardaí in Henry Street set up Operation Táirge, whereby they worked with businesses to combat retail crime. That type of crime has been raised by many people in the Chamber. It was found at the time that pilfering and shoplifting cost retailer…

I welcome the guests of Deputy Shay Brennan to the Gallery. I hope they enjoy their visit.

I will raise an issue that I raised in the previous Seanad, that is, that people who receive a terminal diagnosis should automatically qualify for a medical card. It is something that will receive unanimous support across this House. It is also something that we should have the Minister in to discuss. The HSE previously committed to examining this issue but it has not progressed any further. I have been dealing with a number of families recently in which there was a diagnosis of serious illness, especially cancer, …

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by this House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of Members in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. If it is okay, I will say a few words of thanks before we move on with the proceedings. I thank the Tánaiste and my colleagues for placing their faith in me. I also thank my colleagues who voted for me here today, as well as those who did not. I have always had a fair work ethic and tried to work with people right across each and every grouping. I give a commitment that my door will always be open. I look forward to working with all Senators in a fair and collegial manner. I thank the Iri…

We will wait for the Minister. In the meantime, I apologise that I forgot to acknowledge the presence of my party colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, in the Gallery. I thank him for being here for my election. I also thank former Senator, Catherine Noone, for being here today.

I thank the Minister for his statement. I now open up the floor, beginning with Senator Clifford-Lee.

I thank Senator Clifford-Lee for her contribution. I call Senator Ahearn next, whom I believe is sharing time with Senator Lynch. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Senator. I noticed that the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, had some guests in the Gallery. They have just left but I acknowledge their presence.

I now call the Minister.

I thank the Minister, who is welcome here anytime. I know he is open to listening to and working with people. I again congratulate him.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I rise first of all to congratulate the Leader. I look forward to working with him over the coming years. Senator Ahearn raised the N24 which certainly has the same impact on Limerick as it has on Tipperary the whole way to Waterford. It is about connectivity and I too support his call to ask the Minister of Transport to come before us. Equally, Senator Fitzpatrick raised the whole issue of people feeling safe in cities. I believe the Minister for Justice but it is also about the number of derelict and vacant build…

Now.

Now.

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh, agus comhghairdeas leat. A Chathaoirligh, I rise today to wish you congratulations on your election and to congratulate each and every one of the new and returning Senators here today. I also think of the Senators, who have been referred to, who ran and were not re-elected and those who put their names forward. This House has always been proactive in terms of trying to work together on different issues for the greater good. Certainly, under your leadership, a Chathaoirligh, and…

I wish to be associated with the thanks to the staff in the House for everything they do, from the ushers to the staff of the Seanad Office. Mr. Martin Groves and his team are fantastic in the work they do to ensure that everything is up to speed. I wish them all the best. The main reason I rise is to discuss an issue I have encountered that affects many small businesses. I work closely with the Limerick City Business Association and the chamber of commerce. Small business is suffering. The Power Up grants were gre…