I thank the Minister for coming here to discuss this all important Bill. I welcome Tomás Heneghan and congratulate him on his action in the Supreme Court last year. I say that because for many years I have felt that the university panel should have been expanded to other third level institutes. I must declare that I have a vote from NUI. When I graduated after gaining a master's degree, Senator Mullen was one of the first people to tell me that I am entitled to a vote and explained how to go about registering.

It is good to include third level institutes and graduates. I welcome the fact that NUI will become the overarching body and will register everybody. I agree with Senator Mullen that the people who are already on the register should be transferred over but a publicity campaign is necessary to let people know because many people have gone through the system, graduated and may not be aware that they are entitled to a university vote, once this legislation is enacted. When I think of the lobbying that went on for many…

I declare that I am not one either.

I wish to highlight an issue that has been raised to me by small retailers, particularly small shop owners, garage owners and petrol station owners, to do with the sale of illegal cigarettes. More than one third of cigarettes that are sold here either have no duty paid on them or they are counterfeit. Those figures have been issued by the Revenue Commissioners in terms of cigarettes that have been confiscated over the past 12 months. I believe this is only the tip of the iceberg. The figure is very small. There are…

I welcome the news that Limerick Civic Trust has been announced as Limerick person of the month of October. It is a competition which acknowledges people who carry out good deeds and works within the community. Limerick Civic Trust was founded by the late Denis Leonard. It has been instrumental in transforming Georgian buildings and other historic buildings. At present, it is working in Mount St. Lawrence graveyard to restore the church there and turn it into a crematorium which would be very appropriate. It is an …

I support Senator Dooley's call for a wider debate on health with specific reference to University Hospital Limerick. The main reason I rise today is to talk about the €7.9 billion that is being spent on housing, including affordable housing. More money is being provided to bring derelict homes back into use. Yesterday, Limerick City and County Council announced its seventh right-sizing scheme, which is at The Mills in Castletroy. The council is encouraging people who are interested in downsizing to move to a one- …

I welcome the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to the House. The debate on the Bill is to adjourn at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Is the Senator pressing the amendment?

Amendments Nos. 2, 10, 26, 33, 39, 54 to 56, inclusive, 59, 64 to 68, inclusive, 79 to 82, inclusive, and 107 to 111, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendment No. 3 in the name of Senator Ward is next. Amendments Nos. 3 to 8, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement.

How stands the amendment Senator Ward?

Amendments No. 9, 38 and 53 are related and may be discussed together by agreement.

Amendments Nos. 11 to 14, inclusive, 27 to 32, inclusive, 34 to 37, inclusive, 40, 41, 57, 58 and 60 to 63, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement.

Amendments Nos. 15, 23, 42, 50, 69 and 77 are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 16 to 22, inclusive, 24, 25, 43 to 49, inclusive, 51, 52, 70 to 76, inclusive, 78 and 83 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I go on to the next section, I welcome Deputy Coveney and his guests to the Gallery. I hope they enjoy their visit today.

I thank the Minister of State for coming here to discuss this very important budget. Overall, this is considered to be a very positive budget. The Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, visited Limerick recently to meet the owners of small businesses. In the past, the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, has visited. I have had two calls from businesses that were really pleased with the supports being put in place today and how they feel the Government is thinking about SMEs. They would love to have seen other things ha…

Tomorrow morning at 10.30 a.m.

I was at the finance committee yesterday and the bike shed and the various other buildings were discussed. It was frightening to hear some of the figures being put out. I know we will discuss it further, so I will leave it there. I will have my opportunity at committee. Regarding carers, €20 billion will be saved a year if there is more investment in carers. I acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, has done so much for carers in terms of pensions, other allowances and allowing part-time carers to come int…

Before the Minister of State responds, I welcome the Westmeath farming families who are guests of the Minister for enterprise, Deputy Peter Burke. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.