I thank the Minister of State for that commitment.

It is a stand-alone amendment.

Before we move on, I welcome the ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Ms Ana Laura Cachaza, minister Nicolas Vidal, counsellor Juan Taccetti and Agostina Salvaggio, second secretary. They are here with Senator Carrigy. They are very welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I hope they enjoy their visit.

Amendment No. 54 is out of order as it poses a potential charge on the Revenue.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister of State and his officials for coming today. When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I pay tribute, along with all our colleagues, to former Taoiseach, John Bruton. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Finola, children Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, his sister Mary, and our esteemed colleague, his brother Richard. I go back to when John was Taoiseach. Like Senator Conway, I was present when he was elected Taoiseach. I was a member of Young Fine Gael at the time and was very involved in our party in Limerick. As others said, John was always very encouraging of people to get involv…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, for coming to the House to discuss the very important issue of vacant and derelict properties, especially in Limerick city and county. A number of people have been on to me who are very welcoming of the grant but they have some issues with it. Is the Minister of State aware of the average wait time? I know people have to wait 13 months for the final decision. This is quite a bit of time. Have there been many appeals? Have the decisions changed where there have been a…

I thank the Minister of State. It is positive that the scheme is under review. If there were stage payments it would allow people to move into their homes sooner. If they were able to get the money back as they completed the work they would be able to reinvest the money in their homes. This is very welcome. I also welcome the fact that there is discretion around the 13 months. I know from speaking to some people that they were having issues with getting tradespeople and builders to carry out the works. If there are…

I thank the Cathaoirleach very much indeed. I rise today to speak about the fact that I have been contacted by so many small businesses. The months of January and February are a very lean time for businesses. There is much concern out there, especially with businesses in the hospitality trade. There are an awful lot of extra costs be it the minimum wage, the sick pay scheme or auto-enrolment. Many things happen together in January. Businesses are finding it really tough. I know the Government planned on putting a b…

I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this all-important issue which I know is a subject close to her heart. As she is aware, I am involved in a respite house, St. Gabriel's Foundation, in Limerick, and we would not be up and running if not for the Minister of State's dedication and commitment. I acknowledge that and put it on the record. We sat with a vacant building for close to 12 months before the Minister of State came to visit and gave us the funding. We were opening the respite house only one d…

I welcome yesterday's news on what the Cabinet has approved for the rent-a-room scheme. It is an issue I have raised here many times, including in two Commencement debates. It is a win-win situation for older people but also for those who need student accommodation. People can rent a room for up to €14,000 and it does not affect their medical card. It is welcome news because many people live alone and to have someone living with them means they have company, as well as the fact it will not affect their medical card…

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue today. It is an issue that is very close to my heart. I was director of elections for the Government when the plebiscite was passed, so in that respect, I have a very keen interest in making sure we deliver a directly elected mayor for Limerick. I thank the Minister of State and the officials for bringing forward the legislation. I also pay tribute to the former Ministers of State, Deputies Peter Burke and John Paul Phelan. Wh…

What about the implementation advisory group?

Next Tuesday.

Do any other Senators want to contribute? No.