On the phone.

I raise legislation we passed here recently on the powers of gardaí. I hosted a meeting with small businesses in Limerick recently with the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, when she was in Limerick. One of the major issues raised was the use of scrambler bikes for crime and intimidation. I compliment An Garda Síochána because, yesterday, 39 gardaí and some of the armed response unit seized more than 44 scrambler bikes and number of arrests were made. The bikes were not being used in a safe way. People were bei…

I, first, would like to follow on the words of a young apprentice called Jodie Whyte from Johnson & Johnson in Limerick. She was nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award recently. Jodie started her career as a chef and is now participating in an apprentice programme to be an engineer. This is something that is close to the Acting Leader's own heart, which is encouraging women to participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM. When she was nominated for the award, Ms Whyte was very vocal…

I rise today to congratulate and thank the Irish rugby team for the pleasure that they have given us over the past number of weeks with their participation in the Rugby World Cup. While many people were disappointed over the weekend certainly they gave us their all. I pay tribute to Johnny Sexton and wish him well in his retirement. I also pay tribute to Munster's own Keith Earls who has announced his retirement and confirmed that today. I also pay tribute to his wife, Edel, their family, his mother, Sandra, his fa…

I wish to pay tribute to the late Chuck Feeney. He was a philanthropist and was instrumental in much funding that came to the university in Limerick but also to many universities. I wish to pass on my sympathies to his family. The man was held in very high esteem. He gave away his wealth while he was still alive and made a difference to a lot of lives and many institutions. May he rest in peace. I rise today is because we saw a huge health budget announced yesterday but then this morning at University Hospital Lime…

I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this important issue and I thank Senator Clonan for tabling this Private Members' motion. As long as I have known the Minister, she has been very committed to people with disabilities. We see this in what she has done since she assumed the role of Minister for Social Protection, for example, by increasing payments and working with people. I welcome that this is a discussion paper. We have to put something down on paper for it to be discussed. I work with many disability or…

I am sorry Senator, but the Minister has the floor.

The Minister has the floor.

I was not in the Chair earlier and the Minister has the floor, Senator.

Okay. The Minister can continue.

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this very important topic. Budget day affects every household in the country. The Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath's opening speech today was about the fact that there are 2.6 million people at work. I want to acknowledge that. He also referred to the fact that inflation, while in some ways it can be good, affects the lives of all of us. That is why this is a €12 billion cost-of-living package, which I acknowledge. It is really important that we suppo…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Smith. In the two minutes that are left to me, I will highlight one or two areas. Continuing on where Senator Kyne left off in terms of childcare, I am au fait with what goes on in a community crèche, as I am involved in a community centre. Certainly, the small childcare providers still fear issues around costs, salaries and services. It is an area that needs to be looked at. Overall, I welcome the fact that by 2024, childcare costs will be halved. That is most welcome. There w…

I raise the alarming report that was on the front of the newspaper today. Leaders in transport have raised with the Minister for Transport the stalling of many road projects and the fact that they expect it could lead to anything up to 77 deaths and 400 to 500 serious injuries. When I went through the report, the Garda figures were that people had only reported 7,000 to 8,000 serious injuries in the last number of years, but hospital figures showed there were about 15,000, so some people are not even reporting it. …

I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Deputy Charlie McConalogue.

Before moving on to the next speaker, I forgot to welcome the Minister, Deputy McConalogue. I thank him for attending to address this Private Members’ Bill.

I thank Senator Paul Daly very much. I call Senator Gavan.

I acknowledge the fact that Senator Malcolm Byrne just left the Gallery with some world film producers. I know the significance of bringing people like that to Ireland with regard to Troy Studios in Limerick and the many other film studios. I just wanted to say those producers were welcome.

I welcome our guests, who are political staff from the House of Commons of Canada. We also have some guests from New Hampshire and New York, and guests of Deputy Chris Andrews. They are all very welcome to the Gallery today. Senator Regina Doherty is next.

I hate to cut Senator Doherty short but, as the Bill has now been debated for 45 minutes, the debate must now be adjourned in accordance with the order of the Seanad today.

I rise today to welcome the news from the Road Safety Authority, RSA, regarding legislation on e-scooters. It was announced today that the minimum age requirement for e-scooter users will be 16 years of age. I welcome the announcement that they will have to have lights, wear helmets and the fact that they will not be able to use footpaths. It is most welcome news. The sooner this legislation is enacted and signed in, the better. I live in the centre of Limerick and have noticed the number of people of all ages go u…