Will the Senators who are claiming a division please rise?

As fewer than five Members have risen, I declare the question is carried. In accordance with Standing Order 61, the names of the Senators dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.

A number of Members wish to come in. We have one minute left, so I will give everyone one minute because we have a Minister outside the Chamber waiting for the next item, which was agreed by order of the House.

It is up to the Leader of the House to propose a change to the Standing Orders. Even at that, I am stretching it but the Member is entitled to his contribution. I ask that the Senator would keep it to one minute.

I thank the proposer of the motion for putting it forward. It is important, not only in terms of loneliness and the mental health issues that stem from that, but also in terms of the other health issues that can be a consequence of loneliness for all age groups. It is important that we recognise this as a problem. As outlined in the motion, Ireland is classified as the loneliest country in Europe. Never have people been more connected, yet never have they been more disconnected.

Will the Senators claiming a division please rise?

As fewer than five Members have risen, I declare the question carried. In accordance with Standing Order 61, the names of the Senators dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I believe it is her first visit to Seanad Éireann as Minister of State. She is most welcome. I congratulate her on her elevation to high office. We wish her every success. I thank her for being here today. She has great experience in Senator Joe O'Reilly to navigate the Bill through the House.

I again congratulate the Minister of State on her promotion.

I welcome to the Visitors Gallery members of the Women’s Shed, Newcastle West, County Limerick, who are guests of Deputy Richard O’Donoghue. The Deputy is most welcome and I thank him for bringing our guests to Seanad Éireann today for this debate. I hope they enjoy their time in Leinster House. I used to be their neighbour when I lived in Abbeyfeale, which is not too far away.

Deputy O’Donoghue has informed me that a couple of Kerry people are present. No distinguished gathering would be complete without distinguished Kerry people. Best of luck in the drive for five. We did not quite make it in Kerry.

Before I put the question I welcome Fergal FitzGerald and the staff from ESB to the Gallery. They are most welcome here today and I thank them for keeping the lights on which we very much appreciate. I also thank them for being here for this debate.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? It is agreed.

Amendment No. 7 is in the name of Senators Higgins, Ruane, Black and Flynn. Amendments Nos. 9 and 10 are physical alternatives to amendment No. 8. Amendments Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, and amendments Nos. 18, 45 and 46 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 11, 34, 43 and 80 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

We are on amendment Nos. 11, 34, 43 and 80. We are dealing with amendment No. 11.

The next amendments are amendments Nos. 34, 43 and 80.

Amendments Nos. 11, 34, 43 and 80 are grouped.

I call Senator Malcolm Byrne.