Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Dáil Éireann has passed, on 28 February 2024, the Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Bill 2023, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has agreed, on 28 February 2024, to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023, changed from the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) Bill 2023. Dáil Éireann has agreed, on 28 February 2024, to the amendments made by Seanad…

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Malcolm Byrne - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the use of schools as the primary venues for polling centres in elections and referendums and if alternatives could be considered. Senator John Cummins - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to extend the waiver on development contributions and water and wastewater conne…

I thank Senator McDowell for that contribution and for all the work he has done on the establishment of the Seanad Select Committee on Scrutiny of Draft EU-related Statutory Instruments. As a member and Vice Chair of that committee, the proposals the Senator has made are important but the fact is this is costing the taxpayer money every hour. The purpose of that committee was to save the taxpayer money, to catch legislation and directives that were not being transposed on time or, as we now find out, correctly. Bro…

Order, Senator.

The time is up. I call Senator Boyhan.

Before I call Senator John McGahon, I welcome Na Déise men's shed from Waterford. You are most welcome and thank you all for coming to Seanad Éireann. I hope you enjoy your day here. Normally if we have a school tour we give them no homework for the rest of the week, so I do not know what I will give you as a reward for coming to Seanad Éireann - more tea and a double allocation of cake and biscuits for everyone at your next meeting. I thank you all for coming here from Na Déise. Senator John McGahon has proposed a…

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed. The Government deserves great credit for that. The reality is that anybody in this country who wants a job can get one. Our problem now is that job creation has grown to such a level that we do not have a sufficient talent pool within the confines of this island to fill the number of vacancies we have. Such a measure, as outlined by the Minister of State, would appear on its face to be a very worthwhile exercise. Having a central database of particular professions that could be advertised wi…

I am sure colleagues will join me in congratulating Professor John Crown, who will receive the award for outstanding contribution to cancer medicine and research from the Irish Association for Cancer Research. This is an award that he richly deserves after decades of service and groundbreaking research. His work has been recognised internationally, but it is always important to be recognised by your home country. I am standing here because this is where John used to stand when he was a Senator. He served here for o…

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.

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.

Dáil Éireann passed the Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023 on 21 February 2024, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann agreed on 21 February 2024 to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill 2022.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Emer Currie - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on core funding for small to medium-sized childcare providers. Senator Paul Gavan - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on the EU platform workers directive. Senator John McGahon - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the c…

Before I ask the Leader of the House to outline the Order of Business, I welcome the ambassador of Estonia to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Tomorrow is Estonia's national day and the ambassador is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. We are delighted to mark Estonia's national day, just as many countries around the world mark Ireland's national day. A year before Ireland declared independence, Estonia took a step on its long journey towards long-sought independence. As two small countries that sought independence …

We are broadening it because we are trying to be popular.

Senator, I could not allow you to have an incorrect statement on the record. Our guests are from the European Court of Justice.