They are not accountants.

I welcome to the Gallery our guests from Coole community school, Summerhill, County Meath. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for coming here today. We had students from another school in just before them. The rule of Seanad Éireann is that, after a visit, there is no homework for the remainder of the week. We had members of the European Court of Justice here to ensure there is proper oversight of this and that it is adhered to by the schools.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne. I also welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and the students of Holy Child Secondary School, Killiney. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today and I am sure Senators Barry Ward and Victor Boyhan and the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, also welcome them. I make particular mention of Ciara O'Kelly, who is the daughter of a friend of mine from our days at Bolton Street College of Technology. Caitriona O'Kelly would know all the s…

Amendments Nos. 2 to 6, inclusive, 8 to 11, inclusive, 51, 58 and 61 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Does the Minister wish to speak to the grouping?

There are two speakers left. The Minister of State must be called at 3.35 p.m. by order of the House. May I suggest three minutes each to Senators Horkan and Conway.

Before I call on the Minister of State, I also welcome the ambassador to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I thank her for taking the time to be here for this debate. I also thank her for facilitating my visit with the Ceann Comhairle to Kyiv a year and a half ago, along with Seán Kelly and Grace Coyle. We took an 11-hour train journey to the heart of the conflict to visit President Zelenskyy, who has a great knowledge of what Ireland was doing and could do. Speaker Stefanchuk is one of the greatest exponents of …

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I join the Cathaoirleach in paying tribute to the late Michael O'Regan, his wife and his two daughters on their sad loss. I am sure it was a source of great pride to him that his daughters joined him in the world of journalism, at the BBC and The Washington Post . He started his career at The Kerryman , which at the time was probably one of the most pre-eminent provincial newspapers and remains to this day one of the most important newspapers. He covered controversial issues such as the Kerry babies case and wrote …

We can all agree that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages are paramount. The unhindered access of humanitarian aid is also vital for all those who are now suffering in Gaza. While every country has the right to defend itself, it must do so within international and humanitarian law. The recent statement by 26 EU member states is to be welcomed. Unfortunately, it was not made by all 27 members, but we are aware of what needs to happen. What happened on 7 October has be…

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I need to call the Minister of State in ten minutes. As there are two speakers left, I suggest five minutes each.

I welcome the Minister to the House. Before I call the Acting Leader to move the motion, I welcome to the Gallery guests from the Northern Ireland Youth Forum and our special guest over here, Eric. I thank him for coming in and he is more than welcome to Seanad Éireann. The group will be receiving an excellent tour of the building and it is great that they are able to be here to see democracy in action.

Is the amendment being pressed?

Before we commence, I remind Senators that they may only speak once on Report Stage, except the proposer of an amendment who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. Also on Report Stage non-Government amendments must be seconded. Amendments Nos. 1 and 3 to 9, inclusive, 12 to 16, inclusive, 21, 22 and 37 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 2, 10, 11, 28 and 29 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendments Nos. 17, 30 and 36 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement.

Amendments Nos. 18 to 20, inclusive, and Nos. 23 to 27, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together, by agreement.