I join in welcoming the delegation from Turkey. It is great to see members of the Parliament of Turkey coming to us. I also join in congratulating the Leader of the House, Senator Chambers, on her recent engagement. We look forward to the celebrations, which no doubt will go on for quite some time. I also support the Order of Business.

I call on the Leader of the House to propose that, notwithstanding anything in the Order of Business, the statements on wind energy will conclude at 2.30 p.m.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

We will take four minutes apiece each to accommodate the remaining speakers. I call Senator Chambers, followed by Senator Dolan and Senator Ward.

I thank the Minister for allowing the debate to be extended and all colleagues for their contributions. The Minister will be aware that on the same week more than six years ago, the Vatican and the Pentagon issued a statement that the issue of climate change and climate justice was the biggest issue facing security and peace in the world. The Minister, his Department and Ireland are playing a lead role on that. I thank him for that. I invite him to conclude the debate.

I support the Order of Business and I know we will have a debate on the crisis in the healthcare system regarding trolleys. I think that is an appropriate debate for the House this week and I look forward to it. I congratulate the Cathaoirleach and offer him best wishes for the months and years ahead.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Martin, is most welcome to the House for this most important legislation relating to one of our most iconic cultural institutions.

I thank the Minister for opening her address by referring to the great success of Irish people who have been nominated for the Oscars - Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan, and the director Martin McDonagh for "The Banshees of Inisherin"; and "An Cailín Ciúin", the first Irish language film to be nominated for an Oscar, which is truly a great achievement. I congratulate all those involved.

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election as the 25th holder of the office. He referred to his parents in his remarks. That brings to mind the observation often made by the former President, Mary McAleese, that those who drink the water should never forget those who dug the well. The Cathaoirleach's parents instilled in him and his brother a love of public service. The role of Cathaoirleach is a challenging job that will require the new holder of the office to take a lot of time away from home, his husband a…

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability execute the office of Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by this House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of Members in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann.

I thank colleagues. I know the time is moving on and I hope we will get home safely in these weather conditions. I pay tribute to Senator Joe O’Reilly, the former Leas-Chathaoirleach. He is our man in Europe and has been for many years. He is on the Council of Europe. It is in that role, as our man in Europe, that I asked him, on behalf of the Seanad, to take up the role of engaging with Members of the European Parliament. This has been very beneficial in ensuring connectivity between our MEPs and Senators. They ar…

Dáil Éireann passed the Appropriation Bill 2022 on 14 December 2022, which was sent herewith to Seanad Éireann for its recommendations. Dáil Éireann passed the Local Government (Maternity Protection and Other Measures for Members of Local Authorities) Bill 2022 on 14 December 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2022 on 14 December 2022, considered by virtue of Article 20.2.2° of the Constitution as a Bill initiate…

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for all the times he has come in since the start of this Seanad. I appreciate his engagement with Members, both in Seanad Éireann and through his work with local authorities.

Before I call on Senator Fitzpatrick, I welcome her son Jack Cody. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. His mother is about to speak so he should pay attention.

Seven Senators are offering to speak and there are 14 minutes remaining. I have to call the Minister of State at 11.24 a.m. I suggest that every Senator have two minutes. I call Senator Currie, who is to be followed by Senator Boyhan.

I will have to cut off other colleagues if I cannot get everybody in who wants to speak. Seven speakers are offering, and I want to get everybody in.

Good luck on Saturday.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?