Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the ambassador from Finland; our great friends in the European Union. On 6 December 1917, 105 years ago, a country with its own government and unique language and rich culture, like ourselves, came into existence. Over the years, Finland has transformed from a poor, agriculture-based society to a highly digitalised and thriving economy with, I am glad to say, the happiest people in the world for five years in …

Anything that comes before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges is confidential. Please just be mindful of that.

I welcome our guests from Ballinrobe Community School to Seanad Éireann. I hope they enjoy the day in Leinster House and hopefully they will come back some day as Members of either Chamber.

Senator Buttimer, without interruption .

I wish them and Longford all the best. Hopefully they will bring home the title.

The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action has completed its consideration of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002, (section 8(2)) (Conferral of Additional Functions — Energy Efficiency) Order 2022.

Before I call on the Minister, I welcome to the Gallery Eden McLaughin's parents, Paul and Karen, and his sister, Eryn. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann. Eden does fantastic work in the Seanad behind the scenes. He is one of the many people who keeps the show going. Next Monday, on the Seanad's special sitting for its 100th anniversary, we will be delighted to have Eden and all of our staff celebrating with us. We are delighted the visitors are here today and I thank Eden for bringing them to Seanad Éireann to se…

By order of the House, I must call the Minister at 4.33 p.m., so Senators Currie and Dolan have two minutes each.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

We will now deal with the Report and Final Stages of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, 2022, a Seanad Bill amended by Dáil Éireann. In accordance with Standing Order No. 148, it is deemed to have passed its First, Second and Third Stages in Seanad Éireann and is placed on the Order Paper for Report Stage. On the question "That the Bill be received for final consideration", the Minister may explain the purpose of the amendments by the Dáil. This is looked upon as a report on the Dáil amendments to the Sea…

I now invite the Minister to speak on the subject matter of the amendments in group 1, namely, amendments Nos. 1 and 263 to 273 inclusive.

Dáil Éireann passed the Social Welfare Bill 2022 on 30 November 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:Senator John McGahon - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the re-opening of Dunleer train station, County Louth.Senator Tim Lombard - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the proposal to repurpose the CoAction Bantry Child and Family Centre into a residential unit for adults.Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to pro…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, to the House.

Before I call on the Leader of the House to outline the Order of Business, I welcome not only Romania's ambassador to Ireland, but also Ireland's ambassador to Romania. They are here to celebrate Romania's national day. Some 104 years ago the national assembly proclaimed the unification of the Romanian people. A long struggle for independence is just one of the many common bonds that unites Ireland and the people of Romania. Every year on the first day of December, we celebrate the unity of the Romanian people. Liv…

A Uachtaráin von der Leyen, a Thaoisigh, a Sheanadóirí, a Theachtaí Dála, a dhaoine uaisle. Your Excellency, President von der Leyen, Taoiseach, Deputies, Senators, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, on behalf of all the citizens of our democracy, I thank you for addressing these Houses to mark 50th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the European Union. Irish membership of the European Union has been one of the most positive events of our lifetimes. The European Union has shown when the natio…

A Uachtaráin von der Leyen, a Thaoisigh, a Sheanadóirí, a Theachtaí Dála, a dhaoine uaisle. Your Excellency, President von der Leyen, Taoiseach, Deputies, Senators, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, on behalf of all the citizens of our democracy, I thank you for addressing these Houses to mark the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the European Union. Irish membership of the European Union has been one of the most positive events of our lifetimes. The European Union has shown when the n…

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Seery Kearney - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the establishment of a community neurorehabilitation team in the CHO7 area. Senator Shane Cassells - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the HSE ambulance bypass of the accident and emergency department at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan and the impact this will have on the treatment of patients in Navan. Se…

I thank Senator Flynn. I will talk to the Ceann Comhairle about her request for the re-establishment of the Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community.

Before I call the Acting Leader, I welcome our visitors from Scoil Mhuire in County Wicklow to the Gallery. I thank them for coming to Seanad Éireann today. I hope they enjoy their day, have a great time and learn all about democracy. I say officially to their teacher that the pupils have their schoolwork off for the weekend, if this is all right. I call the Acting Leader.