I thank the Acting Leader for outlining the Order of Business.

Before we adjourn for a sos, I welcome the serving poet laureate of the Canadian Parliament to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery. Louise Bernice Halfe is representative of the voice of Canada within its Parliament. I thank her being in Seanad Éireann today. We met earlier and I am delighted to make your acquaintance. She described herself as a victor of the institutional system in which she was put in along with so many thousands from the indigenous nation. Unfortunately, as I said, we share that common history b…

I welcome the Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney, to Seanad Éireann to discuss Ireland's military neutrality, a topic that is much in discussion at the moment and has always been in discussion. I thank the Senators who brought forward the motion for debate. I call Senator Clonan.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I call on the next Senator, it would be remiss of me not to mention, related to the list of the things the Senator pointed out, Maureen Flavin Sweeney, a Kerrywoman, who was in Blacksod Bay in the coastguard station that took the weather forecast for D-Day that was so instrumental in that historic decision which turned the tide of the Second World War.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to provide an update on the process of managing properties that are transferred to the State upon the dissolution of a company. Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the increase in toll charges in light of the cost-of-living pressures currently on famili…

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Ossian Smyth, to the House today.

Before the Minister of State responds, I just want to point out that this matter is of major interest to people in Kerry. We often see land falling between two stools. I hope the Minister of State has a response for the Senator that we can understand.

Also before call the Minister of State, I take this opportunity to welcome our friends from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Jeremy Wilmshurst as well from the embassy. I thank them for coming to Dublin. They have busy agendas. I hope they have all of the solutions in their bags. Given the fact we are 24 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, when the negotiators involved solved matters relating to decommissioning , prisoner releases and the RUC, I am sure the challenges that lie ahead are …

I welcome Councillor Shelly Herterich Quinn from Galway County Council. She is welcome today to see the two Chambers in operation. I thank her for coming in and for the questions, queries, advice and support she has given us. We appreciate it. The Commencement matter will be taken by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Hackett. I call Senator Boyhan.

Before I ask the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I have two groups to welcome to Seanad Éireann. From the great state of Massachusetts we are joined by Representative Daniel Carey and his wife. I thank them for joining us in the Seanad while they are on their honeymoon. We are delighted they are able to come here. We had the American ambassador in earlier. We hope they enjoy thanksgiving this week. We appreciate the long and distinguished relationship between Ireland and the United States of America and es…

I thank the Senator for raising that important topic on what happened in Colorado and the two security guards who risked their own lives to protect the lives of others. Many more would have been killed were it not for their bravery. There is, as the Senator pointed out, cause and effect, with large organisations like FIFA awarding the World Cup to a country where there is discrimination against members of the LGBT community. FIFA is sending out a message by doing that. The actions and the silence in the context of …

Before I call Senator Gavan, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery Senator Vincent P. Martin but, more importantly, his nephew, Turlough Duffy, and friend, Ciara Morton. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. No doubt Turlough might follow in the footsteps of his uncle or Deputies Catherine Martin or Francis Noel Duffy. Perhaps we will see him at some stage, if not in this House, then maybe in Dáil Éireann. He is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope his uncle looks after him on his visit today. I thank him fo…

It is not in the Standing Orders-----

There is nothing in Standing Orders as to whether Senators may refer to Members' interests but bí cúramach.

I can only bring in two more Senators. We are supposed to start the Bill at 4.45 p.m., and there could be a vote. I just ask the Senators to be brief if they can.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 22 be taken before No. 1." This has been seconded by Senator Malcolm Byrne. The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed. Senator Victor Boyhan has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 128, motion 5 , be taken before No. 1, without debate." Is the amendment being pressed?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.