Before the Leader outlines the proposed Order of Business, I wish to acknowledge that today is the national day of Luxembourg. After centuries of Luxembourg being part of the Netherlands, in 1890 it finally became independent. In 1947, the birthday of the Grand Duke or Duchess was declared the national day. For 60 years Ireland and Luxembourg have had diplomatic relations built upon the shared values of human rights, the rule of law and effective multilateralism. The close co-operation between our two countries spa…

I join with Senator Crowe in welcoming the boys from Killaloe Boys National School in County Clare to Seanad Éireann today, and their teachers, Cathal, Frances and Mary. I am sure they have their hands full with the boys today. No doubt Deputy Crowe will look after them during their visit to Leinster House. I thank them for being here today.

Dáil Éireann passed the Higher Education Authority Bill 2022 on 22 June 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I have received notice from Senator Erin McGreehan that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the screening supports and measures in place for families of patients with sickle cell disease. I have also received notice from Senator Timmy Dooley of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on travel costs for home care assistants. I have also received notice fr…

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Feighan, to the House.

Before the Leader outlines the proposed Order of Business, I am pleased to welcome the Slovenian ambassador to Ireland, H. E. Stanislav Vidovič, to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. We thank him for his presence at our marking of the national day of Slovenia. This year, we celebrate 30 years of international relations between Slovenia and Ireland. Slovenia became an independent country on 25 June 1991, and Ireland, together with other EU countries, has recognised its independence since 15 January 1992. However, r…

I thank the Senator for that valuable suggestion.

I thank them for coming to the Seanad.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before we start, I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Fleming. I understand he had a big celebration last week to mark his 25 years of service in Dáil Éireann. We congratulate him on a quarter century of service to the State and wish him all the best for the next 25 years of service to the State.

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before taking Commencement matters I welcome into the Distinguished Visitors Gallery some very special guests all the way from Scoil Phádraic Cailíní National School in Donabate, Ms McEvoy, Ms Kelly and Ms Skipton. The principal, Ms Greene, cannot be here today unfortunately but we are delighted that Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee brought the class in today. I welcome all the girls. The Senator's daughter, Kitty, is here. Will she please stand and say, "Hello"? Some day she might be joining her mother as a Member in…

I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, to the Chamber.

I welcome the gentlemen from Killoe Men's Shed and I thank them for all they do in providing a place for people to come together, socialise and do small projects for the community. I know the value of the men's shed in Kenmare and in other locations and I thank our guests for being in Leinster House today.

The question has been put on amendment No. 12, that the new section be there inserted, and on the question a division has been challenged. However, in accordance with Standing Order 61, I propose to put the question again.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?