Glaoim anois ar Leas-Cheannaire an Tí chun freagra a thabhairt don díospóireacht ar an Ord Gnó.

I have received notice from Senator Fiona O'Loughlin that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion to make a statement on the issues being experienced by children and their families in seeking assistive technology. I have also received notice from Senator Seán Kyne of the following matter: The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to ca…

I join with the Senator in his congratulations. Along with all colleagues, I too wish Garda Scott a speedy recovery.

If the Senator is buying dinner, we will all show up.

I join with colleagues in expressing my condolences to Senator Buttimer on the sad loss of his father-in-law.

Iarraim ar Threoraí an Tí freagra a thabhairt ar an Ord Gnó. I call on the Leader to respond on the Order of Business.

Senator Chambers has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 22 be taken before No. 1." Senator Pauline O'Reilly has seconded the amendment. The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

I ask Members to be upstanding for one minute's silence.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

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

I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the House. I know he has been working very hard on this issue along with our European colleagues and other world leaders. I thank him for being here.

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply.

I have received notice from Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Justice to undertake a feasibility study on the establishment of a dedicated transport police service. I have also received notice from Senator Malcolm Byrne of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the planned new Coast Guard station at Courtown Harbour, County Wexford. I have …

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, to the House and thank him for attending.

Dáil Éireann passed the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2021 on 23 February 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

Before I call on the Leader of the House to outline the Order of Business, I wish to say that we are all concerned about the events this morning in the Ukraine and our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. This is the national day of friends of Ireland, the Estonian people. I know their thoughts are also with the people of Ukraine. I would like to welcome H.E. Aino Lepik von Wirèn, the Estonian ambassador, to Seanad Éireann as we celebrate our 100th year. Estonia, like Ireland, is a small country which celebrate…

As we all know, there was a referendum in 1979 and, to the best of my knowledge, it is the only referendum question put to and passed by the people that has not been implemented by successive Administrations. I thank everybody involved with the all-party group that worked on the report. It put much effort into the recommendations and drafted legislation. In our 100th year, the referendum question passed four decades ago should be implemented in whatever format the Government sees fit. People in a subsequent referen…

Is the Order of Business agreed to?

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank her for all her work on this important issue, which affects many people and families in my county, Kerry.