I have received notice from Senator Robbie Gallagher that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on delays in issuing general employment permits for workers in the agrifood sector. I have also received notice from Senator Seán Kyne of the following matter: The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to provide an update …

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy English, to the House and thank him for taking the first matter, which has been raised by Senator Robbie Gallagher.

Before I ask the Deputy Leader to outline the Order of Business, I regret to inform the House that Senator Hoey's father, Ray Hoey, has passed away. We express our sympathies to our colleague, Senator Hoey, and all her family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Leading off for Sinn Féin this morning is Senator Boylan.

On public representatives getting their own legal advice at local authority level, they are entitled to get a second opinion in those types of issues and this should be paid for by the council.

I welcome Senators and our MEP colleagues for the constituency of Midlands-North-West to the Chamber. I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Colm Markey, MEP, and Ms Maria Walsh, MEP. Unfortunately, Mr. Luke Ming Flanagan, MEP, and Mr. Chris MacManus, MEP, could not be here today. My apologies to Mr. MacManus for the late notification, which was entirely my fault. He is unable to attend as a result. The working group on the implementation of Seanad reform and its report, written in 2015 by former Senator Maurice Manning, n…

I thank Mr. Markey for his considered thoughts. I call on Ms Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North-West.

I thank both Ms Walsh and Mr. Markey for their contributions. Before I call Senator Chambers to lead questions from the group spokespersons, I leave the House in the capable hands of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator O'Reilly, who has vast experience in Europe. We discussed this event at a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and I asked him to chair our sessions. We will work together on them because he has been a member of the Irish delegation to the Council of Europe since 2009 and has led the del…

May I ask with whom Senator Chambers is sharing time?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank Senator Keogan for sharing her story. It is a clear example of the necessity for legislation that would prevent what has happened to her, to Members of this House and to members of our society. It is timely that this legislation would be brought before us.

I welcome everyone back to the Seanad Chamber. It is good to be back. I thank everybody who has made it possible to continue our business in a safe manner in the middle of this pandemic. I have received notice from Senator Victor Boyhan that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the proposals published by the British Government to introduce a statute of limitations to end criminal invest…

I thank the leader of the Opposition, Senator Boyhan, for raising the matter of the victims of the Troubles and their search for justice. I also thank Senator Currie for going to Belfast that day. It was truly a historic event given that it was the first time in the history of this island that all of the major political parties signed one document. It was a truly historic event in that respect but it was sad that it related to a cause that should not have to be fought for. The fact that Congressmen Boyle and Fitzpa…

I thank Members very much for coming in this afternoon on our first day back in full session in the Seanad Chamber. I particularly thank Senator Moynihan for coming back after getting married at the weekend. It shows dedication to the cause that she would-----

I congratulate the Senator. As is traditional, we mark not only Senator Moynihan's wedding, but the national days of our European colleagues. Malta today celebrates its independence day, having gained its independence in 1964. As two island nations on the periphery of Europe, Ireland and Malta share certain historical experiences. Ireland and Malta struggled for a long time for independence. Our two countries share a rich maritime heritage and, of course, we are both neutral nations. Our diplomatic relationships we…

I thank the Senator for the advertisement.

I congratulate Senator Ward on his engagement. I forgot to mention that earlier. I call Senator Gavan.

Sometimes Members, no more than myself, leave their phones on so I remind everybody to turn their phones back on when they leave the Chamber.

I welcome Senators to the Chamber for our first panel and university Members forum debate. These debates are a new departure for the Seanad and give effect to some of the recommendations made in the reports on Seanad reform, including the 2018 report of the implementation group on Seanad reform, which was chaired by Senator McDowell. As we all know, consensus regarding Seanad renewal and reform is hard to come by but the implementation of this recommendation is one of the ways we are moving forward in giving effect…

I thank the Senator for sharing her story and outlining the challenges facing society, with silence allowing perpetrators to go unpunished. We must encourage victims to come forward and know they will be protected. Unfortunately, all too often they end up being punished by society. That must change.