I thank the Minister for attending and listening carefully to the contributions of Members. His having done so is timely given the legislation proposed by him and Senator Ruane. The most important proposal is that every university would have to report to the Minister and appropriate authorities on their annual number of NDAs. That, in itself, would do a lot to shine a light. What has been happening has all the hallmarks of what happened within the Catholic Church. We have to learn the lesson that what happened in t…

This is our last sitting in this Chamber, hopefully. As I have done in advance of the national days of other countries, I wish to mark the Belgian national day, which is coming up. Belgium is a close friend of Ireland and has supported peace on this island. The bonds of friendship between Ireland and Belgium are strong and deep. Our enduring friendship is grounded in historical connections from the era of our saints such as Brigid and Faolán and the Flight of the Earls, who made their made their way to Brussels and…

I join with Members in thanking Martin, Bridget, Carmel, Ilinca, Ethan, Aisling and, of course, Grace in my office, and all the staff of the Oireachtas for their tireless work. I thank the ushers, Bills Office, the information technology, IT, department and, most important of all, the cleaners who keep us safe in these unprecedented times. I also thank the Leader for her leadership of the Seanad, her courtesy to me, to Senators and to all the people who work in the Seanad Office. I thank the leaders and Whips of al…

I thank the Leader for raising the issue of women's solidarity in Belarus. It is a cause that the Seanad could champion because women bear the brunt of the oppression in that country. They very much appreciated the passing of the motion by Seanad Éireann yesterday. I thank Senator Ward, and all Senators, who championed that cause.

As fewer than five Members have risen I declare the question carried. In accordance with Standing Order 61 the names of the Senators dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.

The following message has been received from Dáil Éireann: Dáil Éireann has agreed, on this 14th day of July 2021, to amendments 1 to 7, made by Seanad Éireann to the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021. Dáil Éireann has made the following amendment consequential upon the acceptance of amendments 3 and 6: In page 8, line 19, to delete “6, 6B” and substitute “6, 6A, 6B”. to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I welcome the Minister to the House.

I remind Senators they can speak only once, expect in the case of the proposer of the motion, who has a right of reply. I call Senator Garvey.

I remind Senators we must finish this item by 4.03 p.m., and that includes the Minister's response.

I remind Senators they have three minutes apiece. I call Senator Timmy Dooley.

I am conscious of time.

I call Senator John McGahon.

It is a Government motion so I am following a different order.

Please, Senators.

Senator Boylan, you are in possession.

I wish to clarify that if Members want to interrupt, they have to ask permission. The relevant Standing Order is Standing Order 39. It relates to the permission-----

Sorry, Senator. I have to take a point of order.

I call Senator Lombard. We are supposed to finish at 4.03 p.m. and it is now 4.01 p.m. I hope his contribution is succinct.

I thank the Senator. I am sure the Minister will take up the invitation.

I am conscious of the Minister's time.