The proposer has the right to reply. Does Senator Garvey wish to come back in?
On prevailing side: this member voted with the winning side in 66 of 66 decisive votes (0 abstentions excluded). Read it as a government-or-opposition indicator rather than a measure of influence — the figure is near 100% for members supporting the government of the day and near 0% for those opposing it.
This is the point of the site: contributions keep the party held on the day, not the one held now.
| Party | Recorded as | Contributions | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC | Ceann Comhairle / Chair | 5,999 | 2020-06-29 – 2026-09-30 |
| FF | Fianna Fáil | 95 | 2020-03-20 – 2026-04-16 |
| ?? | Not recorded | 3 | 2020-07-30 – 2022-12-15 |
Membership spells on record: FF 2007-07-23–2011-04-25 · FF 2011-05-25–2016-04-24 · FF 2016-03-10–2020-03-29 · FF 2020-03-30–2020-06-29 · FF 2022-12-16–2025-01-29 · FF 2025-01-29–present
The proposer has the right to reply. Does Senator Garvey wish to come back in?
As I did the last time the Minister was in the House, I commend him. I know this represents a lifetime's work and it is very rare that a politician gets to see his lifetime's work fulfilled. I know this legislation in only part of that but it is a very significant part. It is a proud day for the Minister and his colleagues.
The Clerk will send a message to the Clerk of the Dáil certifying the determination of the Seanad.
Is the amendment being pressed?
Amendments Nos. 5 and 6 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.
When is it proposed to take Report Stage?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
When is it proposed to take Final Stage?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
I am sure the Minister of State is delighted that the Bill is going to pass today. Much effort was put in to ensure it would be taken now as opposed to in September, and she championed it and ensured that would happen. It will make a big difference for many people. I invite her to say a few words on the passing of the Bill.
I thank and congratulate the Minister of State.
I thank Senator Higgins and all those who tabled amendments. I know that Senator Higgins submits a lot of amendments, sparks a lot of debate and discussion, and gets people, including Ministers and officials, thinking. That is why amendments are tabled and why we have debate. That is why legislation changes as it goes through the House. Ideas and issues arise because of amendments being submitted by Senator Higgins and many others. I thank them all for the effort that is put into drafting and submitting those amend…
I again congratulate the Minister of State. When is it proposed to sit again?
Senators will be aware that Dr. Seán McCarthy, a Member of Seanad Éireann from 1989 to 1992, passed away last Monday. Seán had a long and distinguished career in public service, including four terms in Dáil Éireann as a Teachta Dála for Tipperary South. He served as Minister of State at the Department of Industry and Commerce from 1987 to 1989 and as a councillor for Tipperary for many years. His public service spanned five decades. Before entering public life, Seán's commitment to serving the public could be seen …
On a point of clarification, is the proposal that No. 18 be taken before No. 71, motion 7 on the Order Paper?
I am giving the Senator latitude on this but the Order of Business is supposed to be--
Senator Keogan has 18 seconds.
Ciúnas. I remind Senators that the Order of Business is about the business before the House today.
I thank Senator Keogan for her thoughts and input on the Order of Business. However, I remind her that it is about the legislation and items before us today.
I call on the Leader of the Green Party group, Senator Pauline O’Reilly.