Dáil Éireann passed the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Bill 2021 on 23 June 2021, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann also passed the Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Bill 2021 on 23 June 2021, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

Is that agreed? Agreed. Today is Slovenian national day. It celebrates 30 years of independence, with its statehood day, Dan državnosti. Ireland and Slovenia have since developed cultural, business and sporting links. The reopening this year by Slovenia of its embassy in Dublin is warmly welcome. It will help facilitate the development of even closer ties between our two countries. Since Slovenia’s accession to the European Union in 2004, during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council, our two countries have d…

I have received notice from Senator Lynn Ruane that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on the tendering process for direct provision accommodation. I have also received notice from Senator Mark Wall of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health to compile a national register of automated external defibrillators and the community grou…

Leading off for the Civil Engagement Group this morning is Senator Ruane.

I thank Senator Murphy for raising that issue.

Senators Kyne and Gallagher have been appointed tellers for the Tá side. As no tellers have been appointed by the Níl side, I declare the question carried.

I have received notice from Senator Regina Doherty 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 public procurement and eGovernment to outline his plan for the implementation and operation of the EU digital Covid certificate in Ireland. I have also received notice from Senator Seán Kyne of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Education to provide an update on a new school building for…

Since the end of the 18th century, Luxembourg's national day has celebrated the reigning monarch's birthday. Celebrations in the capital usually begin with a torch-lit procession. There are significant historical and cultural links between Ireland and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, not least of which is the fact that Luxembourg's only patron saint, St. Willibrord, was educated and got his spiritual education in County Carlow. Ireland's embassy in Luxembourg opened in 1973, which marked our accession to the European…

I thank all our ambassadors for the information.

I thank the Senator for raising the incident in Waterford and the actions of the mayor. We all agree that he has been very forthright in expressing his views about what has been happening with the flag. We all also celebrate what An Post and Angus Laverty have done in making sure people celebrate diversity, which is what that flag is about. I call the leader of the Opposition, Senator Boyhan.

The Senator's time is up but I must say his advertising is fairly commendable.

I thank the Senator for the invite to stay in his place. We also look forward to him bringing in loads of punnets of strawberries.

I hope the Senator has enough and that it is only the strawberries, not the vodka.

I thank the Senators for listing the offerings of their counties, including apples, strawberries, vodka and cider.

I invite Senator Ahearn from Tipperary to contribute on the Order of Business.

I wish to caution the Senator against naming anybody.

I know you are not doing it, but I just want to raise the issue.

Senator Pauline O'Reilly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that item No. 20 be taken before item No. 1. That has been seconded by Senator Martin. The Leader has indicated that she is willing to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.