I remind Members that by order of the House, the Minister is to be given ten minutes to reply. The building is to be shut down at 7 p.m. this evening due to public health guidelines and to ensure we are not stretching our staffing resources too far. The Minister will contribute now and Senator O'Loughlin will be the first speaker when the discussion resumes.

I thank the Senators. I call on the Minister to reply to the Senators who have spoken today. He will speak again next week on the issues raised by Members on the report.

I ask for silence in the Chamber to allow the Minister to speak.

I thank the Minister for coming into the House and all the Senators who made important contributions.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Dáil Éireann has passed the Appropriation Bill 2020 on 17 December 2020, which is sent herewith to Seanad Éireann for its recommendation. Dáil Éireann has also passed the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2020 on 17 December 2020, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has also passed the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017 on 17 December 2020, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I was smiling because I was going to correct the Senator by reminding him that his family is also the love of his life.

I wanted to make sure it was on the record. I do not want the Senator outside the door for Christmas.

On behalf of the other 31 counties, London and New York, I can assure the Senator that is not what they want for Christmas.

Senator Joe O'Reilly is due to speak next but I want to give him the last word so I call on Senator Ruane.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach agus guím Nollaig Shona dó freisin. It is pleasure working with him. I thank him for his kind words. It has been an extraordinary year for the Leader, who, like all Senators, has done an extraordinary job under really difficult circumstances. I congratulate Senator Bacik on her good news. If times were different, we would organise a little reception to celebrate the good news. Please God, we will be able to do so in the new year. Other Senators, including Senator Boyhan,…

I would like to join with the Minister of State in paying tribute to the courage of Jackie Fox, whose daughter Nicole died in the most tragic of circumstances, and whose championing of this campaign on behalf of her daughter and everyone in this State has led to this Bill being put forward. I pay tribute to Deputy Howlin and the Labour Party for pursuing this Bill. I know it has broad support, but it is important that this legislation has been put forward to protect people from those who intend to cause them harm.

In the normal course of events, the Independent Group would be next up but it has indicated that as the Labour Party championed this legislation for so long, it will give way to Senator Bacik.

I thank Senator Bacik for championing this Bill for so long. It is very rare that a Bill from the Opposition reaches this point. I thank colleagues for their understanding in allowing more latitude than normal in these circumstances.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I call Senator Craughwell and thank him for allowing the Labour Party to lead for the Opposition in the debate on this legislation.

Amendments Nos. 16 and 17 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I am conscious the debate has been going for over three hours. It is a very good and important debate but the Minister of State has been here for all of that time, as have many Members. I ask the Leader to call a suspension for 15 minutes.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

We are on section 5. Amendments Nos. 16 and 17 are related and are being discussed together with the agreement of the House.