I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Before I call on the first Senator, I welcome guests of Senator Neasa Cosgrove from ATU in Sligo, Silvia and Martyna, to Seanad Éireann and thank them for being here. I call Senator Kennelly.

Before I call the Leader on the Order of Business, we are delighted to welcome our friends from Iceland - the Speaker of the Icelandic Parliament, who is most welcome, along with her delegation. I thank her for being here today and for her visit to Ireland. I know they have a series of meetings with our newly formed friendship group. I am delighted they are going to meet with them. They met the Ceann Comhairle in the other Chamber, and we had a number of discussions on a wide range of topics. Climate change was a k…

I welcome to the Gallery guests of the Ceann Comhairle. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House. I also welcome to Seanad Éireann pupils from St. Aidan's Community School, who are guests of Deputy Coppinger. I am sure she has told them that after visiting the House, there is no homework for the rest of the week.

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the Latvian Ambassador on Latvia's national day. Ambassador, you are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. On 18 November 1918, Latvia declared its sovereignty and claimed its rightful place among the free nations of the world. We are delighted that you here on your national day to celebrate with us. Our two nations share many historical parallels and a deep understanding of the long struggle it takes to get independence and freedom. That is why there is such a friendship betw…

The Senator might submit a Commencement matter on the subject. I caution him about making charges against companies in the Chamber.

I welcome Georgia, the stepdaughter of Senator Costello, to Seanad Éireann. She is here on work experience. I hope she is working very hard for the very hard-working Senator and that she enjoys her week in Seanad Éireann. I thank her for coming here. I know she is mortified, but the Senator asked me to do it. What can I say? We also have guests of Deputy Catherine O'Callaghan. The members of the SNP from Scotland are welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I thank them for being here.

Before I call the Leader to respond to the Order of Business, I join Senator Gallagher and all of the Members who have expressed condolences to the families of Chloe McGee, Shay Duffy, Alan McCluskey, Dylan Commins and Chloe Hipson, who were in the prime of their lives and looking forward to a night out. Their parents received the dreadful knock on the door that every parent dreads. We also think of the first responders, the gardaí, the fire service personnel, the paramedics and the chaplains and priests who attend…

Is the Order of Business agreed?

What is the issue?

For the benefit of Members, there is no abstention provision in our Standing Orders at the moment. However, the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight is looking at the issue of allowing Members who are present to abstain, as happens in the Dáil. I will revert to Members on that at a later date.

As it is now past 6 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: "That section 2 is hereby agreed to in Committee; in respect of each of the sections undisposed of, the section is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Title is hereby agreed to in Committee; the Bill is accordingly reported to the House without amendment; Fourth Stage is hereby completed; the Bill is hereby received for final consideration; and the Bill is hereby passed."

When is it proposed to sit again?

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Teresa Costello - the need for the Minister for Social Protection to review the partial capacity benefit application timeframe. Senator Victor Boyhan - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on progress on the timelines for the new housing voids programme for local authorities. Senator Joanne Collins - the need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Env…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to the Seanad.

Before I call on the Senator, I welcome students from Lucan Community College to the Seanad. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann.

Before I call on the Leader to outline the proposed Order of Business, I welcome Councillor Gary Prior from County Leitrim. He is most welcome with his guest, Mr. Seán Earley, who is chairman of the GAA club and chairman of about everything in Aughnasheelin, by the sounds of it, over the past number of years. He was outlining that he was at his first political meeting in a schoolhouse in 1973 at 17 years of age and he has been involved in all community events ever since. I thank Gary for bringing Seán here today an…

You have to be careful in your language.

You have said it as a fact as opposed to an allegation. I just want you to be clear.

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the Nenagh active retirement group to Seanad Éireann. They are most welcome. Up Tipp. Thanks for coming. I hope they enjoy the day. I call Senator Stephenson.

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Mr. Cillian Maguire, transition year student, to the Gallery. He is most welcome. I call Senator Nelson Murray.