I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Alison Comyn - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to make a statement on the continuation of the community centre investment fund to facilitate capital funding for community centres such as the Moneymore townland community hub in Drogheda, County Louth. Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on his plans to increase the betting tax rates, …

The Minister is most welcome and I thank him for being here

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the school from Ballyvourney, guests of Aindrias Moynihan. We also have guests of the Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy, and of the Leader of the Opposition, Mary Lou McDonald. They are all welcome to Seanad Éireann today.

I remind the Senator that what happens in the Dáil is a matter for the Dáil.

Arrangements for Dáil speaking times are not a matter for the Seanad.

I remind the Senator that I will give her more time. Everyone here has an opportunity to raise issues.

What is done in the other Chamber is a matter for the other Chamber. Senators have ample time - all the time in the world - to raise whatever concerns they have. I will afford Senator Keogan the opportunity to do so. However, the Dáil's arrangements are issues for the Dáil.

Senator Kennelly has proposed a minute's silence in honour of the passing of Mick O'Dwyer. I join Senator Kennelly in expressing my condolences to the family, friends and supporters of the great Mick O'Dwyer, who brought such joy to many in the Kingdom, but also to the people of Clare, Kildare, Laois and Wicklow. He made teams believe in themselves beyond their own beliefs. He brought joy to people who loved Gaelic football, our national game. I ask Members to rise for a minute's silence.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House for this very important debate on disability services. Group spokespersons will have ten minutes, all other speakers will have five minutes and the Minister of State will reply no later than 8.50 p.m. Statements are to conclude by 9 p.m.

I welcome to the Gallery Deputy Geoghegan, along with a delegation of students from UCD. They are welcome to Seanad Éireann and we hope they enjoy their visit and learn a lot. They might come back at some stage in the future on the other side of the Chamber.

Go raibh míle maith agat. Anois, I call Senator Pauline Tully. Are you sharing your time?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome to the Gallery Katie Merriman, a transition year student from Harold's Cross Educate Together school. She is most welcome. I also welcome Olivia D'Arcy from Tipperary who is here on work experience. She is in charge of Cahir Youth Tidy Towns, plays a bit of football and I can assure the House she will be in and around these halls in a few years to come. They are both very welcome and I thank them for being here.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - the need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on Government policy on the importation of liquid natural gas into the State, and how this relates to our climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Senator Sharon Keogan - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on extending the exemption from commer…

I welcome Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, to the House.

I remind the Senator that the business of the Dáil is the business of the Dáil so it is not an issue.