I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, to the House.

Before I call Senator Higgins back in, I welcome Bridget Clare, who was the sixth class teacher of Senator Ruane when she was in school. She taught her and taught her well, obviously. We are delighted she is here. She is here for a particular Commencement matter but we welcome her and thank her for being here.

I must inform the House that a letter dated 25 February has been received from the Secretary to the Government regarding the appointment of Ministers of State. The correspondence will be published in the Official Journal of Proceedings.

That is a very strong statement.

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery Deputy Cahill and two students who are working with him in Leinster House this week: Stella Tongour, a third-year university student from Boston, and Lucy Dunne from Portlaoise, a third-year student at UCC. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. I hope they learn a lot.

Before I call the next speaker, we have guests of the Minister, Deputy Lawless, and Deputy Barry Ward with us in the Gallery. Thank you for being here today.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the timeline for the full publication of the Planning and Development Act 2024, to include an update on the IT projects proposed within the Act. Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to provide an update on the emergency flood relief…

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make a statement on the provision of services by children's disability network teams and early intervention teams in Blanchardstown, Harmonstown, Coolock and Kilbarrack to a child with special needs who has been on waiting lists since 2020. Senator Patricia Stephenson - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister f…

I call Senator Gareth Scahill, who is proposing to share time with Senator P. J. Murphy. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Does Senator Scahill want the Minister of State to play in that as well?

Before I call the Minister of State, I wish to thank him for his work in this area. In fact, I was happy to be appointed by Micheál Martin in 2013 to the role of spokesperson for the Irish overseas and the diaspora. Fianna Fáil was the first political party to come up with the spokespersonship for that particular role. We developed a policy paper regarding the matter. The number one item was the appointment of a Minister of State for the Irish overseas and the diaspora, so I am delighted to see Deputy Richmond as t…

I thank the Minister of State and all the Senators who contributed to the debate.

Anois, an Seanadóir Higgins. Sorry, Senator Flynn. Are you sharing time?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Thank you, Senator. I have 12 Senators offering to speak and I have to call on the Minister at 4.20 p.m. I believe the Leader has a proposal.

Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank the Minister for staying for an extra 15 minutes. I ask Senators, given the fact that 12 Senators have offered, it will have to be a case of loaves and fishes, with about two minutes apiece. Is that possible?

I know I am not sticking to time but I am conscious that Members are speaking not only for themselves. They are also speaking for the many women around the country who have never been listened to. It is important we hear those voices they are representing - the people they know in their communities - and that we hear their own stories as well. I call Senator Nelson Murray.

The Deputy Leader has a proposal.

Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank the Minister for her assistance in that extension of the time again, which is great.

Before I call the Minister, I again thank her for twice accommodating the extension of the time allowed for the debate. I welcome Councillor Claire Murray from Offaly and Liam to the Gallery. They are most welcome here for this debate.