I so propose.

Thursday.

Gabhaim buíochas don Aire Stáit and the Department for all the work they have done to bring this important legislation forward. Along with my colleagues, Senators Boyhan and Cummins, I have the privilege of serving on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The committee is expertly supported and assisted in its work by its fabulous administrative staff. I pay tribute to them and to all those who engaged with the committee. The committee had very strong engagement on the Bill. Obvi…

I, too, welcome H.E. Ms Larysa Gerasko, the Ambassador of Ukraine, who is the Ukrainian people's representative in our country. I join with others in condemning Russia's invasion and attempted annexation of an independent state. I reiterate our resolve to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainians and utterly condemn Russia's attack not just on Ukraine, but on our democracy and Western democracy. I wish to raise again the issue of public transport in Dublin city and the greater Dublin area. Specifically, I draw the Ho…

Next Tuesday.

It is good to see the Minister of State back in good health. I thank him for bringing these regulations to the Seanad. The Fianna Fáil group will support this emergency measure, which is born out of the need to respond to a world that is experiencing unprecedented levels of conflict in many different territories. We are lucky to live on a largely peaceful island, of which it is a privilege for us all to be citizens. We have experienced an unprecedented arrival to our island of people seeking international protectio…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as ucht bheith anseo inniu. I have a very simple question and I would like a very simple answer to it. When is the State going to open the 1916 commemorative centre at 14-17 Moore Street? The address was the last headquarters of the 1916 leaders - Pearse, Connolly and others. It is more than 100 years ago. We celebrated the centenary in 2016. Since I was first elected to the city council in 2004, I have worked with relatives of those involved in 1916, street traders, the city cou…

I acknowledge the progress made and do not want to be entirely dismissive. Significant appointments of professionals have been made. Seven professional services are to be negotiated with and are to engage in the project. It is important that we get the best and most-expert professionals involved in creating the 1916 commemorative centre. It is important that the centre be the best in its class. When the State invests in and does its best for a project, it does deliver its best. We have many fine examples of this. H…

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Tá an-áthas orm tacú leis on mBille seo. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group in the Seanad, I am pleased to welcome and support this Bill. It is an important piece of legislation. The Bill provides for Irish Water to be separated from Ervia and to allow it to act as a stand-alone national authority for water services. This develops on the commitment in the programme for Government to retain Irish Water in public ownership - something that my party has campaigned for and is committe…

Will the Leader to consider arranging a debate in the House on the National Transport Authority? The authority was set up by the State to manage all matters relating to transport. It has a huge role to play in public transport and transport generally in urban areas but it is of great importance throughout the country. It is critical for people going to work, school or college and it is important in terms of us addressing our climate action responsibilities and ambitions. In the constituency where I live, Dublin Cen…

Two applications at one time for €50 each.

I welcome our distinguished guest and other visitors. It is important that they know we are discussing Housing for All, a plan that was introduced just over a year ago following the change of Government. This is not one more in a series of other plans; it is dramatically different. It is unprecedented in terms of its scope, ambition and comprehensive approach to providing adequate housing in our country. It is backed by €20 billion of State funding; taxpayers' money is underpinning this plan. It is further underpin…

I thank the Minister of State and the Government for bringing forward this legislation to ban no-fault evictions during the winter months of November until March. Is there an issue, a Chathaoirleach?

Is there an issue?

Is everybody in agreement? I do not mind waiting to speak. I thank the Minister of State and the Government for bringing forward this ban on residential no-fault evictions during the winter months of November until March. As we start this debate, it is important that we all stop for a moment and take stock of the context of this legislation. The context is that we have almost 11,000 people in emergency homeless accommodation of some form or another. On top of that, more than 50,000 Ukrainians have arrived in our co…

There is a point of order there.

Now.

I remind the House that the objective is to ensure everyone has a secure, sustainable home-----

It is really important that we remember that our intention is to ensure that everyone has a safe and secure home. I reject the presentation that this legislation seeks to discriminate against any citizen.

I reject the assertion that the legislation discriminates against any citizen; it does not. It is important that we do not have a falsehood go out of this House asserting that the legislation is discriminating against any individual or group in society.