Well said. I completely agree with Senator Ward. The comparisons are disingenuous. I am someone who errs very much on the side of caution. I would prefer to see an extension of the restrictions until our vaccination programme has teeth in a much more fundamental way. That is not to undermine what has been done, which has been tremendous. In April, there will be great hope. I have noted at first hand the sense of hope that comes from vaccination, not only on the part of my elderly parents but also among friends whos…

I have two things to say. First, I support Senator Cummins. The specific word used was "catastrophic". One cannot but respond to that. While I would rather have extended debate - the Senator was absolutely right on that point - in light of the circumstances and the advice from officials, we felt there was no choice but to move quickly and immediately. In the next 24 hours, decisions will be made which will, I hope, remove the 5 km restriction. It is really important that a stand-alone right which has nothing to do …

This legislation interrupts constitutional property rights. The proportionality of that is determined by Covid and whether Covid lifts or the Covid situation gets better. I hope with all my heart that we will be in a much better position by 12 July. It is right that we take it in those steps. Otherwise, it becomes disproportionate and unconstitutional. That is the reason. I have no problem extending this if the circumstances arise but if they do not, they do not. That would be great. Then we can have a debate for a…

From the outset of the Covid-19 crisis, the Government, under the Fine Gael leader and then Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, moved to protect tenants affected by the unavailability of the opportunity to move property and, more crucially, their inability to work. Crucial protections were needed against people's inability to pay their rent brought about by the Covid-19 crisis. That is the origin of today's legislation. The Bill before this House extends all those protections that have been repeatedly extended until April.…

I wish to speak briefly on this legislation. I begin by commending Senator Higgins on it. It is positive and good and "reflective" is a very good word for it. It shows the Senator's tremendous passion and insight. It stands as a challenge to the Government, from which we would benefit to listen to and take on board. While the most economically advantageous tender and cost is a very attractive and obvious metric to use in determining the outcome of a tender process, it does not always take cognisance of all the elem…

I welcome these amendments. I appreciate that while it is not ideal there has been an urgency and a speed to ensure this is on a proper statutory footing as quickly as possible. I echo the sentiments of all the other speakers that there needs to be a quid pro quo , which was very eloquently put by Senator Bacik. We need that. I had my own experience last week in getting a quote for car insurance from a broker that I have used for the past three years. I decided I would shop around and do the novel thing. The Seanad…

I echo the sentiments of the amendment while also appreciating that the Minister, at the previous Stage of debate, gave a commitment to review when it comes to people who are parenting alone and experience particular hardship. That was one of the disappointments that came out of the pre-legislative scrutiny. Certainly, there is disappointment in the provision for lone parents. However, I do hear the Minister and I am holding him to it. The Minister has given a commitment to look at lone parents later in the year in…

Now.

Now.

Next Friday at 10.30 a.m.

Ba mhaith liom i bharr fáilte a chur roimh an t-Aire go dtí an Teach inniu. That is my little bit for Seachtain na Gaeilge. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House today. This week the Joint Committee on Disability Matters heard very compelling advocacy from members of the disability committee in the National Women's Council of Ireland and from Amy Hassett of Disabled Women Ireland. It was really quite an extraordinary and very powerful meeting of the disability matters committee. Ms Hassett's stateme…

I thank the Minister of State. It is very heartening that we have a locked down timeframe. It is really good. It is also really good to hear of the monthly meetings of the steering group. One of the things I really regard and respect in the Act is the complete abolition of the horrible names of the Acts of the past. We both recoiled, the Minister of State in saying them and me in hearing them. Moving to that place of absolute respect for the integrity of the individuals and their rights to make decisions about thei…

I urge the Senator to be cautious in referring to persons or naming any organisation outside the House.

I thank the Minister of State for being here today. I really welcome this Bill and the updates of the provisions within personal insolvency. They are very much needed and they get my absolute and entire support. I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Martin for the very first time when I was newly called to the Bar and I volunteered with New Beginning in its early days. Perhaps much of my perspective around this matter is framed by the extraordinary line of people who came in seeking support. I would sit in with Sen…

I believe we can do better. I completely appreciate the need for the State to ensure that nobody does this lightly, and that the insolvency regime is not exploited or easily engaged in. However, setting expenditure levels like that is completely disingenuous to those most in need of them. I ask that they are reviewed and proofed against real and established living costs.

I support the Minister in not wearing a tie. I have gone all my adult life without wearing a tie and it has not impeded my competence and capacity. I really welcome this Bill. It corrects and extends the benefits that are much needed. The Bill is essential. I am delighted that we are bringing parents' leave and benefit to five weeks, that we are extending the claim period up to two years, which is very progressive, and that the Minister is bringing it into being really quickly, which is to be welcomed. I know that …

We were impressed by his promotion.

On Monday, 22 March.

At 10.30 a.m. on Monday, 22 March.

Guím Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan sona do chách. I thank the Minister for coming to the House and wish everyone a happy International Women's Day. The most recent report to the Dublin city joint policing committee shows a marked increase in cases involving domestic violence. On the one hand, I am pleased that if the figures to the Garda are increasing, it shows more people are reporting domestic violence. What I believe is happening, however, is an overall increase in people suffering domestic violence and, consequentl…