It is Committee Stage, but I am happy to allow the Senator in.

Go ahead. I do not mind.

Senator Moynihan can go ahead.

Chivalry is not dead.

I apologise to Senator Moynihan. In tabling these amendments, I wanted to hear a broad range of views from parties around the Chamber. I welcome the contributions so far; Senator Boyhan has yet to speak. It was remiss of me in my opening remarks not to acknowledge the work Senator Ruane did around the votes at 16 Bill and this issue more generally. I will say a couple of things in advance of whatever response the Minister of State will make. The matter has been referred to by some of his Government colleagues. I lo…

The church is to blame. It is its fault. It was interesting that, at an even younger age than that, we began very early to question things and feel a sense of right and wrong, injustice and justice and all the rest of it. It also struck me that many of the parties represented in the Chamber, including that of the Minister of State, allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote at their Ard-Fheiseanna and conferences to decide and craft party policy, but those young people cannot then vote for people more generally in society …

He said "crazies".

That is absolutely the case.

The Minister of State is in the right place for it.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as an bhfreagra a thug sé. I thank the Minister of State for his response. I know it is sincerely offered. He referred to looking to the Scottish experience. Forgive me because this is not my daily work; it is more Senator Warfield's brief. Is that referenced in the legislation currently?

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. I agree with the point around politics responding to this down the line. As Senator Malcolm Byrne referenced, the research and studies show that it does not particularly favour any one party or political demographic. It benefits politics overall and we all benefit from that. There is the same research on diaspora votes and giving people outside the State a vote. Deciding to reside somewhere else does not dramatically change someone's political and electoral positions. The Minist…

I will withdraw the amendment and reserve the right to resubmit on Report Stage.

I move amendment No. 14: In page 21, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: “(c) examine the age at which a person is entitled to be registered as a European Parliament and Local Government Elector, in particular in relation to persons aged 16 and 17.”. I withdraw and reserve the right to resubmit on Report Stage.

I move amendment No. 15: In page 21, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: “(c) examine the age at which a person is entitled to be included in the register of electors.” I withdraw, with leave of the House, and reserve the right to resubmit on Report Stage.

I move amendment No. 16: In page 21, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: “(c) examine the age at which a person is entitled to be registered as a European Parliament and Local Government Elector.” I withdraw, with leave of the House, and reserve the right to resubmit at Report Stage.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Seanad agus roimh an seal labhairt faoin rún atá os ár gcomhair inniu. The Minister of State is very welcome to the House. Sinn Féin will do whatever it takes to get criminal gangs off the streets. We need 21st century laws to tackle 21st century criminals. That means everything: more gardaí on the streets, more resources and, yes, special courts that protect jurors and those giving evidence against these dangerous gangs. Our approach to all of this has been to improve the…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach agus leis an gCeannaire. I want to begin by reading into the record a quotation from the G7 leaders' communiqué: We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met in Elmau on 26-28 June 2022, at a critical juncture for the global community, to make progress towards an equitable world. As open democracies adhering to the rule of law, we are driven by shared values and bound by our commitment to the rules-based multilateral order and to universal human rights. As the Leader …

This is what happens when you slash the number of workers and do not incentivise them in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis to come back to work with a good, decent job. Members from all corners of this Chamber have articulated the difficulties faced by the members of the Defence Forces at the moment. To expect them, in that context, to take this work on board is ridiculous. I am sure I will return to this issue in a couple of days' time.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach is very good and I understand.

Employ workers, Senator Buttimer.