I second Senator Malcolm Byrne's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. Given that it is 1 May and that today marks the closing date for the business support grants, it is disappointing to see the level of take-up in this regard. We should possibly be looking into why there has not been more success in respect of the numbers taking up the grants. I say this mindful of the fact that businesses can get up to €5,000 back in respect of their commercial rates. I wonder why they are not applying. This matter also r…

I welcome to the Gallery a group of teachers from Brazil who are studying in Mary Immaculate College for 12 months. They are accompanied by college president, Mr. Eugene Wall. They are welcome and we hope they have a good and enjoyable day in the Oireachtas.

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the Minister to the House.

The issue I wish to raise today relates to the development levy waiver scheme that the Minister, Darragh O'Brien, introduced last April. It was introduced at the time to try to offset the inflationary cost but it has proved more successful way beyond that. The reason I say that is because there have been a significant number of developments that were probably not viable without the development levy waiver scheme. That could be related to small developments in more rural towns or rural areas which it has facilitated…

The issue I want to raise relates to the communications strategy of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, specifically regarding sites that have been identified as potential locations for the housing of people seeking international protection. Every one of us in this Chamber has been affected by its communications at this stage. The current policy on which the Department has agreed, namely, keeping everybody, including council officials and indeed gardaí, completely in the dark, i…

I welcome the Acting Leader. The issue I wish to raise is that of policing, specifically Garda numbers and recruitment in Wicklow. Wicklow has seen a significant population increase, one that is probably far above the national average, yet we are seeing a decrease in our number of police. This is causing concern. There has been significant population growth in our major towns on the eastern and western sides of Wicklow. In Arklow, where we have just invested €149 million in a new wastewater treatment plant, we are …

I second the motion.

Is Senator Mullen pushing the amendment?

Amendments Nos. 6 and 8 are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I ask the Senator to stick to the Bill and the amendments.

The Senator is straying a bit off course.

Please, Senator.

Senators, please, we do not have the time.

Any other Senator? Senator Keogan?

As it is now 2 p.m., the debate stands adjourned in accordance with the order of the House.

When is it proposed to sit again?