There has been significant discussion in the media recently regarding the lifting of the triple lock mechanism and it is within this context that I ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to come to the Chamber for a debate on the proposed Bill to remove the triple lock, which is included in the Government's spring legislative agenda. This is not just a technical change in policy that is being proposed. The triple lock is a fundamental part of our overall approach to peacekeeping and neutrality. The Gover…

I welcome Senator O'Loughlin referring to gender-based violence in her contribution. It is an important issue that we as a House should be addressing. We have issues in Ireland in relation to how we respond to gender-based violence. Across December and January, eight women on the island of Ireland were killed: Malika Noor Al Katib, Vanessa O'Callaghan, Searon Naughton, Karen Cummings, Mirjana Pap, Paula Canty, Annie Heyneman and Gillian Curran. Six of these women were killed by people they knew. I would, therefore,…

I really appreciate the complexities around government and running a country. I do not believe we should shy away from that but we need to make sure that evolution is happening in a way that is meaningfully considered. Senator Craughwell said it might make for better management. I would like us to make this decision on evidence. I will introduce an amendment later that requests a report within three months and, instead of approving this Bill, we would have a report looking at the evidence base. We have had very lit…

As I said, we should not be pursuing what is outlined in this section without having the report, on which I have introduced an amendment under the next section. I will speak to my points again. We should not be pursuing this. We have no evidence that having additional Ministers will bring value for money. We have instances of misuse of public spending. It is no one's fault, but we now have a situation where there is a lack of public trust in decision-making on spending. Yesterday, for example, in respect of arts an…

I move amendment No. 2: In page 3, between lines 17 and 18, to insert the following: “Amendment of section 3A of Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Act 1998 2. The Minister shall lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas within 3 months of the passing of this Act on the need and appropriateness of expanding the number of Ministers of State.”. I have spoken on this before. I appreciate that the Minister of State has given us various examp…

Congratulations to the Cathaoirleach and all my colleagues in this room, including people who have been here previously and new Senators like myself. It is such an honour and a privilege to be in this space. It is very humbling to hear everyone speaking and to be here with them. I look forward to serving people throughout this country very diligently in this role for however long it may be. This House has historically had a very collegiate culture. That is something I wish to bring forward. Working with colleagues …