I am also going to ask that Ministers come to the House. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing shenanigans in the Lower House, the committees are not up and running. We are not a functioning Oireachtas. I would normally bring the issue I wish to raise to the agriculture committee or the finance committee, or I would get a party colleague to do so on my behalf. I refer to the ongoing negotiations in respect of the EU's multi-annual financial framework for the period 2028 to 2034. The Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, com…

Through the Fianna Fáil representatives in the area?

I welcome the Minister and congratulate him on his appointment. I have not been speaking to him in a public forum since his appointment. I am delighted for him and to see him. Regarding this Commencement matter, I compliment him on how quick he was out of the traps in his response to the major crisis that was created by Storm Éowyn. I am always conscious when saying the name of that storm whether I am pronouncing it correctly. I am asking for a dedicated funding source towards the purchase of generators for communi…

I thank the Minister for what is a very positive response. I would not have expected anything less. I compliment him on the line that covers it all for me, where he said he has asked his officials to review existing schemes. I have never doubted the fantastic schemes that are there for local community groups, community halls and for GAA centres and so on through the sports capital grants. It may be an idea to consider it in the latter programme, going forward, for GAA and soccer clubs, or whichever, that have pavil…

At the outset, for fear that this may be my last opportunity, I, too, would like to be associated with the remarks of thanks to the Seanad staff - Martin and all his staff and the ushers and everybody involved in helping us along our way and making life so much easier for us in fulfilling our roles here. In case I do not get another opportunity, I thank them all. As we speak, members of the ICSA are protesting outside the gates of Leinster House with regard to the Mercosur deal. I met the ICSA members before coming…

I am delighted to be joined by the Minister of State, Ossian Smyth, who has ten minutes to open the debate.

In view of the time constraints, I ask the Minister to wrap up. He will have an opportunity to contribute again at the end of the debate.

Amendment Nos. 39 and 40 are related and may be discussed together.

Amendments Nos. 43 to 45, inclusive, and 337 are related and may be discussed together.

I welcome the students from Gaelscoil na Laochra, Birr, County Offaly. They are very welcome here today and I hope they enjoy their day in Dáil Éireann.

Amendments Nos. 47 to 60, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 54 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 53. Amendments Nos. 47 to 60, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement.

Before I call Senator O'Reilly, I welcome the members of the Men's Shed from Cork. I hope they enjoy their day at the Houses of the Oireachtas.

We are on amendments Nos. 47 to 60, Senator.

I am allowing the Senator a great deal of latitude.

I call Senator Higgins. I remind Senators that we have 342 amendments to deal with in total, yet we are drifting back towards Second Stage speeches.

We have to stick rigidly to the amendments at hand.

I ask the Minister of State to respond to amendments Nos. 47 to 60, inclusive.

I raise with the Leader the ongoing issue of long waiting times for driving tests. I base this on an article in today's The Journal under the headline, "Crackdown on long-held provisional licenses delayed over fears of longer test waiting lists". It refers to a damning statement and briefing from officials at the Department of Transport. They are saying openly that they have put on the long finger anything that may be introduced to clamp down on people who are driving on provisional licences for months, years and d…

Before we commence, I remind Senators that a Senator may speak only once on Report Stage, the proposer of an amendment may reply to the discussion on the amendment. Also, on Report Stage each non-Government amendment must be seconded. Amendment No. 1 is in the names of Senators Craughwell, McDowell and Clonan. Amendments Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, and 15 to 20, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 2 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 1. Amendment No. 16 is a logical alternative to amendment No. 15. Amendment …

Before I call the Tánaiste, I welcome the members of the Kildare active retirement group who are here as guests of Senator Mark Wall. They are very welcome. I forgot to welcome the Tánaiste to the Chamber. He is very welcome.