I appreciate that update and I thank the Minister for putting this high on her list of priorities. We recognise that that multidenominational aspect is in the programme for Government, which contains a commitment around having 400 multidenominational schools. We need to make sure they also have the school buildings and that we are not just allocating patronage. I know the Minister understands this and she has made that commitment. One of the issues is that, given many new schools are multidenominational, it means m…

Ballots are being counted at the moment in the UK and I wish my colleagues in the Green Party in England, Scotland and Wales all the very best this week. There are 13 directly elected mayors in the UK so it is an exciting time and a good signal to us in Ireland that we need to step up when it comes to this issue. Much can be achieved by having a democratic process that gives people the ability to vote for mayors, rather than the almost politically orchestrated process we have in this country. To have decision-makin…

It is very good to see the Minister in the Seanad for the second time in one day. We are very honoured. I thank her for addressing my question on multidenominational schools on Commencement matters earlier. It was very much appreciated. With regard to this Bill, the Minister has been very open with us. Those of us present who are members of the education committee — there are several — are aware that briefings have been coming and that the Minister has engaged very well with us. A year ago, or maybe a little over a…

First, I also extend my sympathies to Senator Mullen. As a fellow Galwegian, I know the amount of time that he has spent supporting his family over the past couple of years. My thoughts are with the whole family. I commend Senator Ahearn on bringing up the subject of hyperemesis because there is a lottery when it comes to medication. I was also going to raise the issue of the postcode lottery when it comes to maternal healthcare in this country. We have seen the opening-up announcements yesterday, which are very we…

I, too, welcome some of the reopenings today. My 13-year-old starts back in Galwegians this evening. That is very exciting for our family in our small part of the world. A report from today shows it does not take that long for children to get back up to where they should be developmentally, physically and mentally. We really need to concentrate on that. It is really welcome that children are returning to outdoor pursuits. I welcome the findings of the Citizens' Assembly. It was very emotional at the event on Saturd…

Do any Members wish to speak before I call the Minister of State? Does the Minister of State wish to come in on the amendment?

This is not a court but all the barristers have laid their cases out.

Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I should have said that we are supposed to be discussing the amendments and not the ability to table amendments.

Does the Minister of State wish to respond?

I welcome the Minister of State. It is great to see another Galwegian in the House. I know she is very committed to and made a recent announcement on the post office in Eglinton Street, which is to be welcomed. I will mention that again later. The establishment of an interdepartmental committee is to be welcomed, as are the commitments in the programme for Government. Now is the time to put those into action because many people across the country are living in fear that their local post office will close. Postmaste…

Amendments Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, are related. Amendments Nos. 2 to 6, inclusive, are logical alternatives to amendment 1. Amendments Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, may be discussed together, by agreement.

I call on the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and welcome him to the House.

Is the Senator asking the Minister of State to respond at this point?

I will not take all of my time. I would have been happy to share some of my time with Senator O'Reilly. Gambling is a booming industry in Ireland. We talk about solidarity with those financially affected most by Covid-19. I suggest this is one place to start because 100% of betting duty is going to the horse and greyhound industries. Everyone here will be in no doubt as to my views on that, and I respect different views. However, in terms of animal welfare alone, I suggest that needs to be examined and the industri…

It is difficult to stop some Senators in full flow, as it were, because those of us representing areas outside the capital in particular feel the effects of the legacy of poor management of water. I completely agree that it is time for this issue to be grappled with. I would almost give up my time to allow Senator Conway to speak further on the issue because I can see his passion. Senator Garvey has really led on this issue. One of the first things she said on entering the Seanad was that her number one priority wa…

The Minister of State is welcome. I begin by mentioning the "RTÉ Investigates" programme broadcast last night which has touched many of us. I am here to speak on special needs and because of the matters I raise from AsIAm. People from that organisation spoke on the radio this morning on how disappointed they are the Department of Health has decided to take this approach. It is very hard to understand how people's personal details from their own private GPs being given to the Department of Health without the individ…

I thank the Minister of State for responding on both of those issues. When talking about education, we have to be very careful that we do not make it sound like it involves doing something to somebody; it is a collaborative practice. In the responses on both issues, I really hope the Department of Education is taking into account the fact that this is not about defending ourselves but about our obligations in offering a service to society and the children in the schools. Education is a service; it is not about defe…

I apologise for missing my slot earlier and thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for fitting me into my colleague's place. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, who attended for my Commencement matter earlier. She used a significant amount of her time to discuss the Department of Education's position on the "RTÉ Investigates" programme that many of us will have seen last night. The programme has left many families with an awful lot of questions despite the statements by both the Department of Education and the De…

I understand that the Leader wishes to propose an amendment to the Order of Business.