I thank my colleagues. I agree with Senator Martin that now is not the time for a poll. However, what it absolutely is time for, and I do not think there has ever been a better time, is to start having the conversation with each other, those of us with opposing views, as to what we would like to see in a shared island and what the potential opportunities and, indeed, perhaps some of the downsides might be. I do not think that there has ever been a better time for us to start the conversation and obviously any part …

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Monday, 26th April, 2021, shall adjourn until 10 a.m. on Friday, 30th April, 2021, in the Dáil Chamber, and unless otherwise ordered, the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Statements on Business and Covid-19. Statements on Business and Covid-19 shall commence at 10 a.m., and shall adjourn at 12 noon, with the opening statement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment …

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 3) Regulations 2021, referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion re Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2021, referral to committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, motion re Protection of Young Persons (Employment) (Exclusion of Workers in the Fishing and Shipping Sectors) Regulations 2021, referr…

I thank colleagues for raising a wide variety of topics. I could not agree more with Senator Wall. I read with interest this morning our plans to ban the current practice of bookies being able to ask people to come in and bet, on a reduced number of numbers, on either a EuroMillions or a weekly lotto draw. It is very welcome. The national lottery, as an organisation, does tremendous good. It provides enjoyment for people, notwithstanding that we have been talking about gambling and will be talking about it later th…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 3) Regulations 2021, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 14th April, 2021, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)(b), which, not later than 27th April, 2021, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 75, and Standing Or…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2021, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 14th April, 2021, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)(b), which, not later than 27th April, 2021, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 75, and Standing Order 77(2) shall …

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Protection of Young Persons (Employment) (Exclusion of Workers in the Fishing and Shipping Sectors) Regulations 2021, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 3rd March, 2021, be referred to the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)(b), which, not later than 12th May, 2021, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the draft National Marine Planning Framework, a copy of which was laid before Seanad Éireann on 24th March, 2021.

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on reports regarding the Department of Health policy examined in the recent "RTÉ Investigates" programme, to be taken at 12 noon and to conclude at 1.15 p.m., with the opening contribution of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, contributions of Senators not to exceed six minutes and the Minister to be given not less than five minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, statements on the Covid-19 vaccination programme, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to conclude at 3 p.m., with…

I thank colleagues for the variety of topics raised today. The project Senator Carrigy described would have huge merits in the area of Ballymahon and for the sections of society on which it would have positive impact. I will write to the Minister for Rural and Community Development and ask for the status of the funding from the rural regeneration fund. Senator McGahon raised the five-day rule, which does not seem to have any logic. I wonder why it is even a rule. It probably has something to do with protecting empl…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re the early signature of the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2021, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Naturalisation of Minors Born in Ireland) Bill 2018 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 2 p.m. if not previously concluded; No. 3, Residential Tenancies Bill 2021 - Second Stage, to be taken at 2.15 p.m. and to conclude at 4 p.m., with the opening cont…

I thank colleagues for the variety of topics raised. To respond to Senator McGreehan, I wish the Cooley sheep breeders and farmers a very good year. It has been difficult for many people. I am happy to accept Senator Byrne's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. Senator Dolan raised the issue of St. Teresa's Special School in Ballinasloe. The best I can offer her is that I will write to the Minister for Education and ask for an update on the allocation and the negotiations to extend the accommodation of the …

I move: That, pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2021 changed from Family Leave Bill 2021 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to him.

I propose, notwithstanding anything in today's order, that No. 2a on the Supplementary Order Paper, a motion regarding the setting aside of Standing Order 29 on Monday, 29 March, be taken now.

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Friday, 26th March, 2021, shall adjourn until 10.30 a.m. on Monday, 29th March, 2021, in the Dáil Chamber and the following arrangements shall apply: ( a ) Standing Orders 29 and 30 shall stand suspended; ( b ) The Order of Business shall be proposed at 10.30 a.m.”

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion of instruction to the committee regarding amendments to the Family Leave Bill 2021, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, statements on tourism, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to conclude at 3.30 p.m., with the opening contribution of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes and those of all Senators not to exceed six minutes, with the Minister to be given no less than eight minutes to reply; No. 3, statements on the national development plan, …

I thank Senator Cummins. County Waterford is having a particularly good week with regard to Government investment, and I want to congratulate the Senator and commend him for the work he has done on the announcement of funding for Waterford City and County Council last week. I know it was significant and that the Senator had championed the cause for many months. I said last week that he would make us all envious when he spoke about the developments. I am really glad that Waterford City and County Council has been gi…

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, it be an instruction to the Committee of the whole Seanad, in relation to the Family Leave Bill 2021, that the Committee has the power to make amendments to the Bill for the purpose of amending the Judicial Council Act 2019 and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 in relation to the operation of personal injuries guidelines adopted by the Judicial Council; and to make other consequential amendments required to take account of such amendments.

Guím Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona ar mo chairde go léir agus ar an diaspóra atá ag dul i méid i gcónaí ar fud na cruinne. Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an gCathaoirleach as an mbronntanas seamróige. Iontas álainn a bhí ann. Is é seo a leanas an tOrd Gnó inniu. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re the extension of the report-back deadline for the Joint Committee on Public Petitions, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion re the extension of the report-back deadline for the S…

I thank my colleagues. I agree with Senator Ahearn. I very much welcome the announcements by the medics yesterday that we can resume nursing home visits. All of us are aware of the pain and suffering of some of our elderly relatives caused not only by Covid but also by the loneliness they have experienced in the past 12 months. Anybody who has spoken to someone they know about loneliness knows it is a pain far greater than any physical pain he or she has to endure so the news is very welcome because it gives us hop…