I did not read it out on the Order of Business. I have two motions.

It is on the climate action report.

Even if it is on it, we will remove it today. We will seek clarification.

I am ahead of myself.

I will bring the Senator's feedback back. I think it is a logical request. Senator Casey brought up the anomalies in the temporary wage subsidy scheme, TWSS. I did not realise it was that large. Given that it is on that large a scale, I definitely think the Minister for Finance should do something. I will write a letter but I ask other Senators to make appeals on behalf of our own local enterprise centres and all the businesses impacted by it. We certainly did not put a huge pot of money out there for people then t…

I move: That Seanad Éireann agrees with the recommendation of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight that, in accordance with the provisions for the address to Seanad Éireann by Distinguished Persons, H.E. Maura Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, be invited to address Seanad Éireann on Tuesday, 27th June, 2023, and, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, unless otherwise ordered, the following arrangements shall apply: The proceedings in respect of the address shall commen…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Technological Universities Act 2018 (Section 44F) (Appointed Day) Order 2023, copies of which have been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 12th June, 2023, be referred to the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)(b), which, not later than 27th June, 2023, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Or…

Now.

Now.

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

It is a beautiful sunny day; long may it last. The Order of Business is No. 1, Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 [Dáil] – Second Stage, to be taken at 11.45 a.m., and to conclude not later than 1.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given not less than eight minutes to reply.

It is lovely to hear an area that is so often maligned spoken about so beautifully and eloquently. We should all be delighted that an area that has been disadvantaged for far too long under successive Governments is finally getting what it deserves, which is to have its community live with dignity and supports so every child can have the equality of opportunity that we all espouse so much. I thank the Senator for raising the matter this morning. Senators Conway, Black and Carrigy all spoke about the ask of the INTO…

I welcome the establishment of the agrifood regulator, which is long overdue. I welcome this draft Bill and the measures included in it that will improve protections for farmers and all our other food providers in the agriculture sector. It is essential because when you look at the agrifood chain it is the farmers in the supply chain who are consistently squeezed. They are the ones who are facing huge increases in the cost of production, and you do not have to look any further than the significant increases they ar…

I thank the Minister for taking this Bill today. I speak on behalf of the entire Fine Gael group when I say that the drafting of this Bill would not have been possible without the work of Young Fine Gael. Yes, we put it on paper and our justice spokesperson, Senator Ward, translated it into legislative language, but we owe a real debt of gratitude to the YFG team here for bringing this issue to the fore in first place. Through its tireless campaign called #PricklessNight on college campuses, in meeting rooms and on…

Spiking is terrifying and with sight of the figures from the sexual assault treatment shared with the Minister’s Department, these are genuinely telling us that the incidents are on the rise. What is even more terrifying is the relatively recent phenomenon of needle spiking where women are being injected completely unbeknownst to themselves. A young lady from my village shared her experience of socialising with friends in Dublin city in the past year and, God bless her, it was horrendous. She is not over it and I g…

Or half an hour.

I welcome Commissioner McGuinness to the Seanad. We all know, and it is testament to her career, that the Commissioner is a very proud European. She has had a long and successful career in the European Parliament and now in the Commission. It is testament to her dedication and commitment to the European project. It is also a testament to her authenticity. I wish her continued success. This year is particularly special because we are celebrating 50 years, practically my whole life, as a member of the European Econom…

I thank the Minister of State for coming in and giving us this good news today. I am delighted to be able to talk about Ireland's application to CERN and why we should apply. First, membership of CERN will provide an opportunity for Irish scientists and engineers, the people who are listening to us today, to join a world-class research community and collaborate with international resources and researchers. The collaboration will allow Irish scientists to participate in ground-breaking research projects and develop …

The group is very welcome. The Order of Business is No. 1, Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2023, referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; and No. 2, Finance Bill 2023 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 12.15 p.m.

With the indulgence of colleagues, I will start by addressing our colleague and friend, Eileen. I know how difficult it must have been for the Senator to raise this matter this morning. I want to acknowledge her courage and bravery because if we do not call these things out, they keep perpetuating and it becomes nearly a part of accepted society. I am really sorry that she had to deal with this matter last night. She is definitely not the first and unless we do something, she will not be the last. I think she has s…