I also congratulate the Leader on his appointment. I wish him every success. I have no doubt that he will excel in the role. I also support the comments of Senators Craughwell and Wilson on the non-attendance of a Government Minister at the commissioning event last Thursday. I think that sends out totally the wrong message. Whatever error occurred in this particular instance, I sincerely hope that we learn from it and ensure this never happens again. I am sure many of my colleagues present have often heard tell of …

I move: "That Committee Stage be taken now."

Now.

Now.

First, I commend David, Veronica and Suzette on their work in this area. I met David on a number of occasions. He has been a serious campaigner and advocate. For his family to go through what they have gone through and still campaign to change things, not just for themselves but for those who will come after them, we are all deeply indebted to them. Gabhaim buíochas leo go léir. I thank the Senators who contributed this evening, all of whom did so in a constructive fashion and came forward with reasonable and good …

Tomorrow morning at 10.30 a.m.

I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 (No. 39 of 1998) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2026 and ending on 29th June, 2027.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit ar maidin. The Minister of State is very welcome back to the House to discuss this very important piece of business. As she outlined, the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 was enacted in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing in order to strengthen the State's response to terrorism. Certain provisions of that Act are, as the Minister of State outlined, subject to renewal annually. They will expire on 30 June next unless approved by this House and the Lower House. The Gove…

Now.

Now.

I echo the comments of the Minister in his summing up and thank all the Senators for their contributions, which have been constructive and thought-provoking. All the amendments have been given serious consideration by the Minister. I thank and acknowledge Mr. Jason Poole for his contribution to this legislation. His family have been on a very difficult journey. The advocacy of Mr. Poole to get this legislation, Jennie's law, brought in has to be acknowledged and I commend him on it. I commend the Minister on his in…

Hear, hear.

Next Tuesday.

Next Tuesday at 12.30 p.m.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire ar ais go dtí an Teach inniu. The Minister is welcome back to the House this afternoon. I also welcome David and Veronica to the Visitor's Gallery. On behalf of Fianna Fáil I welcome and support this Bill. As the Minister outlined, the Bill progresses a legislative change to allow for the removal of guardianship rights from a person who has been convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of the child or both. The Bill is a programme for Government commitment to examine propos…

Next Tuesday.

On behalf of my party, I welcome and support this Bill, which will establish a new office of director of criminal justice international co-operation to allow Ireland to meet the requirement of the EU e-evidence package. This package will make it faster and easier for law enforcement and judicial authorities across the EU to obtain electronic evidence from service providers as part of criminal investigations. The establishment of the office of director of criminal justice international co-operation will provide a co…

Next Tuesday.

The Minister of State is very welcome to the House this afternoon and I thank him for being here. The Crocus Cancer Support Centre in Monaghan is our local cancer support group and operates two free volunteer-driven vehicles, known as the "Crocus cruisers", to exclusively transport local cancer patients to and from their hospital appointments. Last year, it was delighted to receive €37,000 from the Department of Transport, which enabled it to purchase that second vehicle. The service removes travel-related stress a…

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I fully appreciate that this is a matter for the Minister for Finance, but where would we in this country be without volunteers? Organisations such as the Crocus Cancer Support Centre in Monaghan and blood bikes do fantastic and invaluable work. All the work they do is done by volunteers. If the Government were to introduce a road tax exemption for those vehicles, it would be a small token of appreciation on behalf of the State for the excellent work the…