On a point of order, I ask that politicians in here stop trying to close down debate by stigmatising each other. It is obvious to everybody that we all agree with authentic human rights.

There are controversial issues here that some people would regard as rights and others regard as potentially problematic. There needs to be an openness and respect for each other's views.

Senators Malcolm Byrne and Gavan have never called for an open debate-----

The Senator should think about the unborn in that context.

Hear, hear. We all-----

-----agree with that. Stop the nonsense.

Those who are not born-----

There is an attempt to stigmatise people who-----

And Caltra.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Last Friday evening, I was in the town of Ballygar, near to my home place, taking part in a table quiz in support of a journey that was going to be made from Ballygar to bring important food, medical and other supplies to Ukraine. The following evening, I was cycling through Ballygar on my bike. I had previously had an idea in my head that this was to be a fairly small van making its way across Europe but then I saw this massive truck with "Ballygar to Ukraine" and the Irish and U…

I will be very brief. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. This Bill is primarily about the transfer of functions from one Department to another in an area we all know about and that is important. There have been no amendments other than two tabled by me, which were ruled out of order. I will take this opportunity to say that no matter how apparently normal and necessary the provisions of a particular Bill are, it should not be the case that a Bill like this is rushed through the House like a dose of salts without an oppor…

I had requested to come in.

I am grateful for the Chairperson's latitude.

I acknowledge my error in thinking that the Bill was to conclude on Report Stage today. I apologise for that misunderstanding on my part. My central point was that I am concerned about the ruling out of order of these amendments because I believe they were sufficiently relevant. I disagree with my colleague, Senator Seery Kearney, on that. She has, of course, grabbed the headline of the day by suggesting there are charities in Ireland getting money from Russian oligarchs. All I want to say is, please, tell us more.…

I am grateful.

Senator O’Loughlin mentioned Fórsa. In another context, I see that Fórsa raised €250,000 for the Ukraine appeal among its members, and that was topped up by a further €250,000, amounting to a €500,000. I say "Well done" to Fórsa and its members. The Senator raised a good point about the census. Although there is another dimension to this which is, under the legislation, any person who knowingly provides false information may be subject to a fine of €44,000. There is no exemption in the Act for people who are uncomf…

Cuirim fáilte roimh mo chomhghleacaí ó Ghaillimh, an tAire Stáit, an Teachta Rabbitte. As we all know, this Bill essentially transfers responsibility for disability issues from the Department of Justice to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. My first observation is to express concern about the accumulation over time of responsibilities by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. What began as the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in 2011 ha…

I think the Senator is being dismissive. It is relevant because this Bill amends the Health Act. That is a cheap shot and a weak Government reproach, instead of dealing with the substance of what I am bringing up, which is important. This might enlighten the Senator. Under the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012, any political party which does not produce audited accounts for a given year will get no funding from the State for the following year. Why should the same not apply to lobby groups funded b…

Does the Minister of State accept the validity of my comparison in respect of political parties that get more funding if they do not have audited accounts?

It is a good principle, is it not?