I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. We started with Senator Ní Chuilinn, who had a very interesting proposal for co-locating EpiPens with defibrillators around the country. We know the important role defibrillators play in saving lives. EpiPens clearly have a very important role as well. This is an interesting proposal. I will consult with the Minister with responsibility for food safety, depending on who has responsibility, to see if the proposal is either practical or possible. In the meant…

I am also not sure whether the Minister was able to give any reassurance or response in respect of it. I will raise the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, to see if he can get involved, perhaps by coming to the House to discuss this very important issue. We had over zoning over many years in respect of which there was no control. When I first served as a councillor in 2004 and 2005, hundreds of acres in small and medium-sized towns were being zoned. There was a change in policy to try to regula…

-----and the NTA, but the county councils have a role, too. It is an important and valuable scheme and we want to see greater investment in it. I will raise that with the Minister for Transport. Senator Craughwell talked about the important issue of tariffs. Senator McCarthy raised the matter, too. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is in the United States today. He has stated: We are here to keep the lines of communications open with US political and business leaders as well as share insights …

-----Deputy Harris and the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne. The latter addressed these issues. He respectfully disagreed with the notion that the triple lock is a threat and that Russia does not have a veto under the triple lock. He maintained clearly, as does the Government, that Russia and the other permanent members of the Security Council have a veto against Ireland's peacekeeping policy. That is the reason for the proposals to change the triple lock. Senator Andrews spoke about the betting tax. I do not…

I congratulate the Minister of State on his role with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. I wish him well. The Minister of State might remember being down in Galway city a number years ago when he announced funding of over €9 million for the Galway city flood defence works. That scheme is progressing, unfortunately like many others, very slowly. The Corrib go Cósta project is to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway city. When I…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 5 p.m and to adjourn at 6.45 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 2, statements on disability, to be taken at 7 p.m and to conclude at 9 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and time may …

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Comyn raised public order incidents during daylight hours and the shortage of gardaí in Drogheda and Laytown and asked for a debate with the Minister for Justice, which I will certainly try to arrange. There have been some shortfalls in Garda numbers because of the Covid pandemic and Templemore College being closed at the time but there has been an increase in numbers, not least due to the changes that were made over recent number of years on the advanced retire…

Now.

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the order of the Seanad on 2 April, statements on international trade and international relations shall be brought to a conclusion at 10.45 a.m., and Commencement Matters shall be taken immediately thereafter.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus an Tánaiste chun an t-ábhar tábhachtach seo a phlé. On Monday, I had the pleasure to attend the announcement in Galway that Datavant, one of the world's leading health data platform companies, is to open a global research and development centre in Galway bringing 125 jobs. I acknowledge the IDA team and the consulates across the United States - the Ireland House model of co-operation with the consulates, IDA and enterprise Ireland.…

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this matter for the Commencement debate this morning. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, to the House. The west coast was hit by Storm Bert in the middle of the last general election. Many other parts of the country and the UK were also affected. On Friday, 22 November, a deep Atlantic low-pressure system brought extremely wet and windy weather to Galway and Connemara, with 60 mm of rain falling within a short period. Saturated ground, combined with snow …

I thank the Minister of State for the response and the sentiments expressed. It is unfortunate that the Minister, Deputy Heydon, cannot be here this morning. The reply does not answer the question. It does not state whether it is possible or likely that the Minister will provide a stand-alone scheme for farmers in the Maam-Leenane area. As I have said, I have come here because of the precedent set on the Cooley Peninsula, where a scheme was put in place. In light of the precedent of that scheme, which the Departmen…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion on the report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on Thursday, 3 April 2025, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 1; No. 3, statements on childcare, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 2.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spok…

I thank all Senators for their contributions, starting with Senator Fitzpatrick, who acknowledged World Autism Day. I join her in acknowledging the important celebration of children and adults with autism. Senators O'Mahony and Tully also raised this matter and talked of the strengths and challenges faced by many in the autistic community. We acknowledge the work of all members of the autism committee in the previous Dáil and Seanad, which will return in this Seanad and Dáil as well. Senator Fitzpatrick also congra…

I move: "That the First Report of the Committee of Selection be laid before the Seanad."

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025, shall adjourn until 9 a.m. on Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, and the following arrangements shall apply: ( a ) Statements on International Trade and International Relations . Statements on International Trade and International Relations shall be taken at 9 a.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 10.30 a.m. The opening contribution of the Mi…

I welcome to the House the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Norma Foley. The Minister will have ten minutes, group spokespersons will have ten minutes and all other Senators will have five minutes.

I thank the Minister. Our next speaker is Senator Alison Comyn, who has ten minutes. I advise Senators we are tight on time so please ensure we stick to the allocated times.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I understand that Senator Nelson Murray is sharing time with Senator Ní Chuilinn.