The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2024, back from committee, to be taken without debate on conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024 - all Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m., with the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall in relation to amendments in…

I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. I join with everyone who has paid tributes to Martin Grove, Bridget Doody and the Seanad staff, as well as to the staff of the Houses, from the ushers to the staff in the restaurant, canteen and Dáil bars, for their work and courtesy in recent years. I join with others in wishing everyone who is running for election to this House or the other House well. Unfortunately, everyone cannot get elected, as I and others have known at different times. I read on Twi…

How would they agree on anything? How would they agree a budget or legislation? Nothing would be done. It would be chaos. She talked of a litany of faults in this country. Ireland is a great country with a bright future ahead of it, and an even brighter future if this Government is re-elected over the coming weeks. Senator Higgins spoke about Western Sahara. I know she has been a strong advocate on these matters and on those parts of the world which are truly impoverished and in conflict, together with mentioning a…

We do not know.

Obviously, there seemed to be a large number of spoiled votes. That concludes the Order of Business.

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2024, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 23rd October, 2024.

It is safe to say that democracy involves a cost and that the running of our democratic institutions involves a cost. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission does important work in terms of resourcing and staffing the Houses and providing for the staff employed by the Members of the Houses. Those staff perform exceptional duties on our behalf. They are on the front line in many cases. The secretarial staff in particular are on the front line when it comes to dealing with those who sometimes have things to get off t…

Now.

Now.

Now.

The Minister is welcome. This is important legislation to ensure the funding next year of the State’s public administration and the various services funded by each Department, including the Department of Health, and each agency, including the HSE, in addition to all our social welfare programmes. It is important that there be certainty regarding the Estimates. Both Houses have a role in this regard of course. I acknowledge all the work done up and down the country by our civil servants, including those at the front…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, to the Chamber. I wish to raise the need for additional special education teacher, SET, and special needs assistant, SNA, resources for the pupils in Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh in Cnoc na Cathrach. At present, 649 pupils are enrolled in Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, which is the largest national school in the city area. With that enrolment, there are 4.5 SNAs allocated and 155 hours allocated under the…

We know a review is in preparation. It is clear from the reply that the Department acknowledges there may be unique circumstances in schools. Without talking about any individuals in this school, I am sure there are situations where, unfortunately, a child or children in a school have a high level of demand, which results in the need for additional resources. I hope that in such situations, including in Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, that would be taken into account in the review. From engaging with parents and the princ…