I too welcome the ambassador. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of appointments of persons to be members of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the extension of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, Maternity Protection, Employment Equality and Preservation of …

I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. We started with Senator McGahon who welcomed the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hillary Benn, to the Good Friday Agreement committee. He wished the committee well in its deliberations and I hope he has longevity in the role because we have had a high turnover in the position. This is not healthy in terms of the difficulties that exist in getting to know all the parties and the players involved in the difficult, ongoing work in Northern Ireland. Se…

I move: That Seanad Éireann, noting that the Government agreed on 8th October, 2024, to propose, for the approval of Seanad Éireann, the appointment or reappointment, as the case may be, of the persons concerned to be members of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, and pursuant to sections 9 and 10 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, approves the appointment of Bríd O'Donovan, Paul O'Donovan, Tom Boland, Paul Mc Garry, Emily Sherlock and Michele O’Boyle, with effect from 1st October, 2024, by the Governm…

I move: That Seanad Eireann resolves that the period of operation of sections 1 to 7 and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) be extended for a further period of 6 months, beginning on the 1st of December, 2024 and ending on the 31st of May, 2025.”

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

The Minister of State is welcome. I acknowledge the work on this legislation. I recall speaking on the previous legislation in 2015. There were all sorts of weird and wonderful things back then and this is no different. I would just like a small bit of clarity. The Minister of State mentioned section 2(2), which specifies all instruments "made before 1 January 1821 that were retained" and those that were "made on or after 1 January 1821 and before 1 January 1861". As a former Minister of State with responsibility f…

Next Tuesday.

I acknowledge Senator McDowell's interest in and commitment to Seanad reform. He has certainly advocated for this measure for a number of years. We have had numerous debates. It has almost become like the drainage of the Shannon in that it has been talked about for decades and very little has happened, which I acknowledge. A Bill relating to the university Senators is before the Dáil today. It is an issue that has been raised again on foot of a court decision, and the Government has had to act. In my time as Govern…

Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.

Last week we had a briefing with Dyslexia Ireland in Buswells and I acknowledge the work of our colleague, Senator Tim Lombard, and other colleagues cross-party who have been supportive of the calls of Dyslexia Ireland in relation to additional exam time for students who suffer from dyslexia and other learning difficulties. It is clearly a barrier and disadvantage to dyslexic students that they do not get additional time and are treated the same as all other students. Indeed, extra time is the norm in most other Eu…

Amendments Nos. 1, 97, 102, 110, 112, 115, 117 to 119, inclusive, 121, 122, 126 to 128, inclusive, and 134 to 173, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Can we leave it until that stage so we can move on with the Bill? Would that be possible?

The Order of Business has been accepted by the House today.

No vote was called.

Through the Chair, Senator Flynn. The Senator will have her opportunity to speak in a moment; she is next.

Senator Ward should speak through the Chair.

Senator Ward should please speak through the Chair.

I thank Senator Ward. Before I call on Senator Flynn, I welcome visitors to the House who are guests of our colleague, Senator Lombard. We have Liam Condon, Gerard Crowley, Seamus Walsh and James Kilduff. I hope they enjoy the hospitality and entertainment that Senator Lombard will provide later.

I ask the Senator to speak to the Chair, not to the Senator.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Trade Marks (Madrid Protocol) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 – back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No 2, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Sligo County Council) Order 2024, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, motion regard…