Senator Higgins will be allowed to speak at the end and can come in again.

What is the point of order?

The Minister of State-----

The Minister of State has advice on it.

The Minister of State to continue.

The Minister of State to continue without interruption.

The Minister of State without interruption.

I welcome the Minister and congratulate him on recently assuming the leadership of his party. I also acknowledge the work of Senator Currie in framing this motion and the opportunity to present today on this important matter. It is safe to say, going around even this city ahead of the recent elections, where I canvassed for some local election candidates, particularly in some of the newer estates we would see an area set aside, left aside and perhaps fenced off. We would be told that is where the crèche is proposed…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, to the House.

Amendments Nos. 1 to 16, inclusive, are related. Amendment No. 6 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 5. Amendments Nos. 1 to 16, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

It is section 1, amendment No.1, which relates to the Planning Regulator. If we could speak to the premise of the objectives, though, it is amendments Nos. 1 to 16, inclusive. Senator Cummins should speak through the Chair.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding arrangements for the sitting of the House on Monday, 15 July 2024, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, motion regarding the appointment of a Member to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 1; No. 3, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024 – all Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m.; the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, to be br…

I thank all Senators for their contributions. The common theme was one of welcome to Senator Nikki Bradley. I personally wish her well and good luck in the time ahead in this House and in her future career in politics. I know she has great plans already and I know she will make a difference in her role. I join the Cathaoirleach in wishing Regina Doherty and Senator Lynn Boylan the best of luck as Members of the European Parliament. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about the NTA and the fairer fares in the commuter zone. It…

All MPs. That was the point I was going to make. One used to obviously think of Sinn Féin MPs. Whether we want Jim Allister and others here as well-----

Absolutely. The Senator would have to give rights to all MPs. I have met some of them. Jim Shannon is a nice guy. He was in Milwaukee when I was there as Minister as part of the festival.

I am not sure about that. This is an interesting issue. It is above my pay grade. Obviously there is a distinction between speaking rights and voting rights. Senator Gavan also spoke about the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and Palestine. I disagree that we have not done much in this Government. Much leadership has been shown on the situation in Palestine and Gaza. There was the recognition of the State of Palestine. We came out early to condemn Israel and Hamas for the ongoing issues. We have to keep it to the fore of…

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Thursday, 11th July, 2024, shall adjourn until 12 noon on Monday, 15th July, 2024, and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Standing Orders 29 and 30 shall stand suspended; (b) The Order of Business shall be proposed at 12 noon.

I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order 98 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, Senator Seán Kyne be appointed to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight.

I join with others in expressing sympathies to John O'Mahony's family, his wife Gerardine, his children Gráinne, Niamh, Rhona, Deirdre and Cliodhna, his brothers Dan and Stephen and others. John was a legend in Galway with his exploits with the footballers, the all-Ireland in 1998 and 2001, as well as the Connacht championships. Not just for Galway but for Mayo and probably most impressively for Leitrim, who when they won that Connacht championship had beaten Roscommon, Galway and Mayo en route to the title. That w…

I interrupt the proceedings to welcome members of Glinsk Ladies Club, who are guests of Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice. I hope they enjoy the rest of the day. As it is now 4.45 p.m., I am required to put the following question in accordance with the order of the Seanad of this day: "That amendment No. 1 is hereby negatived, Fourth Stage is hereby completed, the Bill is hereby received for final consideration and the Bill is hereby passed."