If a bungalow on a half-acre site in a sylvan setting is available in east Galway or wherever, and the Brothers of Charity or Ability West want to buy that, is there a process where they can streamline and get that quickly, or is it convoluted and complicated meaning that property is not available? Can we do something to look at improving that? There are specific requirements that certain children and young adults want. They may have sensory issues. They may like the outdoors, or the feel of leaves or green grass. …

I wish to be associated with the comments about the late John Connor. I met him on numerous occasions at party events and I knew him by reputation. I also met him during Seanad campaigns. He is a man who was well regarded and well spoken. As others have said he was an orator of distinction. My sympathies and condolences to all of his extended family. I have raised in the past issues regarding the school transport system. A review into the working of the school transport system is under way and it should be nearing …

I call Senator Boylan.

I join others in congratulating Senators Carrigy, Ardagh, Wall and other members of the autism committee on their leadership and advocacy in regard to these Houses becoming an autism-friendly Parliament. I concur with the suggestion that this should be rolled out to all local authorities and Government buildings. It becomes a cliché to talk about balanced regional development. I have to say that it is not a cliché if we look at what happened in Galway last Friday with the sod-turning of the Dexcom facility in Athen…

I join the tributes to former Senator, county councillor, Minister of State and TD, Mr. Tom Hussey from Galway. I did not know him personally but I know of him and of the positive reputation around his role in the county. I express my sympathies to his wife, Bridie, and his children, James, Thomas, Paul, Ciarán, Sinéad and Triona. I also join the tributes to, unfortunately, the now former Senator David Norris, former father of the House, and his extraordinary role and positivity in his advocacy over a long career. …

-----it does seem like the CEO was targeting the Complainant for some reason.

The decision also states that: Having regard to all of the evidence, I am not satisfied that this decision was arrived fairly or that it fell within the band of reasonableness...Having regard to all the circumstances I do not accept that a lesser sanction and the context surrounding the Complainant’s error were seriously considered by ... [Inland Fisheries Ireland]. The dismissal was unfair. On behalf of Mr. Pat Gorman I thank Marie O'Connor of SIPTU for her diligence in bringing this case forward and going above a…

Senator Ruane, without interruption.

We cannot have engagements across the House.

I ask the Senator to speak to the amendments.

The Minister can choose to address the overall point.

Without interruption, Senator Mullen.

Senator Mullen, please.

Without interruption, please.

I join others in wishing Tom Hickey all the best in his retirement and in the next stages of his life. I thank him for his courtesy and kindness over the years. I also join others in wishing the staff of the Seanad office all the best for the Christmas period and thank them for their work in these Houses. I also thank all the catering staff, House staff, usher staff and parliamentary staff who have kept the show on the road over the course of the last year. Yesterday the Irish Heart Foundation and Croí made present…

I welcome the Minister. I regret I cannot follow the brevity of my colleague-----

I will always try. I thank the Minister for bringing this important piece of legislation. It is hugely important for the running of all Departments for the year. If this was not passed, we can agree there would be consequences for the people we serve. Every citizen would suddenly realise the importance of government at large. I refer to Vote 29, which is the salaries and expenses for the Office of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, including certain payments administered by that office an…

Yes, I am talking about the expenditure of public money.

The individual gave an explanation at the public accounts committee. It is on record. I am querying that on behalf of the former chairperson. There is no record of this project going before the board for approval. The CEO states it came before the board in May as part of the overall capital expenditure package but there are no individualised projects listed and there was no approval for expenditure of €219,000 on this project in Aasleagh. Will the Minister seek verification of whether this project was approved by t…

Now.