There are lots of them. This issue is not just being raised here; it is worldwide. The worldwide backlash on this is to be acknowledged. Hopefully, it will have the desired effect. Senator Fitzpatrick called for a debate with the Minister for arts, Deputy O'Donovan, on the closure of The Complex in Dublin city. I will request that debate. The Senator may wish to put down a Commencement matter to get a more immediate response. Senator Murphy raised dereliction in some rural, and indeed urban, areas. He particularly …

I welcome the ambassador. I had the pleasure meeting her and her delegation at a recent joint meeting of Galway County and City Councils. I know she had a large number of meetings on that day as well and that she is doing a very comprehensive tour of the country. I welcome the ambassador and her staff and wish them a happy Christmas.

I welcome the Minister and wish him a happy Christmas and thank him for this work throughout the year. I also thank the Seanad staff and everyone who works in these Houses for their work keeping the place running, from ushers to catering staff and everyone else. This Bill sets out the expenditure for the coming year. It is interesting to run through it and see the amount of work this State does and the role it has. I want to mention two areas. One relates to Vote 31 and the Department of Transport. The Minister is …

I move: That, pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Appropriation Bill 2025 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to her.

At 2 p.m. on 20 January 2026.

The Order of Business is No. 2, motion regarding the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 3, National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to …

I thank all Senators for their contributions here this morning, starting with Senator Anne Rabbitte, supported by Senator Mullen, in relation to the importance of safeguarding for adults. They called for statements on this in terms of protecting our most vulnerable. I will certainly raise that with the Minister as well. The Senator talked about the need for a proper framework and proper protection. I will request a debate on that in the new year. Senator Boyhan raised recurring issues that have been raised by Gover…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 9th December, 2025.

Next Tuesday.

Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter to be taken and I welcome the Minister of State. The Minister of State knows full well the scourge that is bovine tuberculosis, TB, and the impact it has on farmers and farm families in terms of the emotional stress, financial stress, worry and the heartache that it can bring. I acknowledge the work the Minister of State, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and their Department have done in relation to the bovine TB action plan published during the summer. It has some 30…

I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. As I said, I would not be here today if it were a case of one cow or one bull. However, the cap impacts the value that is allowed to be paid to pedigree farm owners. For a farmer in their 50s who wants to get back into pedigree farming again after the depopulation grant, there is a huge disincentive because of the payment. I am asking the Minister of State to go back to the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and discuss this at management board meetings with the D…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding appointment of members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, motion regarding the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 - back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 2, without d…

I thank all the Senators for their contributions. Senators O'Loughlin, Comyn, Keogan and Andrews raised the horrific massacre in Bondi Beach. We offer our sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives. I commend those who tackled the perpetrators. The issue of antisemitism was raised by Senators Keogan and Andrews. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, stated that there has been no rise of antisemitism. Senator Keogan also raised concerns about the renaming of Herzog Park. This has been suspended and we awai…

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, shall adjourn until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025, and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Mental Health Bill 2024 [Dáil] – Committee Stage (resumed) . The proceedings on the Committee Stage of the Mental Health Bill 2024 [Dáil] shall be taken at 9 a.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, be adjourned at 10.30 a.m.; (b) Commencement Matters shall…

I move: That Seanad Éireann, noting that the Government, on 4th November, 2025, agreed to nominate Sam Erik Blanckensee, Cathryn Costello, Adam Harris, Rosaleen McDonagh, Patricia Munatsi-Mangwiza and Rose Wall for appointment by the President as members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, recommends, pursuant to section 13(1)(b) of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (No. 25 of 2014), that Sam Erik Blanckensee, Cathryn Costello, Adam Harris, Rosaleen McDonagh, Patricia Munatsi-Ma…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 27th November, 2025.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 1.30 p.m. by the putting of one question by the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down and accepted by Government; Nos. 2 and 3, motions regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) (Revocation) …

Yes.

I thank all Senators for their contributions. We started with Senator O'Loughlin who raised the issue of international Human Rights Day with particular reference to Ukraine, Gaza, the West Bank and Sudan. Senator Joe Conway made reference to South Sudan and the issues there. He called for a debate on the matter. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, was in a number of weeks ago and I asked him to make reference to South Sudan. Unfortunately, there was a small turnout for that debate but I will raise that matter w…