I thank the Minister of State for that response. I am afraid that it sounds like the project is going backwards as he referred to the "initial stages of the public spending code". There is still no date for the planning application to be lodged and the Minister of State referred to works that must be completed before the main building can go ahead. We know that the site must be cleared before a building can be built but a building cannot be built unless we get planning permission and we cannot get planning permissi…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. Luaigh mé anuraidh na deiseanna agus na buntáistí a bhaineann le calafort domhainmhara nua i Ros a Mhíl i gConamara. Tá caipiteal faighte ag an gcoiste stiúrtha don chalafort nua agus táimid Green Investment Group, GIG Macquarie ag súil le dul chun cinn go luath maidir le maoiniú don togra. Tá pleananna ag GIG McQuarry chun feirm ghaoithe a thógáil cois cósta ag Na Clocha Sceirde i gConamara agus tuigimid go léir an tábhacht a bhaineann le fuinneamh in-athnuaite agus na deis…

If they are going to Ukraine, is that not okay? Would the Senator object to that?

They are going-----

Dé Máirt seo chugainn.

I thank the Deputy Leader. There is much pent-up demand within the country to travel abroad and, whether at the Easter break, the elongated St. Patrick's Day break or in the summer, Irish people will avail of opportunities to travel to Europe or further afield. While we always encourage people to take staycations and to experience the great offers we have in this country in hospitality and tourism, we can understand that, given the pandemic, people have not had the opportunity to travel and there will be an appetit…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, and the Secretary General of the Department. I was a Minister of State in that Department for a period of time and was involved with some of the work to deliver broadband and the work National Broadband Ireland is now undertaking. It has had a long, difficult gestation, but the contract has been signed, funding has been committed, and work is ongoing. I certainly know other projects can make announcements at different stages and people will say they will not believe it…

The Minister is welcome. I would like to acknowledge the tour of Ireland that he did during the summer and autumn of last year. It was a valuable exercise in meeting stakeholders face to face in various marts. I visited Maam Cross mart with the Minister and also attended a meeting in Athenry a number of weeks later alongside public representatives from Galway East and Galway West. Farmers have real concerns about a number of different challenges, including the new CAP regime that has been put in place, the new situ…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan. I would like to thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter. I know the Minister of State is familiar with Connemara and the N59. I am sure he has driven it on numerous occasions going out to Clifden or elsewhere in Connemara. Over the past couple of years we have seen huge improvement on that road. First of all, on the surface and, secondly, on some realignment of the sections between Bunnakill and Maam Cross, which started in late 2019 an…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, for the reply. He states on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Ryan, that it is expected the report will be with the Minister for review and a decision this year on whether the project will move to the next stage, and also while this project is not being progressed in 2022, it will be considered for advancement next year. I am confused. Is that the Clifden to Maam Cross section or the Maam Cross to Bunakill section? Perhaps we can get clarity on that. What is needed here i…

I welcome the comments by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, on the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday to look again at the restrictions based on the NPHET advice due to be relayed to the Government today. The people have endured so much over the last 22 months. They need to look forward now with hope to an easing of restrictions of all kinds over the coming months, starting with whatever decisions the Cabinet makes tomorrow. I welcome the positivity the three leaders h…

Tairgim: Go n-aontódh an Seanad le leasú Uimh. 1 de dhroim an Dáil d’aontú le leasuithe Uimh. 6 agus 7 ón Seanad.

Tairgim: Go n-aontódh an Seanad le leasú Uimh. 2 a rinne an Dáil de dhroim an Dáil d’aontú le leasuithe Uimh. 6 agus 7 ón Seanad.

The Order of Business is No. a1, Report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 1, motion regarding arrangements for the sitting of the House on Friday, 17 December 2021, to be taken on conclusion of No. a1, without debate; No. 2, Social Welfare Bill 2021 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude no later than 3 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed e…

The most common sentiment was the wishing of Christmas greetings to everybody and thanks to all staff. On behalf of the Leader and Deputy Leader, I concur with all the sentiments expressed. I thank the Cathaoirleach, the Cathaoirleach's office, Martin Groves and the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas such as the ushers, catering staff and cleaners. I also thank staff from all the political parties and groupings such as support staff, secretarial assistants and parliamentary assistants, Deirdre Chambers in the Wh…

I thank the Senator and I will undertake that it will be provided. As he said, he has circulated the report and I am sure Members will read it over their break. We will have a fuller debate early in the new year.

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business: (1) The Seanad shall meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, 17th December, 2021 and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Standing Orders 29 and 30 shall stand suspended; (b) there shall be no Order of Business; (c) the business to be taken shall be confined to the items set out in the Schedule to this paragraph and, accordingly, no other business shall be taken unless the Seanad shall otherwise order on motion made by the Leader o…

I welcome the Minister to the House. As I said on numerous occasions, social protection and social welfare are a safety net for people in the State when they need support. If Covid has taught people anything it is that those who thought they would never be reliant on core social welfare payments found themselves requiring support for themselves, their families or their businesses. This has to be recognised. It may put a different perspective in some people's minds on the importance of the social welfare budget. It …

I welcome the Minister of State. We were in the Lower House 12 months ago - the year has passed quickly - for the debate on the Appropriation Bill. The Minister of State might recall that at the time there was a fulsome debate on the issue of councillors' pay as part of the appropriations. Thankfully, that issue has been rectified. I acknowledge the work of the Minister of State, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, for g…

Now.