Now.

There is never a correct time to make a decision such as this and I would not for a minute assume that if the decision was made this time last year, or at any other stage when we had near full employment and balanced books, people would not have objected to it. As somebody who sat at Cabinet and did not receive an additional allowance, it is only right and proper that those who do sit at Cabinet receive it. There were four of us at that stage, two of whom received the allowance. I was not one of them. With regard t…

I would like to congratulate the Minister on his appointment and welcome him to the Chamber. I broadly welcome the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Bill 2020. It was legislation which featured regularly at the legislative meetings which I chaired in my previous role but was subject to continued delays and requirements for legal advice. I welcome the fact that it is finally before the Houses. As we have heard, the Bill puts the climate action fund on a statutory foo…

As we know, many families are under pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most particularly those with children, young adults or adults who are vulnerable. From engagement with parents and service providers in Galway, I am aware that social distancing requirements and other health requirements are affecting service provision for persons with disabilities. Many parents, if not all, are tired and they are frustrated and upset over delays in the resumption of full services. I am not in any way blaming service provide…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, to the Chamber. I congratulate him and wish him well in his role. I know with his background and experience that he is very well suited to a financial brief. I look forward to working with him. The coronavirus does not discriminate between countries or nations, just as it does not discriminate in terms of the individuals and families that have been impacted by this dreadful virus. Few have lived through such an unprecedented crisis as that caused by Covid-19. Such is…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy English, to the Chamber and congratulate him on his reappointment as Minister of State in this new Department. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2020. It is clear that Microfinance Ireland has been a success story since its establishment and has been supporting microenterprises across the country to access credit where they have been refused by financial institutions. Microenterprises are evident everywhere across our communi…

Some €45 million has been paid out in restart grants over the past number of months. It is a very welcome initiative to support businesses in getting back up and running so they can open their doors, continue to employ people and provide services across our State. Of that €2.376 million has been paid out in Galway city and €1.9 million in the rest of the county. It is very welcome in terms of the work that is needed to improve safety for clients, whether it be perspex sheeting or a range of other facilities needed …

Ar dtús báire, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an gCathaoirleach as ucht an onóir agus pribhléid mhór a bheith tofa mar Chathaoirleach ar an Seanad. I will take this opportunity to congratulate Senator Mark Daly on his election as Cathaoirleach and I wish him and his family every success in the years ahead. I agree with Senator McDowell and wish my fellow Galway man, Mr. Billy Lawless, success in his future endeavours. He is a good Galway man, Chicago man and Fine Gael man, although I am not sure in which order he would…