I have never seen a vote proceed without the Cathaoirleach or Leas-Chathaoirleach.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach was locked out.

The doors had to remain open until she came in. That is the correct procedure.

Either the Cathaoirleach or Leas-Chathaoirleach has to be here for a vote to proceed.

The vote could not proceed until the Leas-Chathaoirleach was here. When she came in, the doors were to be locked. Those are the rules. The Cathaoirleach or the Leas-Chathaoirleach has to be here for a vote to proceed.

The Order of Business is No.1, motion re proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Planning and Development Act 2004 (Modification) Regulations 2025, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Mental Health Bill 2024, Committee Stage, to be taken at 7.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 9.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 3, Finance Bill 2025, Second Stage, to be taken at 9.15 p.m. and to conclude at 11 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time alloc…

I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. I will start with Senator Fitzpatrick who rightly congratulated all involved in the organisation of today's events for the joint sitting in both Houses with President Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena. The Senator expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and mentioned the importance of the non-military aid being given and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Many other speakers concurred with those sentiments. Senator Keogan raised issues reg…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development Act 2024 (Modification) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 18th November, 2025.

I welcome the Minister of State. I acknowledge the former Minister, Paschal Donohoe, who has set sail for pastures new and his role in stewarding the finances over nearly a decade as Minister for Finance and Minister for public expenditure. He has left the State in a better way than it was when he came in in terms of balanced budgets, surpluses and money set aside for rainy days. The definition of rainy days is another matter. There are always challenges, issues and things we can spend money on but we also have to …

Next Tuesday.

Tomorrow morning at 10.30.

I join with the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the ambassador and I wish all of the Romanian people here well on their national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Planning and Development Act 2024 (Modification) Regulations 2025 - referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of an extension to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 for a further period of six months, to be taken…

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin raised the issue of community pharmacies and the importance of shopping locally. Senator Pal Daly also raised this matter in relation to Black Friday. The concerns are that foreign multinationals are availing of supports from Irish consumers when there are local businesses that need to be supported. I fully agree in relation to the proper marketing and adjudication of Irish businesses in that regard. As Senator Daly said, local businesses support thei…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development Act 2024 (Modification) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 18th November, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 2nd December, 2025, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall …

I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that the period of operation of sections 1 to 7 and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) be extended for a further period of 6 months, beginning on the 1st day of December, 2025 and ending on the 31st day of May, 2026.

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for internal secur…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for asylum, migrat…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Justice programme for the period…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union…

We are, if that is agreed.