As there are many Senators seeking to contribute, I kindly ask Senators to take three minutes each. That way we can get everybody in.

I thank the Minister of State for accepting that amendment on behalf of Senator Higgins.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I reiterate the view I have continuously expressed, namely, that we, as a nation, must learn to live with Covid-19. The virus is not going anywhere, especially in the current climate whereby variants from abroad pose additional risks. The Government and the approach it takes must evolve alongside this virus. I absolutely agree that the use of mandatory hotel quarantine should remain in place where essential. I wish to highlight and discuss, however, the structure, the practice and the conditions - an aspect which i…

Not unless the Chair wants me to speak twice.

I am only joking.

What of the unaccompanied minors?

I thank the Minister even though I am one of the people who was quite critical in the very beginning of how the Covid pandemic was handled. I have always believed this could have been given to another Minister. Health is too big a portfolio. We needed a Minister responsible for vaccination and Covid-19 to support the Minister for Health in his role. Nevertheless, he has done a remarkably good job. He has certainly taken criticism on board as it was meant to be taken. Thirty-seven vaccination centres are operating s…

What about pharmacists?

Hear, hear.

Hear, hear. Well said.

If ever two Members spoke sense in this House, it has to be the last two speakers, Senators Casey and Higgins. I support Senator Fitzpatrick's amendment, but I want to know what it means for the current development plans. Certainly, the national planning framework needs a complete review at this time. I will talk about Meath. Currently, the local authority in Meath has no land where it can provide any housing. It has absolutely no land on which to build social or affordable housing. It is at a complete disadvantage…

I want to raise the issue of the slow roll-out of vaccines in County Meath. I am not sure if the Leader is aware of it, but there is only one vaccination centre in County Meath. The population of County Meath is 210,000 and the vaccination centre is in Simonstown. Some people have been given appointments in Dublin, Drogheda and Mullingar. I have raised this issue with the HSE and I have asked it to consider the provision of an additional centre, be that in Ashbourne or Fairyhouse. The vaccination programme in Count…

I move amendment No. 1: In page 5, to delete lines 7 to 21 and substitute the following: “ “(b) Part 3, continue in operation for the period beginning on the 10th day of June 2021 and ending on the 30th day of September 2021.”.”. The Minister is very welcome back to the House. I spoke extensively on Second Stage yesterday regarding my objection to the duration of the proposed extension of these lockdown measures to 9 November. There is no information, data or public knowledge relating to the extension. The virus is…

I will raise a couple of issues. The first is mental health and the care plan for those over 18 year of age. Anyone who watched the "Prime Time" interview last week or heard Andrew McGinley this morning on Newstalk will have heard his plea for support of an advocate to those suffering. I have come across this many times as a foster parent. One week I could play a vital role in supporting a person under 18 years of age and, as soon as that person turns 18, I cannot gain access to any information. This is so wrong an…

I wish to make a point of order.

It is a point of order. I did not get up when the Deputy Leader made some very personal attacks on me.

Sorry, I asked the Deputy Leader to ask the Minister for Transport to come to the House to discuss the aviation industry. That is what I asked her to do.

All right. I thank the Cathaoirleach.