Deputy, please. I call the Minister to respond.
On prevailing side: this member voted with the winning side in 172 of 425 decisive votes (10 abstentions excluded). Read it as a government-or-opposition indicator rather than a measure of influence — the figure is near 100% for members supporting the government of the day and near 0% for those opposing it.
This is the point of the site: contributions keep the party held on the day, not the one held now.
| Party | Recorded as | Contributions | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC | Ceann Comhairle / Chair | 5,548 | 2022-04-07 – 2026-10-01 |
| IND | Independent | 825 | 2020-03-05 – 2026-06-09 |
Membership spells on record: IND 2020-02-08–2024-11-08 · IND 2024-11-29–present
Deputy, please. I call the Minister to respond.
Go raibh maith agat, Deputy.
Thank you, Deputy.
I call the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins.
Thank you. I call the Minister of State.
Everybody is the same.
You had 15 minutes, Deputy.
I thank the Deputy.
I thank the Deputy and call Deputy Mattie McGrath.
Deputies should be aware that any contribution must confined to what is within the actual Bill, but they are free to speak.
Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 are related and may be discussed together.
Amendment No. 3 is out of order.
The Bill will now be sent to the Seanad. Before we move on, there are four lovely medical students in the Gallery, one of whom is the daughter of Deputy Martin Daly. They are all very welcome.
I must now deal with a deferred division relating to the ministerial amendment to the Second Reading motion on the Education (Affordable School Uniforms Bill) 2025. On the question, "That the amendment to the motion be made", a division was claimed, and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.
Before we proceed to Leaders' Questions, I have a short announcement to make to the House. It is the first time since 1973 that a sitting TD has successfully contested a presidential election and it is the first time in the history of our Constitution that a sitting female TD has successfully contested a presidential election. In accordance with the Presidential Elections Act, I have received formal communication from the Presidential Returning Officer confirming to me that he had, on 25 October, declared Catherine…
I would also like to take this opportunity, and I am sure Members will join me, in extending condolences on the death of Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy yesterday. We all know what an extraordinary impact Sr. Stan had on Irish society. She led a life dedicated to the service of those in need. I offer my condolences to her family on behalf of Members and many friends. Thank you.
The Minister to respond.
Deputy, you are way over time.
Deputy, please.
Deputy, please.