The real substance is in the last two lines, that is, that the Irish policy is cautious and that random tests are carried out. I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply. The three important things from that are that the Government needs to demonstrate its caution, that we need to see more statistics in terms of the testing and that is something I can take up with the agriculture committee, of which I am a member, and that many people are not aware of GM feedstuffs in animals. We talk at great length…

I agree with every word that Senator Buttimer said. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that No. 128(5) be taken before No. 1. No. 128(5) states: That Seanad Éireann calls on the Minister for Health to name the new National Children’s Hospital after Dr. Kathleen Lynn, noting her contribution as Chief Medical Officer in the Irish Citizen Army, and her role in establishing St. Ultan’s Hospital, one of the most important centres for paediatric healthcare in the early years of the Irish State. I wo…

I will withdraw it.

I move amendment No. 8: In page 17, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following: “(i) such abstraction that may be required on animal welfare grounds.”. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, who is picking up on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. I wish the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, well. I will set the scene as the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, is new to the brief for this section of the Bill. I undertook to table nine amendments on behalf of the Irish Farmers Associ…

I note that the Minister of State did not mention welfare in his response. That is the rationale for it; that is the request from the IFA. I am the conduit for that organisation in this case. I am happy to stand over that proposal and that amendment. I will leave it at that.

I move amendment No. 9: In page 19, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following: “(5) The information required under subsection (4) should be confidential to the Agency and not published.”. The amendment speaks for itself. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response.

I thank the Minister of State and I note his response. One of the great things about these amendments is that it allows us to put a case, in this case coming from the IFA, and allows us to hear a response, which is an interesting response.

I wish to discuss this section's rationale. The IFA believes that section 17 should be deleted because it provides far too many powers to the agency to override the legislation. I share the IFA's concerns, but I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response.

I move amendment No. 15: In page 70, to delete lines 37 and 38. I will focus the first part of my contribution on amendment No. 15, which is important. I wish to flag to Senators who might be listening that I will be calling a vote on this matter. The IFA states that subparagraphs (a) to (e), inclusive, undermine the legal rights of farmers and could have a negative effect on land and property values. Section 61(2)(d) and (e) are problematic in terms of the powers they give Irish Water, and they should therefore be…

With all due respect to the Minister of State, his response is a little vague. I know the response is not the Minister of State's personal response, but it has been prepared by his advisers. I have seen contrary advice relating to the challenges which suggests there are going to be problems. I take on board what the Minister of State has said. Amendments Nos. 15 and 16 have been grouped together, so I will speak on them here and now. The same rationale applies to both amendments. I will leave it at that.

I move amendment No. 16: In page 71, to delete lines 1 to 6.

I move amendment No. 17: In page 77, to delete lines 7 and 8 and substitute the following: “(2) Subject to subsection (3) , a claim under subsection (1) shall be made within six years from the date of the commencement of the carrying out of the public abstraction.”. I will just listen to the Minister of State's response.

The IFA would not consider that to be the case and has given this due consideration and looked at the options and the potential in this regard. I note the Minister of State's response.

I move amendment No. 18: In page 78, between lines 13 and 14, to insert the following: “(5) The Minister shall within 12 months of passing this act produce a report detailing how a national compensation claims protocols could be developed which equitably resolves concerns regarding property loses and/or disruption to farm businesses arising where abstraction are imposed.”. While this legislation allows farmers to seek compensation, it would require protracted arbitration and potential challenges in the courts. I to…

I note what Senator Cummins said and I thank him for that. What he said is reasonable but applies to any legislation. In response to the Minister, he said the suggestion is beyond the scope of the Bill, but we can bring such things into the Bill. This is the legislative process and the teasing out of it. That is why this amendment has been proposed. There has been adequate notice. I submitted these amendments weeks ago, way before the deadline. I was aware that these amendments were coming for a very long time - as…

That gives clarity, which was needed. I thank the Minister of State for that and I support the amendment.

I would like to join with previous Senators who have spoken on the Commencement matters. It is important that there are mechanisms for us as Senators to bring topical issues to the House. How and ever, I cannot help but think that these are Government Ministers or delegates and representatives of Government who come and take these Commencements and it is their right to delegate that function. We accept that and that is the correct manner. The delivery of the Commencement is not an issue; that is a matter for the Mi…

I second the motion. I welcome the Minister. I thank the Leader for leading off, for gathering the signatories and for organising this important motion. I join her in now formally calling for a full State public inquiry into St. John's Ambulance and particularly into the accountability and governance of the board now and previous board of the St. John's Ambulance service. Dr. Shannon's report is expected to draw on the official records, and interviews with the survivors, current and former members. It must now be p…

Yes.

Well said.