That is what is happening. Mullagh had to amalgamate with Kiltormer. Tynagh and Abbey-Duniry amalgamated. That is the trend that is developing. It would be remiss of those of us from rural communities to not speak to that point. Tribalism and community is part and parcel of it. The Minister’s work on this is really welcome. We do not need it to the level they need it in the cities or larger towns. We need the projects of 20 to 40 houses and for there to be the capacity to carry a developer-led project which can com…

I will raise an issue that the Leader will be aware of. Tomorrow morning at Galway County Council, there is a protest taking place and it is unfortunate that residents from Cregmore, Grange and Ballymoneen find themselves standing outside Galway County Council. It will be a very peaceful protest but they are raising an important issue. It is related to key community concerns around inadequate original assessment, materiel change, proven local risk, homeowners' financial loss and procedural unfairness. The Leader wi…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this Commencement matter and I thank the Minister of State for being here to take it. While it is not a Commencement matter specifically on special educational needs, I am delighted I have a Minister from the Department of Education and Youth here. Tiernascragh National School in County Galway has 56 pupils attending. It has grown its numbers over the last number of years. The growth is down to good leadership in the school from the principal, staff and board of management. M…

I thank the Minister of State for both his contribution and his leadership regarding how to move to the next phase. With regard to the short-term position, I hear him very clearly. The community centre is about 250 m down the road but, as outlined, there is no footpath. I would welcome it if there were a ray of hope that this was a very short-term solution while we wait for a modular unit to be leased or for planning permission to come through. No doubt there will be a planning permission query, even if we are putt…

I thank the Minister of State.

I have allowed latitude on that because it is an issue of such gravity at the moment. I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I thank the Senator for raising this matter.

Before I call the Minister of State, I welcome pupils from Scoil Eoin Naofa from Ballymore, County Westmeath, who are in the Gallery. They are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Troy. Other members of their class were here earlier. It is a big school and a lot of them are here today. They are welcome. We have a Senator and Minister of State here this morning. I have been told to tell them they have no homework for the rest of the week.

I give a warm welcome to Lucan Educate Together National School. Today, I am raising an issue to do with national schools. I would like a debate in the Seanad on education but particularly regarding the provision of additional classrooms that are required in rural national schools in particular. I know of a rural national school that has only two classrooms but three teachers and they are expected to teach four classes in each. They are being asked by the Department to do team-teaching and they also have to do the …

I thank the Minister for being here. It is important, as a Senator who is a member of a Government party, to make a few things clear and straight. I am disappointed that Senator McCormack has left the building because I would like to give her a few answers. This Bill will give renters far more legal protection than they have ever had in the history of the State, while increasing the supply of homes available on the market. It is about striking a balance but it is also a necessary intervention. We are in a housing c…

I thank the Minister of State for being here this afternoon and for her detailed response and in-depth presentation to us. It was not a whistle-stop tour she has given us, but a really good analysis of where maternity services are at in Ireland. I acknowledge the work of Senator Cosgrove and of the Cross-Party Group of Senators Noonan, Harmon and Stephenson in bringing this motion forward and giving us the opportunity to put the spotlight on the need to have a conversation around maternity mental health supports an…

The principle of ensuring women can access timely, appropriate and affordable support following childbirth is shared across both Houses. In particular, access to mental health supports during the perinatal and postnatal period is critically important. This is an area where we must continue to ensure services are available when women need them. I acknowledge the Year of Care campaign and the advocacy work that has helped to keep postnatal care firmly on the policy agenda. It has contributed to an important discussio…

I know the Minister, Deputy Foley, has to go. I see the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, has arrived. I thank the Minister of State very much for being here. Before we move on, I see Deputy Willie Aird has brought some visitors to the Gallery. They are very welcome to the Seanad.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Leader for the opportunity to speak. Today is digital Internet safety day. It is an important day in the calendar because it is a day when we bring awareness to keeping children safe online. It is unfortunate that it is a day. It should be every day that we ensure we are keeping our children safe online. The protection of minors should be a priority for the Data Protection Commission. However, section 30(6) of the Data Protection Act 2018, which would make it illegal to profile minors for the purpose of…

I thank the Minister for being in the House this evening and for the opportunity to speak on apprenticeships. As the mother of a son who has qualified with his degree after receiving it through an apprenticeship in finance and insurance through Atlantic Technological University Sligo, it has been an absolutely fantastic opportunity, and I cannot praise it highly enough. The opportunity was as a Covid child of the leaving certificate, who actually said to me at one stage, “I am a sprint finisher, mother”, which mean…

I thank Senator McCormack. Next, I call Senator Noonan. Is the Senator sharing time?

I thank the Minister, Deputy Browne, and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan.

Senators Scahill and Byrne want to share time.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister of State. When is it proposed to sit again?