I will address what I see as some of the deficiencies in the all-Ireland nature of what should be included, and it is very much part of the national planning framework. From a previous role I am acutely aware of the enormous benefits that can be derived from real, deep and long-lasting all-Ireland co-operation and the effect that co-ordinated economic and social development can have in an area. That makes sense not just for people, communities and businesses on both sides of the Border, but to unlock the potential …

I will share my time with Senator Chris Andrews. The Tánaiste's presence this morning was welcome and timely given the events overnight. We had the opportunity not only to hear from him directly but also to hear responses from Seanadóirí who are here. I agree with his assessment of tariffs generally and their destructive nature. The United States Government has embarked on an enormous act of self-harm, which is not reciprocal in its approach at all and is very regrettable. I welcome the Tánaiste's remarks about the…

I have not moved the amendment, but I would like to speak to it, if that is possible.

Okay. The Bill in its totality relates to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman and that is obviously hugely important. Having gone through its passage in the Dáil, there was a recognition that there had been a loophole in previous legislation whereby people who had their mortgages sold off, quite often without their consent, particularly to vulture funds, had not had the ability to have the protection of the ombudsman in this regard. The amendment that was secured in the Dáil and adopted by the Minister, w…

I will not move my amendment and will speak to the section.

This speaks to the point Senator Stephenson was making on joint ownership of an account. I listened carefully to what the Minister of State said in his earlier response which touched on this area. I am not 100% certain that it contains enough protection for people. Quite often the ability to escape from coercive behaviour is very much wrapped up in financial matters relating to the home. While we have said this is a matter for the Garda Síochána to investigate, there is an argument for the involvement of the FSPO a…

I apologise to an Aire Stáit for missing his opening statement. I managed to have a quick speed-read through it to capture most of what was said. I very much welcome the debate and I very much welcome the Minister of State's presence. From engaging with him in previous positions, I know the energy he will bring to this. In one sense, it is timely to have a debate close to St. Patrick's Day because it is a time when there is an opportunity for engagement, but the issue of immigration and our diaspora should be an al…

I welcome yesterday’s announcement on the shared island fund for cross-Border tourism initiatives. There are a number of initiatives. One of them is in Carlingford Lough, which is close to where I live, and there is a terrific project in Cuilcagh which goes across the mountains between Fermanagh and Cavan. That follows on from previous shared island funding allocated to the Wild Atlantic Way linking up with the Causeway Coastal Route on the north coast, right across to the beautiful island of Rathlin, in which Sena…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity I had to speak yesterday when I outlined number of areas of importance to me. After this discussion we will get into today's business, which is the legislative proposal that was shunted through the Dáil yesterday. With regard to my particular interest, I would welcome at some stage a debate on all-Ireland economic matters which the Minister for enterprise would attend. I notice that responsibility for trade is being moved to the Tánaiste's Department, somewhat surprisin…

Clearly, the issue before us today that the Minister has introduced is about increasing the number of junior Ministers, and of super junior Ministers who attend but do not speak at Cabinet meetings. As the Minister will know, one of the regrets is that there are a number of cases before the High Court at the moment in relation to this. One seeks a judicial review and one seeks an injunction. Legislation is being shunted through both Houses of the Oireachtas without any benefit of judicial guidance on this matter, w…

I offer a hearty comhghairdeas to Senator Daly on his election as Chair of the Seanad. I also congratulate all other Seanad Members on their election or appointment to this House. I look forward very much to working with everyone in this House in the time ahead. It is a great honour for me to be elected to this institution having served for quite a long time on the northern side of the Border. I am a citizen of County Armagh. I have a very particular experience of life and the difficulties in Border communities and…