I thank the Minister of State for his response. As we prepare to assume the role of the EU Presidency, I want to acknowledge all the work that the Minister of State has been doing and to counteract what Senator Clonan said, he is completely not out of his depth. He is totally in charge of his brief. I have seen him operate in Strasbourg and Brussels with his peers and-----

-----he has done incredible work. If I may continue, in terms of-----

I did not realise when we were working collectively on this motion that today marked two years since we recognised the State of Palestine. It is important to acknowledge that and to state that as it did set an example to other European countries, it is unfair and incorrect to say that the work that has been carried out by the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and the Government does not have any repercussions in a positive way because it clearly does. What the Minister of State said in relation to the Government dis…

I apologise, I did not hear it, but I thought he would have mentioned more about it because we were clear in the motion that it was one of the reasons we wanted to put it there. In response to Senator Stephenson, I reiterate that collective actions at an EU level will have a far greater impact than anything that we can do. It is important that as a country we take action where we can, and the Minister of State has outlined several different places. In relation to the occupied territories Bill, the Government has a …

-----and if we lost jobs through companies like Intel, I would find it very hard to explain myself to the people who would lose those jobs and of course the ecosystems that are there-----

-----of Irish suppliers. In response to Senator Joe Conway, I thank him for his remarks. In response to Senator Clonan, he spoke about Lebanon. Is my time up?

I commend the motion to the House.

Our MEPs are incredibly welcome to the Seanad Chamber this afternoon. I am listening to the breadth of the work they have all undertaken, some in similar areas and some in more niche areas. We thank them for the work they are doing on behalf of the 1.8 million people who live within the region they represent. I listened to Ms Carberry talking about dementia. I met the FTD Brothers this morning in Kildare. They are just incredible; Jordan and Cian and their dad, Greg. They were able to turn a really difficult person…

That is farcical.

On a point of order, the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, is not here to defend himself. That has to be withdrawn.

I start today by congratulating Deputy Kyne. It was a privilege to work with him as Leader of the Seanad. I have no doubt that I speak for all of the Senators across the House when I mention his sense of fairness to everybody. His office was always open, his phone was always ready to deal with an issue or a problem that anyone had, and he carried the role with great dignity. I wish him very well in his time back in the Dáil. I wish to raise the wonderful campaign being carried out by Jordan and Cian Adams in raisin…

The Minister is very welcome. I know him to be a politician of conviction, particularly when it comes to education and access to it for everybody of every type of ability and those with mixed abilities. The Minister has done a lot of work already. I note a report that came out today, the Mid-term Progress Review of the National Access Plan 2022-2028 for higher education and equity of access. We have actually gone beyond the targets and we are two years ahead. I commend the Minister on that. It is really important. …

The Order of Business is No.1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the extension of sections 1 to 7, inclusive, and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021, No. 14 of 2021, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate.

I thank all 11 Senators who spoke this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke initially about the committee work in relation to drugs and the new drug strategy that is upcoming. It is very concerning, listening to some of the media coverage over the past few days in relation to the present-day status regarding drug use and, indeed, the nature of drugs that are used. As the Senator rightly said, the use of drugs now is widespread and complex. There is no street, village, town or city that is free from this. When we look…

I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that the period of operation of sections 1 to 7 and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) be extended for a further period of 6 months, beginning on the 1st day of June, 2026 and ending on the 30th day of November, 2026.

Next Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.

Déanaim comhghairdeas le seacht scoil ar bronnadh Gaelbhratach orthu. Tá Athy College ar cheann de na scoileanna sin. Tá trí scoil eile ag glacadh páirt sa scéim freisin, is iad sin, St. Conleth and Mary’s Primary Scoil, an Droichead Nua; Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy; agus Scoil Bhríde, Kilcullen. Tá mé an-bhródúil astu. This is an excellent programme, and it is important we highlight both those who received the flags for their use of Irish language and also encourage others to participate. It is important we show ou…

The Minister is very welcome to the Chamber. I thank him for the vision and ambition he has shown in relation to this Bill and for bringing it before us. As my good colleague Senator Davitt has said, following up on that vision and ambition is really about collaboration and implementation. It is really important that we address the infrastructure deficit, particularly in areas where the population is growing. The Minister will have noticed that the latest statistics show that the county whose population has grown t…

I welcome the ambassador, the First Vice Speaker and my good friend Yevheniia from Ukraine. We must use every occasion we can to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. I am also delighted to welcome three young people from Avista whom the Cathaoirleach mentioned and who join me today in a job-shadowing experience in the Seanad, so a very special welcome to Elio Rabbitte, Danny Dowling and Franziska Klien. Franziska works in a bakery in Clondalkin and Blackrock. She promises the next time she comes in to…

Hear, hear.