I add my voice of welcome to our distinguished guests. I note that we have representatives from New Jersey. The small town I am from, Rathangan, has officially twinned with Freehold because Bruce Springsteen's great grandmother came from Rathangan. I look forward to catching up with them later and perhaps helping to organise a visit to Rathangan, which is a great little spot. I will turn to the question at issue. I appreciate that the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, is here. He is doing an excellent job in a ve…

Is it an eight-minute bell? We would have two minutes to complete.

We can finish this, and then the Minister of State is free to go.

I thank the Minister of State.

I appreciate that. I thank the Minister of State for his clarification and for his support. I suggest that he come to visit St. Anne's some day, either on his way up or back down to the wonderful metropolis of Coiscéim. He would be most welcome to come just off the Curragh roundabout to see St. Anne's and the very dedicated and committed staff. The current situation is not sustainable. The students of St. Anne's deserve to be educated in a safe, adequately resourced and fit-for-purpose environment. I take on board …

Absolutely.

I thank the Minister of State.

We were all very excited last week when we saw the release and celebration of the 1926 census on its 100th anniversary. By yesterday, there were 20 million hits. Everybody was having great fun and learning an awful lot about those who went before us. It gives us a small window into the country we had and all those who lived there. It is wonderful the exhibition is travelling around the country. Ten centres have been chosen. I am happy Naas Library and Cultural Centre is one of them. It is an excellent service for t…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Mental Health Bill 2024 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and the proceedings thereon shall be brought to a conclusion at 3.45 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government.

I thank all 18 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business this morning. We started with Senator Fitzpatrick, who is convenor of the Irish-Hungarian Parliamentary Party Friendship Group and spoke about the elections in Hungary over the weekend, where we definitely saw democracy in action. We absolutely welcome the election of a pro-European Prime Minister who is progressive and forward looking. In terms of how Europe deals not just with Russia but with America as well, it is a very welcome result. Senator Fit…

I move: That the Bill be recommitted in respect of amendments Nos. 28, 29, 286 to 302, inclusive, 306 and 309 to 328, inclusive.

At 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday.

I congratulate the new Hungarian Prime Minister and I welcome the results at the weekend. It is very clear that the people of Hungary decided to choose liberal democracy and a pro-European party. This election really mattered. It was probably the most important election in Europe in 2026. It solidifies the European response to Russia and to Putin and is a very clear rejection of Viktor Orbán. I pass every good wish to the new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, and the Tisza Party. I ask for a debate with the Minister fo…

Members and indeed many Ministers will have heard me talking about the absolute need for a second bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure, for Newbridge and its environs. The bridge is an essential part of the southern outer orbital route. About 25% of the route has been completed, and much of the remaining 75% is at the stage of completion. Why is the bridge needed? Newbridge is a town of around 30,000 people. There are five schools practically sitting on the bridge that we have, which is the only way in and out o…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. A key area I asked about related to engagement with Kildare County Council. Based on his reply, I am very satisfied that that is ongoing. The second element was to ensure that this remains a priority. Again, I am absolutely happy from what he has said that this is an absolute priority. It is great to have the €20 million investment in roads in Kildare. A lot of the roads in the county are regional roads that people have to go through both on the western side and the e…

I thank the Minister of State.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for reading out that resolution. It is important that we acknowledge the 150th anniversary of Catalpa . It will certainly be interesting to see the flag. I also acknowledge a good Kildare man the Cathaoirleach mentioned, John Devoy. When I was mayor of Kildare, I had the privilege of unveiling a statue to John Devoy in Naas, paid for by the John Devoy association in New York, which was always very proud of the work that he did. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I extend our deepest sympa…

I move the amendment.

I move: That Seanad Éireann: - honours the 150th Anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue of six prisoners for their involvement in the Fenian Rising; acknowledges: - those prisoners rescued - James Wilson, Thomas Darragh, Martin Hogan, Michael Harrington, Thomas Hassett and Robert Cranston - and their suffering in harsh and cruel conditions in Fremantle Penal Colony in Western Australia; - the bravery of the Captain of the Catalpa, Captain George Anthony, and the crew who, despite demands by the British authorities to su…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Collins, for being here. He had to step in at the last minute, so we appreciate his being here. As he said, Trump’s war on Iran has had an absolutely devastating impact around the world. The cost of fuel, energy and food has risen hugely. The impact, unfortunately, is going to go on for some time. We are in a very strange world in terms of what is happening. Of course, those external factors have a huge impact on what is happening in Ireland. We often talk here about food secur…