I thank the Minister of State for being here for this important debate. I thank my colleagues and, in particular, Senator Duffy, for leading on this motion that the Fine Gael team has put forward. We sometimes forget that we are in a lucky position to support our citizens across the country. As a Minister of State who travels within Europe and outside of Europe, I do not need to tell Deputy Richmond about the struggles other countries are having in managing their budgets and deciding not whether they can support ci…

I genuinely thought the reason was-----

-----because of the developments in Northern Ireland. I came in here tonight thinking there would be a whole load of amendments from all political parties in opposition. Amendments are accepted in this House.

They are certainly accepted more regularly than in the other House.

Who gets elected to this House to say that they just do not bother putting down amendments or putting down work?

What this means for the motion we have put down, unless they vote against the suggestions we are recommending-----

-----which would be remarkable, is that they would support it.

Why would they not support it when this is about supporting people throughout the country? Just like in previous budgets and at previous times of crisis when this Government has always been there to support people when they need it, I have no doubt that next Tuesday that will happen as well.

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

I thank the Minister of State for being here. I thank Senators Ní Chuilinn and Harmon for bringing forward this opportunity to speak on the report that was done by the sports committee two years ago. A lot of people have mentioned that the committee did an incredible amount of work. It is important to remember that was also the committee that was dealing with other issues as well, such as RTÉ and other things, at the time. To find the time to do that report and do it with a lot of detail and work has to be commende…

The Order of Business is No. 1, address to Seanad Éireann by MEPs representing the European Parliament Dublin constituency, to be taken at 2 p.m., in accordance with the amendments set out in the motion passed by the House on 22 September 2026; and No. 68(6), Private Members' business, motion regarding childcare, to be taken at 5.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the 22 Senators who made contributions. Senator O'Loughlin referred to Chambers Ireland. A Senator raised yesterday the report launched by the Minister, Deputy Burke, during the summer on the cost of business. I understand the report had 63 recommendations. I said yesterday, and will repeat today, that I am willing to have a debate on it with the Minister. The Senator also asked for a debate on older people, including vaccination programmes for older people. We are very good about vacc…

Did it not go ahead? He was simply invited. I have never heard of that organisation before. I do not know the person at all. If what the Senator is saying is true, I think the majority of people will be uncomfortable about those sorts of things happening.

I do not know the case in general, and I do not know the person at all. I will speak to the Minister about it. We will have a debate with her at some point in the next couple of weeks, possibly after the budget. There will be an opportunity to put that to the Minister when she is in the House. That concludes the Order of Business.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I thank the three MEPs, Barry, Regina and Aodhán, for being here today. First, I know we did it in this House in June but, considering Barry is here, on behalf of the House, I pass on our condolences to him and his family on David's passing. I am sure the summer was difficult but in time, I am sure Barry will reflect on his career and the service he gave to this country with great pride. This is the third debate we have had with all MEPs across the country. This one was not as boisterous …

Thanks very much, a Chathaoirligh. May I also be associated with your comments about former Senator Enda Bonner, who served his community in Donegal very well, especially Glenties? He was a Senator for five years from 1997 to 2002. All our thoughts are with Phyllis and his family at this difficult time. As you said, a Chathaoirligh, we acknowledge Senator Craughwell on the very sad passing of Helen during the summer. I think we all knew it was going to be a difficult summer. I know that looking above, she would be …

I thank the Cathaoirleach. You would know we were on summer holidays. Twenty-five questions have come in today, which is much larger than most days. I will take the last one first. You even see an air of confidence and a little bit of arrogance coming into Mayo as well after the couple of weeks they have had.

Like the Cathaoirleach, I come from a county where we are used to winning. It is actually nice to see Mayo succeed. It is a good idea to bring them in. On a serious note, it creates excitement and a buzz, particularly for young children. It is a time they will never forget and they will be talking about the win of 2026 in 50 years' time.

They are a very good team. I think they could go on a run here. Confidence is a great thing as well. There is a good opportunity to bring them in here and if for nothing but to frustrate the Cathaoirleach, I think I should allocate some time to speak about it when they are here as well, if that is agreed.

As I said, we have 25 contributions so I will try to keep it as brief as I can. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin spoke about the work the European Committee of the Regions does. It is led by Councillor Gillian Coughlan and we know members of that committee who are in our own party. I know Councillors Brídín Murphy, Jimmy McClearn and Neil Feighery do incredible work, but as a team they represent local authorities across the country incredibly well. It is great to see them acknowledged. As the Senator said, the ploughing ch…