The Order of Business is No. 1, Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, changed from Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m.; No. 2, National Treasury Management Agency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1; No. 3, Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 2 p.m., and the proceedings thereo…

I thank all of the Senators for their contributions. When Senator Maria Byrne was speaking her guests came in and I acknowledge Councillor Noreen Stokes, a very good councillor in Limerick, and her team of supporters who are here with her today. She is a great friend and advocate for Senator Byrne and myself. Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee spoke about the announcement by TII on increasing the toll at peak time from €13 to €14. This increase also happened in 2025 and 2024 and essentially it will have increased by alm…

I thank the Minister for bringing this important legislation to the House. We have an opportunity to discuss it today and we will have an opportunity next week on Committee and Remaining Stages to discuss it in more detail. I acknowledge our colleague in the House, Senator Frances Black, for the work she has done on this in recent years. She and some of the other experts in this Chamber have educated me in recent months on this Bill that she started and progressed. Many people did not expect it to get this far, eve…

Next Tuesday.

The Order of Business is No. a 1, report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the EirGrid Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 (Section 10) Order 2026, to be taken on the conclusion of item a 1, without debate; No. 2, Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026 – Second Stage, to be taken at 2.45 p.m. and to conclude at 4 p.m. with the time allocated to opening remarks by the Minist…

I thank all of the Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about Freehold, New Jersey, which is the hometown of Bruce Springsteen and its connection to the constituency she lives in. A delegation visited there last week and there is a festival happening, which is very good for the area. She also spoke about Temple Street and the article written last week stating that e-scooters were the greatest cause of life-threatening injuries to children. Legislation has been put in place but if gardaí need m…

He mentioned a really good point in terms of financial support and the role Tidy Towns played in fundraising but a lot of renewable energy companies invest in local communities where they have wind farms to support them. This is a prime example. More should be highlighted. The companies do it themselves but I am not sure they highlight it enough. I know of a Cork company that has wind farms in Tipperary. It invests in local communities but does not highlight it too much. It is a significant amount of money for the …

I move: That the Fifth Report of the Committee of Selection be laid before the Seanad.

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 (Section 10) Order 2026, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026.

Now.

Next Tuesday, at 12.30 p.m.

I also welcome the guests from Cashel and Knocklofty to the Chamber. I am right next door to Knocklofty at home. The Order of Business is No. a 1, Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. and to conclude at 8.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes and the Minister to be given no less tha…

I thank the Senators who have spoken. I will start by acknowledging Senator O'Loughlin's well-thought-out contribution on the very sad passing of the former Minister, David Andrews. I pass on our condolences not only to our colleague here, Senator Chris Andrews, but also to Mr. Andrews's family - Annette, Barry, David, Mary and Sinead - on his sad passing. He left an incredible legacy over decades of service to this country. He has passed on that passion for public service to the next generation of his family, who …

Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about the income disregard for carers, which she raised yesterday as well. It does seem ridiculous that approval is being restricted based on just how severe the situation is. That is not where we should be, certainly at a time when we have funding in place and there is money in the country to be able to support our most vulnerable people. A number of issues have been brought up over the past couple of days on the Order of Business in relation to health. We should have a wide-scope deb…

We have a few sports teams. I am a member, as is Senator Andrews. It is good for mental health and body health.

On the money we are spending on the EU Presidency, we are in the fortunate position of being the fastest growing economy in Europe and having the money to spend on a Presidency. Not long ago, in 2013, we did not have a penny to spend on the Presidency and every meeting was held in Dublin Castle. Even those from Dublin will recognise the importance of branching out beyond the M50. Some 25% of the meetings that will happen during these six months will be held outside of Dublin. That brings a wider audience to the Pre…

They all try to be as close as possible to the people.

Yes, but it is important we recognise that. Men's sheds have taken off in recent years. The request of €3,000 per shed is not a lot in terms of a budget measure. We can talk to the Minister on what can be done. Many men's sheds have not got any money at all. Rates are a matter for the Department and, in particular, county councils to decide. I think it is a token of gratitude. A lot of the work men's sheds do helps local authorities in terms of isolation and involvement in communities. A symbolic thing to do would …

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Data Protection Act 2018 (section 51(3)) and (section 60(6)) (Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Regulations 2026, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the opt-in to Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 under Article 4 of Protocol 21 TFEU, to be taken on con…

I thank the Senators for their contributions. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin spoke about the Pride event last weekend. It was a very positive event that has garnered support through the years in increased numbers, which is very good to see. She also spoke about primary schools and the fact that the class size of 80% of our classrooms across this country is higher than the EU average. I know that something the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, did when she was Minister for Education was reduce the numbers. We need to do more …