Hear, hear.

I was smiling when I was listening to Senator McDowell speak of when he was the Minister for Justice in 2018. He might not remember but it reminded me of when he was at a passing out event in Templemore. I was a student and I was doing some small piece of work for Tipperary Mid West Radio for the news department. I was sent off to get an interview with him. I thought my best chance was by just telling him who I was and who my mother was so I would have a good chance to get an interview. It worked and he was very ki…

Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.

I also acknowledge today as international nurses and midwives day. I agree with the comments made by Senators Clifford-Lee and Cosgrove about the work nurses and midwives do across this country. I saw when my two sons were born the calmness and professionalism midwives show in doing their work. I spoke last week in the Chamber about the work nurses do, particularly in Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, and the service they provided when I was in hospital with sepsis. It was a nurse who spotted it and, luckily,…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval of Seanad Éireann of a meeting of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy in County Wexford, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; and No. 2, statements regarding fuel supports to the fishing industry, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to conclude at 1 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks by the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to e…

I thank the Senators who made contributions. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the national lottery and the loss in the revenue it is making because of betting on the national lottery through other betting avenues. She has asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Chambers. I will contact his office to see if that is possible. It is important to recognise that the national lottery contributes 30 cent of every euro spent back to communities. Right across the country, communities have had work or something beneficia…

It is UEFA really that makes the decision on it. It has happened already. I cannot remember who Israel played against but it has happened already. I know it is in discussions with other countries in terms of how to deal with it from a security perspective. If you talk to Israel, the country it is most frustrated with is Ireland in terms of what we have done against Israel and in support of Palestine. I support Deputy Andrews on the flotilla and I will make sure the Department of foreign affairs is aware of his conc…

I move: That Seanad Éireann, in accordance with Article 15.1.3° of the Constitution, hereby determines that the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy may meet in Wexford Town, County Wexford, on a date in 2026 to be decided by the Committee, in order to hear from community groups, locals and stakeholders on the progress made at Lady’s Island Lake; provided that, pursuant to Standing Order 91(3), Members may participate in such meeting from within the parliamentary precincts by means of the videoconfere…

Tomorrow at 9.30 a.m.

I thank the Minister of State very much. The first speaker will be Senator Keogan.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Yes.

Not agreed.

I propose: "That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the order of the House today, the time for the debate be extended for the Minister of State to reply."

The Minister of State was a councillor herself.

I welcome the Minister to the Chamber and thank him for coming in again to conclude this important debate on homelessness. As Senator Flaherty said, I think it is agreed by everyone in both Houses that homelessness can only be solved by building more houses. That is just a fact. The figures for 2025 were very much welcomed and we obviously have targets to hit over the next four years and the lifetime of this Government. I have no doubt that the work the Minister's Department is doing is to achieve those targets and…

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on fuel supports to the agricultural sector, to be taken at 5.15 p.m. and to conclude at 6.45 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 five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage, to be …