I ask the Acting Leader when it is proposed to sit again.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to our colleague, Senator Craughwell, on the passing of his wife, Helen, and also to the Bonner family. I knew Senator Bonner. May they rest in peace. I am raising the plight of pubs and publicans. As the Leader is aware, I come from a publican background. More than 2,200 pubs have closed since 2005. That is a decline of 25%. In my county of Limerick, over 40% of pubs have closed. In Dublin that figure is 1%. That 40% versus 1% is a startling figure. Th…

I thank MEPs Andrews, Doherty and Ó Ríordáin. Certainly, the insight they have shared with us is wonderful. It was an opportune time, especially as we are almost halfway through the European Presidency. They are our voice and advocates in Europe. Their voices very much shape the future of Ireland, and not only Ireland but our citizens. It is really important for them to share their insights of the different committees and workings and to answer the engagement with Senators. I thank all of the Senators who came here…

Senators Comyn and Ryan are sharing time. Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister of State for coming in to answer my question today, which is to do with the funding of oral and dental health. I want to raise the issue of the future of oral health promotion and prevention in Ireland and specifically the work done by Dental Health Foundation Ireland, which is a registered charity. A lot of that work is done on behalf of the Government, where the organisation goes into schools to promote oral health and to teach children the importance of brushing their teeth properly. For alm…

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive response on behalf of the Minister. I appreciate that, at the end of the day, the responsibility lies with the HSE. Nonetheless, I have a concern. While oral and dental health services are being streamlined, better value for money is being sought and new ways of doing things are considered, my concern is that if the Dental Health Foundation is wound up, there would be no body there to oversee things in the interim period between now and whenever new ways of promot…

I thank the Minister of State.

I thank the Minister of State for coming here today and bringing forward this very important legislation. It is good that we are bringing forward the Bill. The Minister of State outlined the scope of the Bill and what she intends to do. I recently met representatives of the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation. They have concerns that in the current wording of the Bill, flavours and graphic colourful packaging are significant factors that draw young people, which the Minister of State mentioned. Is i…

That is perfect.

Next Tuesday.

The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and his officials are very welcome to the House. We are debating motions regarding approval by Seanad Éireann of the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Korea on the transfer of passenger name record data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime; and approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the signing on behalf of the E…

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the section 39 core funding and State support being provided to Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, County Cork. Senator Laura Harmon - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on additional school accommodation for Coláiste Daibhéid, Cork city. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for T…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell.

Before I call on the Minister of State, I would like to acknowledge Senator Kelleher's parents in the Gallery. It is great to see them here for the Senator's debate.

Senator Andrews without interruption.