I will go back to the NTA regarding the 73 bus service to seek the clarification the Deputy requires. There is no doubt about that. Further to the updates I provided earlier on the next generation automatic vehicle location system and practices by the NTA and bus operators to support a better real-time information system for passengers, I note that a number of actions have been taken that will help to address this issue. These actions include the replacement of older antennas on buses, with close to 800 to be repla…

I thank all of the Senators for their contributions today and their work on this Bill, and for bringing forward these amendments. Amendments Nos. 1, 4, 5 and 6 seek to provide clarity on those responsible for the enforcement of the Bill. While the insertion of a definition of "authorised person" in section 1 and the removal of an enforcement role for the Defence Forces are both welcome, outstanding issues of the enforceability of this Bill remain. The Bill, as currently drafted, does not provide sufficient detail o…

I am sorry. In view of the serious nature of the powers required to enforce section 2 and the newly proposed section 3 of the Bill, it would seem appropriate to provide for these in primary legislation.

As I have already said, while I commend the Senator on the amendments she has brought to the Bill, there is a serious issue still outstanding. That is why I am saying to her that it would seem appropriate to bring in these amendments through primary legislation.

In relation to the drivers' licences and the reciprocation between countries, we are acting on that with a number of countries, including the US. Last week we signed an agreement with Moldova, and we are looking at how we can speed up the process and give equal recognition between Australia and ourselves. Just this morning I read a report of a review I got. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and I are working on this.

And the USA, yes.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

Over the past number of weeks, fear and uncertainty have been caused by the war in the Middle East.

I understand why people are worried and the pressures they are facing.

The hugely volatile situation is ever evolving and has meant there is a lack of certainty for people that is causing worry and distress. This Government has been working hard to ensure that supports are put in place to ease that burden on people. As soon as the conflict in Iran began, we stepped up the engagement with stakeholders across all sectors. Engagement is key to developing any support and hearing from the official representatives of stakeholders and organisations, so we can put supports in place that are d…

Engagement and dialogue continue with stakeholders and representative groups to ensure that any additional measures that need to be put in place would benefit these key sectors within the economy, such as transport, logistics, school transport operators and more.

Within agriculture, the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy Rae, and the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Grealish, along with their colleagues, the Minister, Deputy Martin Heydon, and the Minister of State, Deputy Timmy Dooley, have been engaging with various farming organisations to see where this help is most needed.

A further package of measures was confirmed on Sunday night following engagement across key sectors. This has been outlined already.

There will be an extensive reduction in excise duties until 31 July; a further reduction of 10 cent in the price of diesel, bringing the total reduction to 32 cent per litre; a further reduction of 10 cent in the price of petrol, bringing the total reduction to 27 cent per litre; and a reduction of 2.4 cent in marked gas oil, green diesel. A comprehensive new €100 million fuel subsidy scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers across unprecedented increases in fuel has also been confirmed. The t…

The war in Iran is affecting every single citizen in this country. The State cannot handle every element of this pressure, but we have worked collectively and in partnership with other Government parties to introduce key supports to ease the burden. Over the past week, we have seen some members of the Opposition actively encourage obstruction, which is not acceptable. Key infrastructure was placed under threat. This does not help anybody. We need to work together in these unprecedented times. I ask the Opposition t…

-----put this Government out of business, that €775 million of support will not be in place for the people of Ireland-----

-----and the issues will become immensely more difficult for everybody.

It is time to show leadership-----

-----and that we have the courage to put the measures in place.

Yes.