I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. I note the comments of the NTA that it is appropriate to wait for An Coimisiún Pleanála's determination on the Galway city ring road. The concern is that it will be possibly late next year when a decision will be made. The Galway city ring road, if it has to go some sort of oral hearing, may take that long and then there may be court challenges. What determination is the NTA waiting for? Is it waiting for the final determination from the courts or are th…

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re draft Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion re Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) Regulations 2025; and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) R…

I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. Senator O'Loughlin raised a number of issues, including funding with regard to dog wardens. She said she would welcome a debate on the education of young people, in particular, and indeed all people on the care of dogs and the threats that some dogs can pose. She also raised the issue of the UNIFIL mandate. Obviously, the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security has been debating the Bill on the triple lock and other matters, and we have discussed t…

Yes, I will certainly ask for that again in September. Senators Ruane and Andrews raised the issue of GAA Palestine. I acknowledge the coverage this is getting, and rightly so. The Minister for justice has made his comments. I know there are appeals going on. The Department stated: Each visa application is decided on its own merits. However, it is the case that the organisation of an event, no matter how good the intention, does not guarantee that a visa will be subsequently granted. Applications made [particularly…

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 4th July, 2025.”

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) Regulations 2025; and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) Regulations 2025, copies of which have been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 14th July, 2025.”

The Order of Business is No. 1, Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, changed from the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. or on the conclusion of the Order of Business, whichever is the later, and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 5.30 p.m., and the proceedings thereon …

I thank all Senators for their contributions this afternoon. Senator O'Loughlin spoke on several issues. She congratulated the Kildare manager and players on winning the Tailteann Cup. She also raised an issue regarding Kildare Village. She called for a debate on matters relating to on-the-job learning with the Minister, Deputy Lawless, in September. I will certainly endeavour to facilitate that. The Senator also raised issues regarding water reservoirs in Allenwood and the N81 Tallaght-Tullow road, which is in urg…

I thank the Senator. Does the Minister of State wish to respond?

Is Senator Keogan pressing the amendment?

Amendments Nos. 5 to 8, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Amendment No. 10 is in the names of Senator Stephenson and Senator Higgins. Amendments Nos. 10 to 12, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together. Is it agreed? Agreed.

Senator Stephenson, how stands amendment No. 10? Are you pressing it?

Amendments Nos. 17, 19, 44 and 46 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I propose that notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of Business of today, that No. 2 conclude at 9.30 p.m. by the putting of the question by the Chair that shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

I commend the work done by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly on the disparity of investment between the north, west and north west and the southern and eastern regions. It is explicit and telling with regard to the investment of projects of more than €1 million or more than €20 million. Despite having 17.6% of the population, the share of investment of tenders over €20 million is 5.7% in the northern and western region. The eastern and midlands region, with 49% of the population, has a 75% share of that in…

The Order of Business is No. 1, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 3 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 ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, Private Members' business, Pregnancy Loss (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bil…

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin congratulated the Blaney family on 100 years of continuous service to the local authority in Donegal. I congratulate our colleague, Senator Niall Blaney, and hope the family had a good celebration and recognition of their work and service over the past 100 years. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the issue of Cuan and the important work done by refuges in outreach and accompanying people to court. She asked for a debate on the matter. I will try to arran…

Next Tuesday.