I thank all Senators for their contributions. We started with Senator O'Loughlin who raised the issue of international Human Rights Day with particular reference to Ukraine, Gaza, the West Bank and Sudan. Senator Joe Conway made reference to South Sudan and the issues there. He called for a debate on the matter. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, was in a number of weeks ago and I asked him to make reference to South Sudan. Unfortunately, there was a small turnout for that debate but I will raise that matter w…

I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Pat Cooney; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.

They did.

With respect, changes were made.

The Senator will be in government some day.

We look forward to that.

May I give a minute of my time to Senator Sarah O’Reilly or does she have time allocated to her?

I welcome the Minister of State. I acknowledge that decisions on timed amendments are made by Cabinet. It is important to put that on the record. Many Senators have indicated their support for the principle of the Bill, and whether that is now or in 12 months' time, it is still the principle of the Bill. As Senators Ahearn, Fitzpatrick and O'Loughlin said, a lot of important work has been done in government over the last number of years by Ministers with responsibility for local government. Many changes have been m…

We can discuss it when we return.

On the basis that there has been some disruption because of votes in the Lower House, I propose that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of the House today, No. 5 will now conclude at 8.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, and No. 6 shall be taken at 8.45 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 5, whichever is the earlier.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) (Revocation) Scheme 2025, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) (Revocation) Scheme 2025, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 without debate; No. 3, Finance Bill 2025, a certified money Bill - Committee Stage, to be taken on…

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin complimented the success of Local Link. I certainly agree with that. She called for a debate on the issue of rural transport. We will try to arrange that in the new year. The Senator also acknowledged the ban coming into effect in Australia, which should be in effect at this stage, on social media sites for under-16s and requested a debate on the issue. The Senator also called for a debate on the need for additional secondary schools in the comm…

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of Business today, No. 3 will now conclude at 5.20 p.m., if not previously concluded, by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to recommendations, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.

Next Tuesday.

At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Next Tuesday at 1 p.m.

I will propose a motion at the end of the sitting in memory of the late Donal Carey. I sympathise with his children Leonora, Joe, who is a former Member of the Lower House, and Donal junior. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 - referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 - Com…

I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. We began with Senator Murphy O'Mahony, who congratulated Deputy Emer Higgins on her appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for disability and asked for her to come to the House to lay out her plans regarding the sector. I will certainly request that the Minister of State come here at the earliest opportunity to lay out her vision for her role. The Senator also requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on bluetongue. The …

I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Donal Carey; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 27th November, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 16th December, 2025, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall acco…