Seanad debates

Wednesday, 22 October 2025

• Prelude (0 speeches)
  Chuaigh an Cathaoirleach i gceannas ar 10:30:00
• Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad (1 speech)
  I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to...
• Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters (0 speeches)
  • Child Protection (5 speeches)
    I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, to the House. Before I call Senator Keogan, I welcome Hanna Gregor and Hanna Steil from Cologne in Germany. They are welcome to Seanad...
  • Housing Provision (4 speeches)
    I thank the Minister of State for being here with us today. I know he is representing the Minister for housing, Deputy James Browne, on this Commencement matter. As I have said previously, I...
  • Trade Agreements (4 speeches)
    I thank the Minister of State for being here this morning. I am looking for an update on conversations that have been happening with the European Commission on tariffs with America. As we are...
  • Legislative Process (4 speeches)
    I welcome the Minister of State. Many Senators have raised this issue as members of the foreign affairs committee. I ask for a straight answer about the timeline for the occupied territories...
  • Tobacco Control Measures (5 speeches)
    Cuirim fáilte ar ais roimh an Aire Stáit. Gabhaim buíochas leis as teacht isteach sa Teach seo chun mo cheist a fhreagairt. I would like to raise an issue that was brought to...
  • Health Screening Programmes (4 speeches)
    Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach inniu. The newborn bloodspot screening, NBS, programme, commonly known as the heel prick test, is carried out on...
• Death of Former Member: Expression of Sympathy (1 speech)
  Members will be saddened to have heard of the death of the former Member of this House, former county councillor and Chair of Cork County Council, Michael Calnan. Michael had many interests and...
• Visit of Austrian Delegation (1 speech)
  I welcome the ambassador from Austria here today. The ambassador is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. In October Austria celebrates its national day and we celebrate with them in the many...
• An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 speeches)
  I too welcome the ambassador and wish all Austrian citizens here a very happy national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the order of references of the Seanad Public...
• Visit of Finnish Delegation (1 speech)
  Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland. He is most welcome. I thank him for coming to Seanad Éireann today. He is joined by his ambassador and...
• An tOrd Gnó (Atógáil) - Order of Business (Resumed) (18 speeches)
  I, too, welcome the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland. Funnily, I was actually talking this morning to a Finnish citizen who lives in Ireland. She came back from Finland only yesterday. We...
• Death of Former Member: Motion (2 speeches)
  I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Michael Calnan; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for...
• Seanad Public Consultation Committee: Motion (1 speech)
  I move: That, in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight pursuant to Standing Order 110 – (1) A Select Committee, which shall be...
• Election of Acting Chairperson (5 speeches)
  Clerk of the Seanad: I must inform the House, pursuant to Standing Order 14, that both the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach are absent from this meeting of the Seanad. It will be...
• Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed) (38 speeches)
  SECTION 11
• Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 speeches)
  Section 1 agreed to.
• Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025: Second Stage (15 speeches)
  Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire, an Teachta Calleary.