Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will start by addressing the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023. Senator Boyhan referred to the scheduling of debates and the calendar of the Parliament and the Seanad. To be clear, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill is incredibly important legislation and will make enormous leaps to help our Garda Síochána, as the Cathaoirleach suggested, continue to do its job, which is keeping us safe. It is getting more challenging, as we all know, week in, week out. It is a Bill that needs robust debate. I would very much welcome any amendments or improvements to the Bill put down by all colleagues. It is not a job that we should take lightly. For my own part, I think we should set aside an entire day to start and complete it. We should have a proper debate on the Bill but should get it finished. We need to get the Bill finished as soon as possible. I want to address some of the concerns raised yesterday as to why I did not come into this Chamber and make an amendment to the Order of Business. The Leader of the House sets the Order of Business. Nobody else can do so in her absence without her permission and instructions. Any orders that come to this House may be amended, but only if accepted by the Leader. Any suggestion that I shirked my responsibilities yesterday by not coming here are wide of the mark. I am very supportive of this Bill and I am very supportive, in the main, of the Minister for Justice. This Bill needs to be finished as soon as possible.

As to when we return is also entirely within the gift and instructions of the Leader. She will do that through the Seanad Office when arrangements for the date to return have been made.