Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Vincent P. Martin has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1". I am happy to accept the amendment, which relates to vehicle registration. I commend the Senator on bringing the Bill to the House. I concur with his complimentary remarks about Naas Athletic Club. I wish the club well with its centenary celebration, which is a great milestone to reach.

Senator Ardagh welcomed the budget as well. She particularly focused on the disability sector and the numerous tax measures such as the incapacitated child tax credit, the carer's tax credit and means disregard, and the carer's support grants. There is a lot in the budget to support those who are most vulnerable. The Senator also welcomed the extra funding for IVF and HRT under the health budget.

Senator Cummins asked for a debate on aviation policy. My response again to the Senator is that I have requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, but the debate has not been scheduled yet or I have not gotten a date from the Minister. We will explore if it is possible to get the Minister of State at the Department of Transport to come into the House. The Senator once again raised the €12 million matching funding that is needed in Waterford. Again, it is a matter for the Minister for Transport in terms of funding that. The Senator, to his credit, has consistently raised the issue on the floor of the House.

Senator Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 160 be taken before No. 1". I am happy to accept the amendment this morning. I concur with the remarks the Senator made on the Middle East. It is important that we continue to discuss those issues on the floor of the House because they are of grave concern to the world order and to geopolitics. If there is an all-out war in the Middle East, it will have a major impact on this country in terms of oil and the impact on trade. We certainly want to see a de-escalation in hostilities and the protection of civilian lives. I take on board the Senator's remarks about the class D payments.

Senator Cassells has welcomed the fact that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will host its autumn meeting in Dublin over the coming days. I served on the assembly in the last term and it was a huge honour to do so. It does fantastic work. I find it interesting to see how the topics have evolved in the last four years because of the major global conflicts. It is apt that the discussions today will be about conflict resolution and peace. It is really important to keep that to the forefront. I wish the former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, the very best in those discussions today. I commend Ms Bernadette Mathews from the interparliamentary unit here.