It is good to have the Leas-Chathaoirleach back in the Chamber. I thank Senator Chambers for outlining the Order of Business. Previous speakers mentioned that much has been achieved in the past couple of days in the context of greening Ireland and climate and biodiversity. I acknowledge both that and the historic step forward taken last night in the Seanad to finally end fur farming in Ireland. Fur farming is a cruel practice. Seventeen years ago, as a colleague pointed out, the Green Party tabled legislation to end fur farming. We have finally done so. It is a good day. We have also put on the Statute Book a scheme that will be developed in respect of small-scale planting of native forestry. That also happened on the floor of the Seanad. We have the circular economy Bill, as outlined by Senator Boyhan. That came before the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action. There was extensive pre-legislative scrutiny. It was a good day for those who hate dumping. There will be CCTV cameras, which many of us have sought for years. There will be a host of measures to cut down on waste. Much more needs to happen. We all acknowledge that.

I wish to speak on animal welfare. Last week, a ship left for Jordan with young cattle on board. It was at sea for 12 days. I have spoken on numerous occasions about live exports. Libya is another destination. It is unnecessary and does not bring in that much income. It needs to be examined. Whatever about live exports within the EU and these short journeys, this involves very young animals being on board for weeks at a time without vets being on board. This cruel practice also needs to be ended.

I frequently speak about greyhound racing. We have seen reports and investigations about the greyhound industry and yet the Minister is looking to provide funding of €1 million to Kilkenny for the redevelopment of the greyhound stadium. This is not the correct use of funding. It is time for everybody to step up to the plate when it comes to animal welfare. All of our species are interconnected. Showing kindness to other animals and species should set us apart as human beings. I ask people to examine their consciences when it comes to these issues. That goes for all parties in this Chamber who support greyhound racing. It has to stop.

I welcome the Government's approval yesterday for the national centre for research and remembrance, to be located at the site of the former Magdalen laundry on Seán McDermott Street in Dublin city centre. The centre will serve as a national memorial to honour all those who were resident in mother and baby homes, industrial schools, reformatories, Magdalen laundries and related institutions. I welcome that it will comprise a museum and exhibition space led by the National Museum of Ireland, a place of reflection and remembrance and also, according to the press release from the Department, it will contribute to the social and economic development in Dublin's north-east inner city. The site will encompass social housing, local community facilities, and educational and early learning facilities. These commitments must be delivered on. It will provide digital access, making it truly national and international, which is welcome.

I welcome the involvement of the National Archives and the National Museum of Ireland in that respect. I note in the press release that the proposals of the national centre were developed by the Secretary to the Government, following informal consultations with key advocates and stakeholders and were brought to Government jointly by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. These proposals will require a consistent and collaborative approach with communities and survivors. The steering group that will be established should include survivors and the local communities.

Lastly, this is a very important step forward in a very long-fought battle by survivors and their advocates to secure an appropriate memorial to the women and children who endured horrific institutional abuse under the State’s watch. Their stories will not only finally be told but will be protected and preserved for future generations. That is something that we can all get behind. Also we acknowledge the huge amount of work of local and community activists who have worked for years in advancing a vision for that site.