Order of Business
The Chair welcomed students from St. Gerald's College, and Senators joined in the welcome. Senator Chambers then outlined the Order of Business, including the day's motions and speaking times.
Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome the students from St. Gerald's College, Castlebar, County Mayo. They looked like Mayo footballers of the future, or the present, actually, when they were standing for a photograph. I wish the lads the best of luck. I hope Mayo wins the all-Ireland football final at some time in their lifetimes, although not if Mayo is playing Kerry. I thank their teachers, Tracey Flynn and Regina Duffy, for bringing them to Leinster House. We hope they enjoy their day and get safely back home to Mayo, though not with the Sam Maguire Cup this year.
Comment on this
I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach but he should not mention the war. It is a sore topic. I welcome the students from St. Gerald's College, Castlebar, and their teachers, Tracey Flynn and Regina Duffy, to the Gallery. My particular thanks to Harry Gaughan, who helped to arrange the visit. The lads are very welcome. We will get a chance to chat later today. I hope they enjoy watching the Order of Business and what we do here in the Seanad. They will also get the opportunity to go to the Dáil and see the surrounds of Leinster House. It is their Parliament and it is important that people come to visit it.
Comment on this
One of the unwritten rules of Leinster House is that students visiting should have no homework for the day, or the week, possibly. We will leave that at the discretion of the teachers. There should definitely be no homework today anyway.
Comment on this
I have no doubt the students will be able to advocate strongly for that.
The Order of Business is No. 2, motion regarding Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulation 2023, back from committee, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to conclude at 2.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed six minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed seven minutes and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate; No. 122, motion 7, Private Members' business, motion regarding recent violence in Dublin city centre, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 2, whichever is the later, with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours; and No. 3, Private Members' business, Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 122, motion 7, whichever is the later.