Before asking the Leader to outline today's Order of Business, I welcome to the Public Gallery Mr. Brian Karlisch and his wife, Lisa, who are visiting from the United States of America. They are very welcome. I believe it is their first visit to Ireland. I thank them for being here and hope they enjoy the rest of their stay. Glaoim ar an Treoraí chun an tOrd Gnó a fhoilsiú.

I also welcome our visitors.

The Order of Business today is No. 1., Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 – Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 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 ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 – Committee Stage, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4.30 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; No. 3, Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024 – Second Stage, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to conclude after 75 minutes, if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed seven minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; No. 4., Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 6.15 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4.30 p.m., by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; and No. 5., Private Members' business, Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024 – Second Stage, to be taken at 6.45 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Treoraí. Glaoim ar an Seanadóir Fiona O'Loughlin.

I support the Order of Business as outlined. I spoke yesterday about the bravery of Bláthnaid Raleigh. I have to mention her again because when I was driving in this morning, I heard her interviewed on RTÉ Radio One. It was a very compelling interview. I drove in and stayed in the car to listen to the end of it. I do not mind admitting that I shed tears listening to her. I commend her courage, bravery and generosity of spirit in terms of sharing her story and the impact of what happened, not just on her but also on her family. For example, her brothers had to move sports clubs but could not tell anybody why. To think that she had to wait for five years for justice, which was a quarter of her life because she was only 21 when this happened. A few things about it struck me. Every school in Ireland should play that interview to students. It makes for difficult listening, but it is important to listen. I also felt that Bláthnaid very eloquently spoke about revictimisation. That is something we need to take note of in terms of supporting victims of abuse, whatever type of abuse it is. She also spoke about the need for men to call out their peers. That is important. It is a strong message that should come from us, which is why I mention the matter. I wish her well in her journey. She has had so much to deal with on a physical and an emotional level.

Next Friday is Your Council Day. Some 949 councillors have been elected or re-elected and I wish them all well. In the past week, we have elected new mayors and cathaoirligh. Councils have over 1,000 functions. It is really important to highlight those. They will be highlighted right across the country on Friday. To those who are listening in or who may listen in later, I say that it is important to see the excellent work that local authorities do.

I was at Mr. Charlie O'Connor's retirement party last night. He is an incredible man, who was first elected in 1991. I wish him well. He will stay involved in the community.

On graveyards, we have had extensions in Rathangan, Allen, Newbridge and Athy. In Milltown, the local committee under Mr. Gavin O'Connor has come together to raise funds. I wish the committee the best of luck. I know local authorities provide support grants. There is an issue about the maintenance of graveyards because in the past, community employment schemes were used. In a time of full employment, however, it is difficult to get people.

Local authorities, with the support of the Department, will have to look at how they maintain our loved ones’ resting places. I would like to see a debate on that.