Order of Business
The Cathaoirleach welcomes a school group, and Senator Kyne outlines the scheduled business for the day, with a further welcome to the Maltese ambassador.
Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome Ballyhaunis Community School to the Gallery as guests of Deputy Paul Lawless. I met some people earlier and they mentioned to me that there is no homework for the rest of the week for any visiting school. That is an order of the Seanad.
Comment on this
I, too, welcome the ambassador and wish her well on her country's celebrations. I know Malta's national day was on Sunday. I am sure the celebrations are still going on. I had the pleasure of visiting Malta some years ago. It is a beautiful country and the ambassador is welcome here this morning.
The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of appointments of members of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, statements on public expenditure, infrastructure, public service reform and digitalisation, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude at 2.45 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 eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister will be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 3, Mental Health Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 4 p.m. and to conclude at 6 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed 15 minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.