I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin acknowledged the Special Olympics and the Irish football team playing against Czechia tomorrow. She also mentioned Sam Whelan from Newbridge, a young filmmaker whose film "The Wrong Jumper" was nominated for an award. I wish him well. The Senator also referred to the reduction in excise duty reflected at the pumps and called for engagement with Bord na Móna regarding new state-of-the-art landmark buildings and the old buildings in Newbridge. She says she will seek a Commencement debate on that, but she might engage directly with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, in that regard. It is an important issue for the community of Newbridge.

Senator Doyle raised Clogher Barracks, which closed in 1999, and interest in the local community regarding other uses for the site. He may table a Commencement debate on that matter. There are good examples around the country of old barracks and buildings being used for community purposes. I acknowledge his interest in the matter and he could seek a Commencement debate with the Office of Public Works.

Senators Craughwell and Maria Byrne raised the issue of inheritance tax which penalises ordinary families, in particular in respect of the family home where the threshold for passing assets onto one's offspring is €400,000. For nephews, nieces and others the limit is €40,000. They acknowledged the issue for childless couples. I will request a debate with the Minister for Finance on the matter of inheritance tax.

Senator Conor Murphy discussed the Catalpa ship, the commemorations in Fremantle in Perth marking what happened 150 years ago and the general amnesty for prisoners at the time, with the exception of six. He has called for commemorations in this country. I will raise the matter with the Minister for arts and culture, Deputy O'Donovan. The Senator could also seek a Commencement debate on the matter.

Senator Higgins, supported by Senator Boyhan, proposed an amendment to the Order of Business regarding the International Protection Bill. Senator Boyhan referenced a letter from the Ombudsman for Children. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, has given a lot of time to the Bill and I appreciate the interest. He has attended most of the debates and will be here for five hours to debate Report and Final Stages later today. Unfortunately, I cannot accept an amendment.

Senator Higgins also raised the issue of violations on overflight arms transfers in Belgium and elsewhere. She spoke about complicity in this area across different EU countries and called for a debate with Ministers for Defence and Transport. Senator Andrews has supported that request. I will request a debate with the Ministers on that.

Senator Sharon Keogan called for a debate on Islamic extremism. She drew a distinction between that and law-abiding Muslims. She called for a debate on our intelligence policies. I will request a debate on the matter. The State is no stranger to all that has gone on across Ireland.

Senator Scahill commended the Minister, Deputy Naughton, on the DEIS plus programme. Some €40 million is allocated annually. The Senator mentioned Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Ballinasloe, in regard to the school building programme and the inequalities evident in the community. DEIS plus acknowledges and engages with attendance, engagement and retention, student well-being, strengthening school leadership, improving access to opportunities and services and supporting the transition to further and higher education. The Senator also acknowledged Roscommon Community College, which won drama awards for a 1960s play about the Magdalen laundries.

Senator Andrews referenced an individual who unfortunately took his own life and the protocols for persons on suicide watch. He said there is no inquest after three years and called for a debate on the coroner's office. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, on that important matter.

Senator Joe O'Reilly commended the recent success of Bailieborough Community School. He also called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, on older persons and the progression support towards a statutory home care scheme. I will request an update from the Minister of State on that matter.

Senator Joe Conway raised the issue of Russia and some high-profile individuals calling out President Putin. He called for a debate on the conflict in Ukraine, which I will request with the Minister for foreign affairs.

Senator Stephenson again raised the plight of Palestinians and issues regarding delays in the occupied territories Bill. I know from the Tánaiste that the Minister for foreign affairs has engaged with the Attorney General and has received and replied to questions on this matter. We hope to see publication of the Bill soon and its progression through the Houses.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised the safe routes to school programme and referenced Raheen, a small community in County Wexford. He may wish to seek a Commencement debate on the safe routes to school programme. There is huge demand and a lot of plans, and good work has been done. There is frustration for those who run the scheme in terms of delays, as well as those who cannot avail of the scheme. He may wish to seek a Commencement debate on that.

Senator Clonan again raised concerns regarding the triple lock. He spoke about the possibility of troops being deployed to Iran by the United States, an illegal war and the abandoning of the UN convention, which has been a theme in a number of his contributions here today. I will request a debate on those matters.

Senator McCormack raised the issue of paramedics who have not been offered permanent contracts. I will check out the latest information. Progress had been made last week, and I understood those graduating this year would be offered full-time permanent contract with the National Ambulance Service, there would be a range of opportunities available and that agreement had been reached with the trade union. Perhaps the finer print is the issue. I will raise the matter with the Minister.

Senators Sarah O'Reilly, McCarthy and Martin Conway raised the cost of fuel. Senator Conway called for a debate on the long-term review of taxes on fuel. I will request that debate. Senator O'Reilly raised the issue of the carbon tax, which is due to increase in May. That is still some time off and all these things are kept under review. The budget 2026 carbon tax allocation measures funded include residential and community energy efficiency, the green climate fund, the just transition fund, targeted social protection interventions of €350 million, community energy efficiency, which has an allocation of €558 million for 2026, incentivising green and sustainable farming and green agricultural pilots to a total of €170 million, greenways, urban cycling, EV charging infrastructure and providing grants for EVs of €20 million, as well as €5 million for peatlands rehabilitation. Such measures total €1.114 billion. That is where the carbon tax goes. I acknowledge the pressures people are under. As I said, any increases have to be decided closer to the time. I acknowledge that. I also acknowledge the Government supports provided yesterday for hard-pressed motorists. The Bill regarding the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, will come before the House tomorrow. It will pause the levy on petrol and diesel for two months, which will have an impact on home heating oil.

We have also seen the cuts in excise on green diesel. I acknowledge that all these things are being kept under review. If this conflict in Iran continues into the medium term, that could, unfortunately, have serious impacts on our whole economy and everything would have to be kept under review.

Senator Rabbitte raised the issue of meals on wheels, the recent meeting of the social protection committee and the concerns of LEADER companies regarding a shortage of funding. I am sure that the present conflict will add costs to those as well. Diesel prices would add would add costs to those too. The Senator may wish to put down a Commencement matter about the meals on wheels with the Minister for Social Protection and see if she gets any clarity on that.

Senator Lynch raised what she called the deeply irresponsible action by An Taisce with regard to the nitrates derogation. It is sending a terrible message and that is regrettable. I know there has been a lot of work done by the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Government to ensure that the nitrates derogation was secured for a period of three years. It was hard fought for and it certainly has been hugely welcomed by the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA, and farm organisations on the dairying side in particular. We acknowledge the importance of it to the economy of this country as a food-exporting country in terms of beef and milk products and other products of value that we produce. It is an issue and obviously the nitrates directive includes reference to water quality and the establishment of the Cabinet committee on water quality. I do acknowledge the importance of the nitrates derogation to Irish farmers and to our economy.

Senator Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 1, the International Protection Bill 2026, Report and Final Stages, be taken at 1 p.m. today and, if not previously concluded, adjourn at 6 p.m." Is the amendment being pressed?

Yes.

Before we call the vote I just want to welcome guests of Deputy Brendan Smith and Senator Martin Conway who are in the Gallery. You are very welcome.