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28 items
Selected topical issues include extending MetroLink to south-west Dublin, Dublin 7 school works, Bunclody Community College, Swords infrastructure, and e-scooter age rules, with these matters chosen for debate.
Seanad Éireann passed, without amendment, the Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026 and the Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026.
The Seanad agreed to a motion from the Leader to take Order No. 10 at 12.25 p.m., overriding normal Standing Orders and the day’s order of business.
Seanad Éireann considered and approved in draft the Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations 2026, following Senator Garret Ahearn’s motion.
Seanad Éireann moved to approve the draft Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 7) Regulations 2026.
Seanad Éireann was asked to approve the draft Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 6) Regulations 2026.
Seanad Éireann approved the draft Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 5) Regulations 2026.
Seanad Éireann approved the draft Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 4) Regulations 2026, moved by Senator Garret Ahearn.
Seanad Éireann was asked to approve the draft Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 3) Regulations 2026.
Seanad Éireann approved draft Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 under a motion moved by Senator Garret Ahearn.
Seanad Éireann approved the draft Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, laid before it on 2 July 2026.
Senator Fitzpatrick thanked the Leas-Chathaoirleach and Seanad staff on behalf of Fianna Fáil, the Leader noted forthcoming debate requests and the Chair closed the sitting with personal thanks and good wishes for the summer.
Senator Higgins criticised the guillotining of the LNG Bill, arguing it should not be rushed and should receive proper scrutiny. She then raised childcare, citing an early years affordability roadmap from SIPTU and the need for quality jobs and better services.
Senator Collins said she would be nice on the last day, thanked staff, wished the Limerick hurlers luck and suggested a celebratory day off.
The Leader outlined the motions due to be taken later, and Senators Fitzpatrick and McDowell criticised aspects of recent public policy and the planning regulations process.
Seanad Éireann passed the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 without amendment.
The committee welcomed new member Deputy Martin Daly, agreed the minutes, and noted several accounts and correspondence. It highlighted serious issues in the Tusla accounts over non-compliant procurement and the ISIF loss of €2.5 million from a fraud, and agreed to write for further detail on both. Members were highly critical of IFI’s spend of over €70,000, excluding VAT, on media-training and legal preparation for a PAC appearance, and agreed to seek wider information from Departments and agencies on pre-hearing training costs. The committee also published its interim report on the national children’s science centre, calling for urgent Government intervention and no further public funding until a full review is done.
The Seanad scheduled matters on health funding for Westgate Foundation, school accommodation in Cork, urban roads design, and funding for Limerick BusConnects.
Before closing the Order of Business, the Chair welcomed representatives from the Fingal Old IRA Society to the Gallery.
Senator Duffy asked for clarity on how local safety partnerships will operate, particularly the presence of media at meetings, and said uncertainty is causing local discontent.
The Chair welcomed student visitors, and Senator Andrews called for reform of the in camera rule in family law so parents and campaigners can better seek accountability and explain their experiences.
Senator Keogan argued that local families are waiting years for housing in Stamullen while State-owned homes there are being used or held for asylum accommodation.
After the Chair welcomed more visitors, Senator McCormack praised Rosenallis National School's robotics team for winning a judges' award at the VEX World Championships.
The Acting Leader responded to the issues raised, addressing the lottery debate request and the flotilla concerns. He undertook to contact the Minister's office and to alert the Department of Foreign Affairs to the safety worries for Irish citizens.
The Chair welcomed St. Patrick's National School from Greystones to the Gallery.
The Leader set out the day's scheduled business: the Wexford committee meeting motion and statements on fuel supports for the fishing industry.
The Seanad agreed to take four topical issues immediately: Limerick as a Family Courts Act venue, the solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable customers, the Wexford SETU campus, and reducing the drugs payment scheme cap.