We have an Order of Business but it is not an Order of Business.

What about the Order of Business?

It should be.

We never do.

Hear, hear.

On a point of order-----

I would like to raise a point of order and seek clarification. The Cathaoirleach has said the long-standing tradition of the House, which I have seen over 33 years and more, and which has never been challenged, is that only the legislation or business proposed by the Government can be discussed and we cannot move to other matters. It seems to suggest that any time in future, regardless of whether there is a special sitting of the Seanad, the Cathaoirleach has the capacity to close debate on anything other than the …

I do not remember former Senator Kiely behaving like that.

The fact that it is a special sitting should not preclude having a proper Order of Business.

I certainly agree.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I have two matters to raise. The first is a question that has been drawn to my attention by a couple. The man is infertile as a result of Klinefelter syndrome and they got a friend of theirs to donate sperm. The woman got pregnant and a child was born. They approached the Adoption Authority of Ireland and it advised that the father apply for a step-parent adoption, which they did. They applied for and obtained guardianship of the daughter as well. They looked into the Children and Family …

Very naughty.

What media? I do not see anyone.

Hear, hear.

I experienced a certain déjà vu today because when I was first elected to Seanad Éireann 33 years ago, this was where we met as the Seanad was being refurbished at the time. I wish to raise two issues, the first of which is the Caritas convalescent centre. I had experience of the centre after a liver transplant and the facilities and care provided by the staff are absolutely outstanding. I am sorry to say it has gone into liquidation with the loss of more than 60 jobs. As section 39 employees, they have all been bo…

I want to express my outrage at the complete lack of coverage of the opening session of Seanad Éireann by the media. It was a slap in the face for democracy. It is astonishing that the national broadcaster, Teilifís Éireann, had an hour-long news programme, in which it went all around the country seeing nice old ladies making jam and all the rest of it, yet there was not one single mention of Seanad Éireann, which is extraordinary. There was one journalist here, I think, the last time from a provincial newspaper. I…

My dear colleagues, first of all it is my very pleasant task to welcome you to Seanad Éireann and to congratulate those of you who have been newly elected, as well as those who have successfully earned re-election, including those who campaigned against the Seanad during the referendum on its abolition. I regard the appointment of Eileen Flynn from the Traveller Community, following the pioneering work of Rosaleen McDonagh, as a significant advance. I very much welcome the appointment of a Minister within Seanad Éi…

Good for you.

I thank Senator Chambers. Do I have a seconder for her motion? I do. It is the former Cathaoirleach, Senator O'Donovan.

Thank you.