I certainly agree with the Order of Business. I was slightly amused to read Mr. Pat Leahy's column in The Irish Times this morning in which he referred to what is happening in the Dáil, Seanad and committees. Mr. Leahy notes: "Just three items on the Seanad agenda". He seems to be referring to all of Tuesday's business, so people looking in today for a debate on the National Concert Hall will have missed it. Referring to the Order of Business, Mr. Leahy refers to "windbagging on any issue that comes to mind and ask…

I am delighted to congratulate and address the Cathaoirleach, whom we called the Leader in a previous Seanad. I wish him the best. This is my first chance to do so since his elevation to high office. I also congratulate Senator Chambers on her appointment as Leader and thank Senators Mark Daly and Regina Doherty who previously held leadership positions for their work. The following point may have been discussed already and, if so, I apologise for raising it again. I am a member of the Joint Committee on Transport a…

I do not think this has been done before. It is possibly a reflection on the Cathaoirleach and the Chamber's reaction to, and celebration of, Romania's national day. The Cathaoirleach outlined very clearly some of Romania's struggles for independence and so on. It is absolutely fantastic that not only do we have the Romanian ambassador to Ireland, Laureniu-Mihai Ştefan, here with his team, we also have the Irish ambassador to Romania who has travelled from Romania for the celebration of the Romanian national day in…

I acknowledge the great privilege I have of being the convener of the Romania-Ireland inter-parliamentary friendship group, as referred to by the Cathaoirleach. Anyone who is not already a member of the group is more than welcome to join me and the rest of the team, which focuses on interparliamentary relations with the Romanian Parliament and the Romanian people.

We have a new member of the group already.

I thank Senator Murphy for his perfectly timed contribution.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Burke, back to the House.

Senator Seery Kearney is next.

I have just arrived so I was not sure who had spoken before the Minister.

Of course, and I have done so.

Amendment Nos. 4 and 5 are related and may be discussed together by agreement.

There is no suggestion that this amendment has been ruled out of order anyway. The amendment is certainly valid, whether it is supported or not.

It is not. If it was, I would not let the Senator speak on it. I call the Minister.

Amendments Nos. 15 and 16 are related and may be discussed together. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Would Senator Mullen like to speak to this group?

Would the Senator like to make his contribution in-----

Of course, the Senator is allowed to wait. That is fine.

Amendments Nos. 17 and 18 are out of order, as they place a potential charge on revenue.

Yes.

Before I call Senator Maria Byrne, I welcome also our visitors from Riverchapel National School. It is a very nice part of the world. I have been there myself. I hope they enjoy their day and their next few homework-free days.