Senators Cummins, Kyne and Ahearne are sharing time.

I welcome the delegation from the Kildare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, who are here with Senator O'Loughlin. I thank the Taoiseach for facilitating the extension of the debate. Twenty-nine Senators have spoken. The Chair does not set the order of speakers, in case people were wondering, and the co-operation of the majority of Members of the House is welcome. To those who do not understand Standing Orders, I ask them to become acquainted with them in order that they will understand how the House is run. The Taoi…

You had your opportunity, Senator.

Thank you, Senator McDowell. We will have a bit of respect for the office of An Taoiseach.

Senator McDowell, you know the rules of the House better than most. You had your opportunity and you served in Cabinet, so please respect the Office of An Taoiseach. You have made your point quite forcefully on numerous occasions. Please let the Taoiseach conclude.

I thank Senator McDowell. He has had his opportunity. The Senator is showing huge disrespect for a man of such experience in the both Houses. I am in the Chair-----

I ask the Senator to please resume his seat, and to show respect to the Chamber and the Taoiseach.

I ask Senator McDowell to resume his seat and stop now, please. He is looking for the headlines.

The Senator has accused An Taoiseach of certain things that he should not do in this Chamber. The Senator knows full well. I am in the Chair, and I will chair the House evenly, as the Senator knows.

I want to remind the Taoiseach that his time is almost up. The Leas-Cathaoirleach has to reply to the debate. Gabh mo leithscéal.

The Leas-Cathaoirleach will reply at 12.15 p.m.

I ask the Leas-Chathaoirleach to wrap up.

Míle buíochas. I thank the Taoiseach for being here and for allowing us to extend the time for this discussion.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Seán Kyne - the need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on ongoing delays in making farm payments to shareholders of Keelderry commonage, County Galway. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - the need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the remediation of building defects and the provision of special classes at St. Peter's National School, Dublin 7. Senator Maria …

I thank Members for their co-operation this morning. There has been a last-minute change to the running order so Senator Fitzpatrick will go first.

I welcome the students from the Harold School, who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to the Houses. I thank them for being here on this wet day and I hope they have a productive visit. I welcome to the House guests of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, including Representative Brock Colvin, who is the youngest legislator in the state of Alabama. He is welcome and he is joined by Grace Newcombe, Noah Campbell and Erika Connell. The Leas-Chathaoirleach will extend a quick welcome …

Céad míle fáilte. I thank Senator Mullen for allowing us to extend that welcome.

Well said, Senator Gavan.

I thank the Senator. We are still within the three-minute slots. Senator Lombard has three minutes and can raise more than one matter.

We are now moving to the two-minute slots. I remind Members that it is one matter per Member.