The worrying part is not that the Senator is still a Member of the House; it is that it is three years since we were all convened to the Seanad and time is flying.

No, it is three years. Senator Flynn is right. It was 2020.

The time is still flying.

I join with the Senator and Senator Murphy in congratulating our Special Olympians on bringing much joy to all of us, to their families and to themselves. Watching the RTÉ news coverage of the games and seeing the joy and excitement was just unbelievable. Like the Senators, I thank all of the families, coaches and different organisations involved and extend great congratulations to them on our behalf.

Governor Healey; the ambassador, H.E. Claire Cronin; and the mother of the Governor of Massachusetts, Ms Tracy Healey-Beattie, are welcome. I am glad the governor's mum is here. I welcome the distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen. A Rialtóir Uí hÉalaighthe, thar ceann Chomhaltaí an tSeanaid agus ar mo shon féin mar Chathaoirleach, gabhaim buíochas leat as ucht an onóir a thabhairt dúinn inniu agus as ucht cuairt a thabhairt don Teach seo, an Seanad, inniu. It is an honour and privilege, as Cathaoirleach of …

That is a home run. Fenway Park is rocking. I also welcome the cabinet secretaries Rebecca Tepper and Yvonne Hao to the gathering today. I also welcome the co-chair of the friendship group for America and Ireland, Deputy McAuliffe, as well as Alan Harney, John Duke, Bernie Boyle and Kitty Duke. I also welcome to the Gallery Deputies Danny Healy-Rae and McHugh. Deputy McHugh is from Donegal. He has never met the governor but canvassed for her and held up yard signs on her behalf across Massachusetts. He is up there …

At this point, I also welcome our consul general in Boston, Ms Laoise Moore, who is leaving in August. We are also joined by Ms Sighle FitzGerald who will be the new consul general in Boston. I look forward to giving her a whistle-stop tour of the many good destinations in Boston. I thank both Ms Moore and Ms Fitzgerald for the work they do on behalf of the Irish diaspora in the state of Massachusetts, particularly in Boston.

I also welcome Mr. Ted Danowitz and Mr. Peter Glennon from the American Embassy. I thank them for their help today and their ongoing engagement with us.

There could still be trouble though.

Anois mar cáinte deireanach gléim leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach. I ask the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, to conclude proceedings.

I was going to conclude by saying Governor Healey will not be stopping at the corner office she will definitely be heading towards the Oval Office. Perhaps the Leas-Chathaoirleach is right. I embarrassed a member of staff earlier and I will embarrass a Member of the House now. Senator McGahon is the man at the bottom of the Chamber. He will be getting married to Áine in several weeks' time. We send him and Áine our best wishes on this very auspicious day. I thank Governor Healey for being here. It has been an absol…

The Joint Committee on Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has completed its consideration of the Technological University Act 2018 (Section 44F) (Appointed Day) Order 2023 motion, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 12 June 2023.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Emer Currie - the need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on initiatives to prevent anti-social behaviour in urban communities. Senator Maria Byrne - the need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on access to PRSI by PhD researchers. Senator Mary Seery Kearney - the need for the Minister for Health to give an update on the statu…

I thank the Minister for being present this morning and I welcome her back. It is great to have a Minister at Cabinet taking Commencement matters, for which I am very grateful.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Collins.

I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery H.E. Ms Florence Ensch, the ambassador from Luxembourg. Tomorrow the people of Luxembourg will celebrate their national day, which is the Grand Duke's birthday. I thank the ambassador for being here this morning. For the information of Members, last year Ms Ensch became the first resident ambassador of Luxembourg in Dublin. This is an extraordinary and momentous achievement and an occasion to be celebrated. It is an important step in the ongoing development and buildi…

With the co-operation of the House I will take Senator Black next as she has another engagement.

Is ábhar an-tábhachtach é seo, ach tá an t-am imithe. Go raibh maith agat. An Seanadóir Currie.

I would like to welcome guests in the Public Gallery, some of whom are friends of Senator Mullen. They are very welcome today, and I hope they have a very good visit to the Oireachtas. An Ceannaire, le do thoil.

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 Justice to make a statement on funding for Domestic Violence Response Galway. Senator Victor Boyhan - the need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on progress with consultations to identify a mechanism for the registration of wills. Senator Mark Wall - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on …