I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, to the House.

I call on an Seanadóir Paddy Burke.

I remind the House the Senator is not here to defend herself. I accept Senator Byrne's intent to make a political charge, but in defence of Senator Keogan's right as a Member, she is not here to defend herself.

I thank the Senator.

I thank the Senator.

The Senator's points are well made.

Senator Byrne, your time is up.

Go raibh maith agat. Senator Carrigy is next.

I ask the Senator to be careful with his use of language.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on actions being taken to ensure the reduction in household charges by energy suppliers.Senator Lynn Boylan - The need for the Minister for Transport to use the powers available under section 8 of the Road Safety Authority Act to direct the RSA to publish statistics relating to road safety.Senator Mari…

The Minister of State is very welcome.

I welcome the students and teachers from St. Pius X school in Terenure who are here as guests of Senator Catherine Ardagh. I hope you have a very good visit.

I welcome the students from Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe in Swords, na buachaillí agus na cailíní. Tá fíor-fháilte rompu go léir. Tá siad ar turas scoile agus is dóigh liom go bhfuil an turas go hiontach. Cuirim céad míle fáilte roimh gach duine, go mór mór na múinteoirí.

I did not see the tweet until a few seconds ago but I will put on record, as an independent Cathaoirleach, that all public appointments are done in a manner that is open and transparent in line with public service appointments. I thank Senator Clonan for his contribution. It is up to all Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to uphold the standard befitting us.

I welcome students from St. Benildus College. This is the second day of their visit to Leinster House and they are all welcome. I hope they have an enjoyable day.

Based on the Senator's important intervention, I suggest it might be worth considering that the Seanad Public Consultation Committee could look at that as a topic. It is a growing area and the Senator has raised some interesting points this morning.

Prior to calling Senator Currie, cuirim fíor-fháilte roimh na múinteoirí agus na daltaí ón rang eile as Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe in Swords. Tá fíor-fháilte roimh gach éinne go dtí Teach Laighean.

Is the Senator proposing that No. 2 not be taken today?

The Senator is proposing that No. 2 not be taken today.

I again welcome students from St. Benildus College. They have waited patiently. They are part of our rolling school visits. I thank them for being here again today.