I welcome Mr. Jim Lamb to the Gallery, who is here on a visit. I thank him for being here.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 2 not be taken today." While it was not formally seconded, I am happy that the Acting Leader has outlined in her response that she is favourable to the change proposed. I am inclined to allow for the amendment to be put to the House as an exception today. The amendment is, "That No. 2 not be taken today." Is that agreed? Agreed.

Dáil Éireann passed the Finance Bill 2023 on 18 April 2023, to which the recommendation of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I welcome the guests of Deputy Noel Grealish to the Public Gallery. I thank them for being here. I also welcome the guests of Senator Emer Currie as well. They are all very welcome. I hope they have an enjoyable day.

I welcome to the Public Gallery Mr. Hugh O'Brien and friends who are here as guests of Deputy John Lahart. I think they have come from Chicago and Washington and they are very welcome to the House. I also welcome Ms Sheila O'Byrne Ryan who is here today for this very important and sensitive debate. I call on Senator Victor Boyhan.

Prior to calling Senator Mullen, I remind Members that the opening speech of the proposer and seconder should not exceed 16 minutes and all other Senators will have six minutes. The Minister of State has 15 minutes and the proposer has five minutes to reply. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan. I also welcome friends of Senators Mullen and Wilson, Eugene Flood from County Monaghan, and some French and Irish visitors to the House, Jerome and Agnes Wasser, and Fiona Carolan. They are all very welcome. I b…

Is that agreed? Agreed? Is Senator McDowell seconding the proposal?

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on plans for a national haemochromatosis strategy to increase awareness, diagnosis and equitable access to testing and treatment. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the reopening of the military swimming pool at the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh, County K…

We have already raised the matter. My predecessor and I have raised the matter with the Minister-----

As the Senator is aware, the House has no control over which Minister appears.

I welcome the students from St. Benildus College, Stillorgan who are here today as guests of the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Neale Richmond. I also welcome to the Public Gallery guests of Senator Malcolm Byrne, the winners of this year's BT Young Scientist competition from Abbey School in Tipperary, Shane O'Connor and Liam Carew. You are very welcome. Comhghairdeas roimh go léir.

Limerick did not do too well last night.

As the Minister of State knows, it is not as easy as having thematic days because there is-----

At the beginning of the sitting, I was remiss in not paying tribute to a former colleague and Member of the House who passed away last week. I refer to our colleague and friend, former Senator Pat Magner. I had the pleasure of knowing Pat as a very collegial and great friend. He served in this House on three occasions - having been nominated three times - from 1981 to 1982, 1983 to 1987 and 1993 to 1997. Pat Magner was not just a Member of the House, he was also a loyal and dedicated public servant who gave more th…

I thank the Senator, and I welcome both Eamon and Orla to the Gallery. I thank them for being here today, and hope they have a very pleasurable visit with our colleague and friend, Senator Conway.

Before calling on the Leader to reply I want to voice my agreement with Senator Byrne regarding the incident with Lee Chin. He is a fine sportsman and a wonderful ambassador. There can be no place for racism in any of our sporting codes. On my own behalf, and I am sure on behalf of the Members, I congratulate our Leader and Jarlath on their wedding next Saturday. We wish them a happy, joyful and wonderful day and life together. Beir bua. Senator Mullen has literally one minute; the bell has saved him.

I invite Members to stand for a moment's silence in honour of our friend and colleague, Pat Magner.