A Uachtarán Biden, thar ceann Chomhaltaí an dá Theach agus ar mo shon féin, gabhaim buíochas leat as an onóir a thabhairt dúinn a bheith i do láthair inniu agus as an aitheasc a thug tú don chomhshuí seo. We might say four more years, Mr. President, but we cannot be political here. Thank you for your wonderful address. Mr. President, as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, and on behalf of the Members of Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann, I thank you for honouring us today with your presence, and for addressing both Hous…

A Uachtarán Biden, thar ceann Chomhaltaí an dá Theach agus ar mo shon féin, gabhaim buíochas leat as an onóir a thabhairt dúinn a bheith i do láthair inniu agus as an aitheasc a thug tú don chomhshuí seo. We might say four more years, Mr. President, but we cannot be political here. Thank you for your wonderful address. Mr. President, as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, and on behalf of the Members of Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann, I thank you for honouring us today with your presence, and for addressing both Hous…

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Tim Lombard - The need for the Minister for Finance to introduce regulations to ensure engagement between vulture funds and clients. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline whether responsibility for the collection of the derelict sites levy should be assigned to the Revenue Commissioners. Senator John McGahon - The need for the Minister for Tou…

Iarraim ar an Seanadóir a bheith cúramach, lena thoil. The Senators should be careful of making charges against individuals or organisations, and to protect himself also.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan.

Prior to asking the Leader to outline the Order of Business, on my own behalf and that of Seanad Éireann and the Houses of the Oireachtas, I pay tribute and a word of thanks to our Superintendent, Mr. Noel Murphy, who joins us in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Today is Noel's last day in Leinster House. He has played a huge part in the life of these Houses, serving us and the staff for more than 24 years. During that time, he has seen significant change. Tellingly for us as Members, he was part of the counts f…

I thank the Leader. I welcome to the Gallery a group from St. Gerald's DLS School in Castlebar, who are guests of Deputy Dillon.

Before I call Senator Gavan, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery the students and staff from Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore. They are very welcome. I thank their host, Deputy Gannon, who is a former pupil of the school and who is doing the school proud in Leinster House. They are very welcome today to listen to the Order of Business.

As this is the final Order of Business before the Easter break, before I call on the Deputy Leader I will wish all Members of the House and all staff a happy Easter. I thank them for their courtesy and work. I hope they all get a break and enjoy the Easter season. I call on the Deputy Leader to reply to the Order of Business.

I welcome the students from Scoil Mhuire, Newtownforbes, County Longford, and their teachers and staff. You are all very welcome. Thank you for being here today, and enjoy your Easter holidays.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Pauline O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Education to provide an update on the implementation of the new pay deal for school secretaries. Senator Malcolm Byrne - The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the use by local authorities of CCTV to combat illegal dumping and any campaign aimed at tackling littering and illegal dumping. Senator Barry …

Prior to asking the Leader to introduce the Order of Business, I welcome to the Gallery a guest of Deputy John Lahart, Mr. Daniel Hyzack, from the USA. He is very welcome. I hope he has a good visit to our parliamentary community in the Dáil and the Seanad. I also welcome guests of Senator Joe O'Reilly, the pupils and staff from St. Anne's National School in Bailieborough, County Cavan. They are here with Ms Fay, the deputy principal, the SNA, teachers and members of the school community, all of whom are welcome th…

I thank Senator O'Reilly. The people of Bailieborough are just as proud of what the Senator does in this House.

Prior to calling Senator Higgins, I welcome to the Public Gallery Aisling Doyle from County Wicklow, who is in the House with Councillor Avril Cronin. Aisling is here as a transition year student. She is a niece of our former colleague and friend, Andrew Doyle. I thank her for being here.

I must remind the Senator, with the greatest of respect, that as Members of this House we should not comment on the judgments of the Judiciary or on individual cases, given the separation of powers. One can comment on sentencing policy, in general, but not on specific cases. Bí cúramach, le do thoil.

My apologies for interrupting the Senator but I also must protect him. I also welcome the second part of the St. Anne’s National School group from Bailieborough. They missed our colleague and friend, Senator Joe O’Reilly, who spoke eloquently about the school. They are all very welcome to the Chamber. I call Senator Ward to speak now, please.

I ask Senator Ward to confirm that he proposes that No. 22 be taken before No. 1.

Senator Higgins’s proposal will be dealt with first. I call Senator Mullen to speak now, please.

I welcome Senator Matt Harrington from the state of Maine in the US, who is a guest of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. Senator Harrington was elected last December from the 33rd district to the Maine Senate. He and his wife Lauren are very welcome. I understand he won his seat with an impressive 54% of the vote. We could all take a leaf out of his book. I congratulate him and wish him well on his trip. I hope that as part of the Leas-Chathaoirleach's state legislature engagement programme, Senator Harrington will continue…

Senator Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 21 be taken before No. 1." It has been seconded by Senator Flynn. The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed. Senator Ward has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 22 be taken before No. 1." It has been seconded by Senator Lombard. The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.