Gabhaim míle buíochas leis an Seanadóir.

I have 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 Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to make a statement on deductions from public sector pensions. Senator Micheál Carrigy - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide additional funding to Longford County Council under the Voids Programme. Senator Malcolm Byrne - The need for the Minister fo…

I thank Senator Dolan for her kind words.

Before I call the next speaker, I extend a céad míle fáilte and welcome to the students and teachers of Monard National School in Tipperary town. Tá na daltaí i rang a cúig agus rang a sé agus tá céad míle fáilte rompu. They are very welcome to Leinster House. I hope it will be a pleasant visit for them. As a mark of their visit, as Cathaoirleach and on behalf of all Members of the House, I offer them to the opportunity to have homework off tonight to celebrate their visit to Leinster House. I call Senator Byrne.

Is the Senator proposing that?

I thank the Leader, and Senator Dolan for her heartfelt tribute to John Naughten. We paid tribute to John last week. Again, to his wife, Breda, and his mum, brothers and sisters, we send our deepest sympathies. I also commend Senator Ardagh on her powerful contribution during the Order of Business.

Does Senator Ward have a point of order?

I thought Senator Ward was raising a point of order.

I will stop you for one second to give you a breather. I welcome our former colleague and friend, iar-Sheanadóir Niall Ó Brolcháin, to the Gallery. It is good to see you. You are very welcome to Leinster House. Thank you for being here. Céad míle fáilte.

Thank you.

That is not a point of order, but it is a relevant question at the same time. Thank you for raising the matter.

Senator Warfield, thank you. Could we address our remarks through the Chair and keep our remarks relevant to the Bill, the amendment and the issues being raised? I remind Members that in the context of the amendment we are on, the relevance of the amendment is about the definition-----

Let us stick to that, please.

That is really not a point of order.

I thank the Senator.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadór. She might facilitate the parliamentary reporter with the list of names she read out. To be fair, they would need the Senator's assistance, because I am sure some of the words and phrases were-----

It was not that they were new to most people-----

-----it is that they were badly mangled. I am aware that it is Committee Stage. I have been here since 6 p.m., and Senator Keogan, as is her right, has spoken for 45 minutes or more. We are due to conclude at 8.30 p.m. and five Members have indicated that they wish to speak. I am asking people to be conscious of that. I appreciate that there are different views on the handling of the Bill. I call Senator McDowell.

Senator Mullen, the debate-----

I remind Senator Mullen the debate is not about gender-----