I also welcome family members of Senator Bradley to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery: her fiancé, Jóvan Bredell from South Africa, who is cheering loudly since last Saturday but who it is hoped will not be cheering next Saturday, her mum, Jacqui Bradley, her dad, Vincent, her sister, Hazel, and her uncle, Kenneth. They are all very welcome. I extend a céad míle fáilte to them. I hope they enjoy their day. I thank Councillor Luke Corkery for being one of the liaison people for Senator Bradley. I also thank him for…

As we conclude, I acknowledge that our colleague and friend, Senator Lynn Boylan, is leaving us to take up her seat in the European Parliament, as is Regina Doherty. We wish both of them well. Senator Boylan was a fine Member of the House who served here with distinction. We thank her for her service. Our colleague and friend, former Senator John O'Mahony, is being laid to his eternal reward. We wish him a safe journey back to our Lord and we thank him for his public service.

I congratulate Senator Bradley on her appointment and wonderful maiden speech. I again welcome her family to Leinster House. The Senator comes with lived experience, and a wealth of knowledge, passion and commitment. We all look forward to working with you. Enjoy your term in Leinster House. As Senator Boyhan said, it is a privilege. Very few of us have the privilege when one looks at the wider population of Ireland.

Senator Gavan is very broad-minded.

Before I announce the Commencement matters today, it gives me great pleasure to welcome a former colleague and friend of many of us in the House, Katharine Bulbulia, to Leinster House. She is accompanied by her daughter Jenny, her granddaughter Elisha Corrigan and her two friends Katelyn Kelly and India Fitzgerald O'Connor. I welcome them all to Leinster House. Céad míle fáilte rompu. They can be very proud of their grandmother who served with distinction for the people of Waterford in Leinster House and in local p…

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

Before I call the Leader to announce the business for today, it gives me great pleasure as Cathaoirleach to welcome our very good friend, Eileen O'Donovan, bean chéile and wife of our colleague and friend iar-Cathaoirleach Denis O'Donovan, to the House today. Eileen is accompanied by her daughter Dr. Julie Bertz, and grandchildren, Chloe and Matthew. They are very welcome to Leinster House and, to the grandchildren, I want to wish them an enjoyable visit and I hope nana and grandad spend all their money on them bec…

Before I call the Leader, I want to announce on the Order of Business that I have received notice in writing from Senator Regina Doherty of her resignation as a Member of Seanad Éireann. Consequently, a casual vacancy has occurred in the membership of the Seanad. On my behalf and I am sure on behalf of everyone here, I thank Senator Doherty for her terms as a Member of Seanad Éireann, as Leader, Deputy Leader and as a Member of both Houses of the Oireachtas. I wish her well in the European Parliament. I now call on…

Before I call on Senator O'Loughlin, at the beginning of the Order of Business I neglected to congratulate the Filipino Government and the people on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Philippines, which were established in July 1984. During that time, our bilateral relationship has developed significantly, including enhanced political engagement, strengthened trade and economic links, as well as a deepening of the people to people links and a shared commitment to multilateralism an…

All roads now lead to Senator Paul Gavan.

We will move from one part of west Cork to the other. I call Senator Tim Lombard.

Ms Bradley has not been nominated yet.

I have received notification from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Seery Kearney and Senator Barry Ward - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the timeline for the restoration of criminal legal aid fees and the re-establishment of the link with public sector pay. Senator Paul Gavan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the industrial dispute between the National Advocacy Service and the Citizens Informati…

I welcome to the Seanad guests of Senator O’Reilly. Elizabeth Ormiston is a former IFA leader and one of the first women elected. She is joined by Peter and his children, Philip, Moya and Aaron. They are very welcome. Members will be aware of the sad passing over the weekend of our friend and former colleague, John O'Mahony. John served with many of us in both Houses of the Oireachtas and was a gentleman and thorough professional. He had a long and distinguished career as a politician - a TD and Senator - and as a …

Céad míle fáilte. They are very welcome.

The Senator is proposing to extend the debate until 5.45 p.m.

Congratulations, Senator. I join in welcoming Councillor Noel Heavey, his wife Bernie and his grandchildren to the Gallery. Céad míle fáilte leo agus comhghairdeas leis an gcomhairleoir.

Tá an t-am caite.

I thank the Senator.

Tá an t-am istigh.