I join with the Senator in congratulating Charlie O’Connor on a lifetime of commitment in public service. He is one of life’s gentlemen and he transcends politics at every opportunity. He is wonderful person. I join with the Senator in wishing him well. I welcome the guests of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly. There is a group who are guests of the Minister, Deputy Foley; the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond; and Deputies Funchion, Ó Broin and Ó Cathasaigh. It is a combination of different groups. They …

I am sorry, Senator, could I just ask that-----

I am not trying to stop you; I am trying to help you.

In case this is before the courts-----

I am just saying be careful with what you are saying in-----

-----identifying individuals. We are not here to-----

Even referring to people leads to-----

Go raibh maith agat.

I remind Members that we should be careful in the language we use in the House and the person referred to is a retired diplomat.

The Senator said "diplomat".

It is just to be careful

I welcome the Active Retirement group from Tower in Cork. The ladies are very welcome. I hope the person who nearly tumbled there did not get too hurt. The group is very welcome to Leinster House. I now invite the Leader of the House to reply to the Order of Business.

Does the Minister wish to reply or will I move on to Senator Craughwell?

Before I call the Tánaiste, I welcome the groups in the Public Gallery. They are guests of Senator Robbie Gallagher and Deputies Mattie McGrath and Seán Haughey. Tá fíorfháilte roimh gach éinne. Bainigí taitneamh as an turas. Welcome to Leinster House, thank you for being here and enjoy your visit.

As the Senator knows, it is not in my gift. Were the Acting Leader to speak to the Government Leader about extending time, that would be a matter for the Leader of the House. I cannot do that, as the Senator knows. The order of the House has been set and the Order of Business agreed to, but were someone to talk to the Leader and were the Tánaiste to be available, that would be a matter for the Government side to decide on. It is not for me to decide, unfortunately.

4.30 p.m.

The Tánaiste has proposed to extend the debate until 4.45 p.m. Senator Wilson will consult with the Leader.

Amendments Nos. 6 to 13, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I ask Senator Craughwell to come in, I ask Senator Wilson to inform the House of a proposal.

There is a proposal that the House continues the Committee Stage debate of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 until 4.45 p.m. Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank Senator Wilson and the Tánaiste. I call Senator Craughwell.