Before I call the Acting Leader to reply, I clarify for Senator Craughwell, and I am sure the Acting Leader will bring further clarification, that the motion before the House provides for the Bill to start next Thursday. The motion does not provide for the conclusion of the Bill that day. To give further clarification from the Order Paper, a three-day deadline is allowed for the submission of amendments to the Bill rather than the current two-day deadline. It is on the Order Paper, for Senator Craughwell's informat…

There is no point of information. I call the Acting Leader to reply.

It is the same thing. It is there.

Despite what Senator Craughwell might think, I am trying to assist him. The motion before the House is for the Bill to commence, not to conclude. If the Senator reads it properly, it says it is to be taken-----

It is to be taken on that day. There is no deadline in the motion to end the Bill that day.

I am just giving the Senator clarification and want to help him. I call the Acting Leader.

Senator Craughwell had his opportunity and has an amendment to the Order of Business before the House.

All right, Senator Mullen.

Senator Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, seconded by Senator Clonan: "That No. 1 not be taken today." The Acting Leader has indicated that he is not prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment being pressed?

That is fine.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Mary Seery Kearney - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the supports for mental health services in primary and secondary schools. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the upgrade works for the military swimming pool at the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh, County Kildare. Senator Micheál Carrigy - The ne…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell.

I thank Senator Seery Kearney and the Minister of State. We appreciate that the Minister of State is staying with us for the four Commencement matters this morning.

It is both my profound joy and sadness this morning to pay tribute to and thank a person who has minded us for 22 years here in Leinster House. I am talking about our good friend, Martin Murray, who will retire on Friday. Martin has been an extraordinary friend to many of us in this House. He has always been kind, caring, stern when he has had to be, but always very professional. I have grown to know and admire him over the years, and he is a person I have great time for. For the information of both Members and tho…

I am glad I now know the source of much of Senator Boyhan's information. We will now have to see how we do after Martin.

Could I ask members of political parties and groupings to remind their own colleagues that the address by iarUachtarán Mary Robinson is at 1 p.m. in the Chamber? If Members could encourage other Members to attend, it would be appreciated.

Mar Chathaoirleach Seanad Éireann, is cúis mhór áthais é dom bheith ábalta fáilte a chur roimh iarBhall Seanad Éireann agus iarUachtarán na tíre, Máire Mhic Róibín, chuig an Seanad inniu. This afternoon, we are joined by students from the Gaelscoil in Athlone. I welcome the students from rang a sé, who are here this afternoon, and thank, in particular, Rose Playman, who has completed a project on the former President, Mrs. Robinson. I congratulate Rose. It is a great joy for her to be able to meet former President,…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an iarUachtarán. Thank you for your wonderful, imaginative and creative voice in challenging all of us. Again, the former President demonstrated by her address and by Project Dandelion that she is not afraid to take a stand on radical change. We commend her and thank her for her address and for her example. We now move to contributions by Members who have six minutes each. They can be group leaders or nominees and time may be shared. An chéad chainteoir eile ná an Treoraí, the Leader, Senator …

An chéad chainteoir eile ná an Seanadóir Kyne. Am I correct that he wishes to share time?

Is that agreed? Agreed.