Before I announce the Commencement matters, I welcome the Erasmus exchange students from Germany. They are all very welcome and I thank them for being here this afternoon. I hope they have a pleasant and enjoyable visit to Leinster House. 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 Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to allocate funding to complete the new track facility at Bandon Athletic Clu…

I have to inform the House that letters dated 9 April 2024 and 15 April 2024 have been received from the Secretary General to the Government regarding, first, the appointment of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and members of the Government and, second, the appointment of Ministers of State. These letters will be recorded in the Journal of the House.

It is my sad duty, as Cathaoirleach, to announce that our friend and former colleague, the late Senator, TD and county councillor, Richard Dowling, or better known to us all as Dick Dowling, from Kilkenny passed away over the Easter break. Dick was a native of Glenmore, County Kilkenny. He was an outstanding public servant to the people of Carlow-Kilkenny for more than 25 years. He was elected to Seanad Éireann in 1982 on the Labour Panel. Later that year, he went on to win a seat in the November general election f…

I am familiar with the area Senator Lombard is talking about. If the situation he has outlined is the case, that is deplorable. Ballinhassig is a population base that requires a bus service of significance.

It is due to be referred by the House to the committee-----

That is the norm for committees, as the Senator is aware.

The Senator is a former Minister. He should know that.

I will give the Senator time but he should be factual.

For the benefit of balance, the committee sets its own work programme, as the Senator knows. The clerk to the committee and its Cathaoirleach with the members, as the Senator knows as a former Minister-----

I have given the Senator time.

Thank you.

The Senator is continually looking for attention. He has been given a lot of time on this issue and I am asking him to conclude.

You have not. Sorry-----

One second now. I will let the Senator finish but he should understand that I did allow him time. I am not against what he is talking about at all. Let me finish please. I did give you extra time and I will let you finish-----

I did not give you a lecture.

I did not give you a lecture.

Go raibh maith agat.

And to assist you-----

Conclude now please. Thank you.

Thank you. Go raibh maith agat. Your time is up, thank you.