The Senator is digressing from the Bill in a considerable way.

I hate to interrupt the Senator but he has really gone beyond-----

I genuinely respect the Senator’s position, as he knows well, but he is really meandering across the Bill with many-----

On the amendment, please, if the Senator does not mind.

I hate interrupting the Senator but he is-----

I am afraid the Senator has not succeeded in that.

The Senator has not succeeded in that anyway.

The Senator has not succeeded in that anyway.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they wish to raise the following matters: Senator Marie Sherlock - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the actions taken to ensure that fire services in cities across the country undertake pre-fire intelligence surveys of the buildings for which they have responsibility. Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement confirming the official…

Cuirim fáilte roimh na daltaí ó rang a sé ó Ghaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh. Tá fáilte roimh gach duine ar an turas go dtí Teach Laighean. I welcome the students and teachers from the Gaelscoil in Castletroy, Limerick, who are very welcome. I thank them for being here this afternoon.

Once the Senator pays his income tax on the extra earnings he is all right.

I will raise the matter on behalf of Senator Clonan at the next meeting of the commission. It is fair to say that the Oireachtas cares about people with disabilities. We have a good, inclusive record, to be fair to the Houses of the Oireachtas. I know the Senator does not mean that. I take his point and it is very well made.

Sorry, the Senator cannot correct the record of the House on behalf of the Acting Leader. If the Acting Leader made an incorrect comment, the Acting Leader, whomever that was - I was not here - clears up the matter. The Senator may ask the Acting Leader, whomever it was yesterday, to clarify. However, she cannot clarify on the Acting Leader's behalf, whomever the Acting Leader was. The Senator cannot do that, sorry. The Senator can ask that the Acting Leader clarify his or her remarks.

Sorry, Senator Ahearn. Senator Keogan, without interruption, please. I ask Senator Ahearn to withdraw that remark, please. Senator Keogan is making a contribution on the Order of Business. Senator Ahearn has an opinion and Senator Keogan has an opinion.

They are both entitled to their opinions but they are not entitled to throw spars across the floor. Senator Keogan, please. I will let the clock run for her.

With regard to contributions on the Order of Business, I remind all Members of the House of all hues that it is an opportunity for them to come into the House to raise a matter. Please be cognisant that in referencing people, whether members of Government, NGOs, political bodies, political organisations or whomever, they are not here to defend themselves; they are outside of the House. I ask Members to please be careful in their remarks. Equally, regarding the Electoral Commission, it is an impartial independent gr…

Senator Warfield has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1", which was seconded by Senator Boylan. The Acting Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed. Senator Boylan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 11 be taken before No. 1", which was seconded by Senator Gavan. The Acting Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed. Is the Order of Business, as amended, agree…

We do not need agreement for it. It is up to the Leader to do it.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.