I endorse the Senator's praise of Irish Aid. I saw its fantastic work at first hand in Africa earlier this year.

Dáil Éireann passed the Royal Hibernian Academy (Amendment of Charter) Bill 2023 on 13 December 2023 without amendment. Dáil Éireann passed the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) Bill 2023 on 13 December 2023, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Finance (State Guarantees, International Financial Institution Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023 on 13 December 2023, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

Before I call the Deputy Leader to announce the business of the day, as Senators know, our colleague and friend Mr. Tom Hickey, deputy head usher, is retiring today. He is going to be joining us. In fact, he is here, right on cue as always.

As Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and in my own personal capacity, I welcome Tom to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery today. I pay tribute to him and thank him most sincerely for his dedicated service of more than 23 years to the Oireachtas. Those of us who have served in the House for a long time will know that Tom has been one of the gentlemen of Leinster House. He is always courteous to Members, staff and visitors. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty on many different occasions to ensure that the Houses…

I now ask the Deputy Leader to outline the business for today.

Before I call the group leaders, I ask the Leas-Cathaoirleach to say a few words about Tom Hickey.

I welcome the students and teachers from the De La Salle College in Dundalk. They are very welcome to Leinster House and I hope they have a very good day here. We wish them a very happy Christmas as well.

I apologise, but I must ask Senator McDowell to clarify something. Is he asking that No. 11 be taken before No. 2? There is no No. 1.

Gabh mo leithscéal, Senator Warfield.

I am sorry for interrupting the Senator's flow. I am glad he got it back.

I welcome back our colleague and friend, Senator Higgins, and congratulate her on her new baby, Finn.

Míle buíochas.

I welcome to the public Gallery students and staff of St. Farnan's Secondary School in Prosperous, County Kildare. They are very welcome to Leinster House today. I thank them for being here and wish them a very happy Christmas.

I thought we had three.

I welcome the students and staff from Glenamaddy Community School. They are very welcome to Leinster House today and I thank them for being here. I praise you, Senator Carrigy, for your work on the autism friendly Parliament. You have done an extraordinary job in driving the initiative with Roisin Deery, Róisín Sweeny and the EDI team. That you for your leadership in that.

Hear, hear.

Before I call on the Deputy Leader to reply to the Order of Business, I wish all here, Members of the House and members of the parliamentary community, all of our staff from all parts of Leinster House and all of their families a very peaceful and happy Christmas. As many Members have said this morning, our world is really at an inflection point. For peace and goodwill to continue, it does need political leadership from all of us. We are very conscious of the strife in the world today. Senator Clonan rightly rememb…

I will clarify for Senator Boyhan. At the end of the business of the House today, the proposal will be to adjourn. If there is a date given or if it is sine die , it is your prerogative to oppose that if you wish.

I also want to thank Ms Orla Murray in the Leader's office and Ms Deirdre Chambers who operates the Government's Chief Whip's office with Senator Gallagher and others. Senator McDowell proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that: "No. 11 be taken before No. 2.", which was seconded by Senator Boyhan. The Deputy Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?