That is fine. I thank the Senator for being so constructive. There is no need to say something for the sake of it.

At the outset, I am delighted to welcome our former colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Heath, Deputy Frankie Feighan. I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on the criteria for home energy upgrades.Senator Lynn Boylan - The need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on measures to ass…

Dáil Éireann has passed the Tailte Éireann Bill 2022 on 16 November 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann has passed the Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill 2022 on 16 November 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its consideration of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2022.

It is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome the students from Clondalkin and their teachers. It is wonderful have to them here. I hope they find the proceedings interesting and find their day in the Seanad and the Dáil pleasurable. I know they are being escorted around very satisfactorily and I think they are enjoying their day. It was nice to have met them earlier. Tá fáilte roimh go léir go dtí an Seanad. Tomorrow is Latvian national day and I want to make some remarks about it on my own behalf and that of t…

I welcome the young people from Pope John Paul II School in Malahide. I welcome their participation in our democratic system. I also welcome their teachers who are to be thanked for the leadership they are showing and for giving their time to bring them here. I hope they are impressed by something they hear.

I thank Senator Seery Kearney for her remarks. This is only information and no reflection on anything she said. The Cathaoirleach's office has absolutely no role in what Minister comes to the House to respond to a Commencement matter. His office is only involved in selection of the matters. While I understand Senator Seery Kearney's sentiments and they are well made, it is a Minister's prerogative to come to the House or to delegate. The Leader may wish to convey the Senator's sentiments to the Cabinet by whatever …

The Senator has made his point well.

That puts the Acting Leader in a nice fix.

I am sure that will be well received. We are moving on to Senator Buttimer.

The point is well made.

The Senator made the point succinctly in a short space of time.

I congratulate Senator Conway on that extraordinarily good briefing yesterday on the lack of digital access for people with certain disabilities. It was very informative and well presented. Senator Conway’s contribution was of extraordinary quality and I congratulate him on that. Before Senator Boylan speaks, I welcome the second group from Pope John Paul II National School in Malahide, their teachers and pupils.

I concur with the Senator. We want to send our sympathies to the Kiernan family. He was truly a great man who made a huge contribution to public service. I welcome our colleague, Deputy Dillon, and his guests to the Gallery.

I thank the Senator. Brevity has a great quality sometimes. I call the Acting Leader to respond.

It is my sad duty to ask Members to observe a minute's silence in honour of Patrick Doody, brother of Bridget Doody.

I welcome pupils and teachers from FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody, County Wexford, all of whom are so welcome to the Seanad today.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:Senator Victor Boyhan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the proposed review of the rural social scheme in the context of social inclusion.Senator Garret Ahearn - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the additional school accommodation application with an autism spectrum disorder suite for Golden National School, County Tipperary.Senator Malcolm Byrne - …

It is my pleasure to welcome our colleague and friend, the Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Niall Collins, to the House for the discussion.

I thank Senator Boyhan for raising that critical issue for rural Ireland. It is my great pleasure to welcome the teachers and pupils from St. Finian’s Community College in Swords. Is it a primary school? No, I apologise, it is of course a secondary school. Forgive me. There is a glass panel between us. They are all very welcome and it is great to have them in the Houses of democracy observing what we do. I hope they will be impressed by some of it and perhaps it will inspire one or two of them to consider coming he…