I thank Senator Cassells for acknowledging my involvement with him on that question. The Leader knows I have raised it often from the floor. I concur with all the Senator's remarks. It would not be in order for me to more while in the Chair.

I thank Senator Dooley. For this country that is a novel proposal and one that should be taken seriously. The Leader will now respond.

The Leader will have the support of every one of us for that tribute.

The Minister is welcome, as always. I remind the House that amendment No. 33 is being discussed with amendment No. 36.

Before I ask the Minister for a brief response and put the question, it is my pleasure to welcome our Dáil colleague, Deputy Cormac Devlin, to the Gallery, along with his friends from the Rotary Club of Dún Laoghaire. They are welcome and it is great to have them here. They are here for an interesting Bill. I hope they enjoy the debate and their entire visit to the House.

Is the amendment being pressed?

Amendments Nos. 34, 35, 39 and 40 are related and may be discussed together.

I welcome our distinguished visitors, Deputy Michael Ring and his guests, to the Visitors Gallery.

Dáil Eireann passed the Water Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2022 on 9 November 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Bill 2022 on 9 November 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Bill 2022 on 9 November 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the resumption of practical based apprenticeship courses.Senator Mary Seery Kearney - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the timeline for redress and supports for homeowners affected by apartment defects. Senator Sharon…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien,

Before we begin the Order of Business proper, it is my great pleasure to welcome a group from Tara Hill National School, which is located just outside Gorey in the very beautiful county of Wexford. It is a very beautiful area. The students and teachers are very welcome. As a former teacher myself, I appreciate what teachers do.

The Tara Hill National School group are the guests of Senator Malcolm Byrne. He is very proud to have them here.

Perhaps Senator Byrne will say something while our guests are here. I call on the Leader to announce the Order of Business.

I invite the father of the House to begin the Order of Business with the first intervention. Senator Norris, please.

I thank Senator Norris. It is great to have him with us and to see him in such good form. I feel grateful to hear his very important sentiments again that are at the core of what we believe in here in Seanad Éireann and what we strive to achieve. I am sure that the Senator will be happy to know and, indeed, his influence is at work, that over recent days those themes have been touched on by a number of Senators.

The Senator was the single voice and it is to his credit that he has achieved so much in that area. I revert now to the normal running order and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping, I call Senator O'Loughlin.

Senator Seán Kyne will speak on behalf of the Fine Gael group.

Senator Craughwell will now speak on behalf of the Independent grouping.

No. The Senator has really done well at this stage. He can continue for one sentence.