Is the Senator pressing the amendment?

Is the Senator withdrawing the amendment?

Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.

This evening has been one of those wonderful, exceptional occasions we have in the Seanad. It is one we will remember for many a day. The memory of it will stay with us. I welcome Ms Vasylenko, Ms Shkrum, Mr. Tistyk and Mr. Natalukha. They are exceptional ambassadors for their country and do their country proud. Their presentations were moving and filled any deficit of information anyone here might have had. I welcome the new Ukrainian Irish to the Gallery. They were accompanied earlier by Councillor Grainger, who …

Before I call Senator Keogan, I wish to associate myself personally with the words of welcome from Senator Buttimer and the Cathaoirleach to Liam Ahearn. I am aware that Liam served on Tipperary County Council for ten years and was the chairperson of that body. He was a very distinguished public representative in his own right. All of us realise that the support of our families is critical to us being able to do this job. Without that support we could not do it. The great work Senator Ahearn does here is in no smal…

I know Senator Hackett will have a long and wonderful career here but, if she ever decides to leave this place, marketing would be a real option for her.

The school can be justifiably proud of the Senator.

We all express our sympathy to the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. I thank Senator Davitt for mentioning it.

Senator Horkan is patiently waiting.

Thank you, Senator Horkan, for your kind words about Senator Jackman, with whom I served. I hope to speak about her personally the week after next. I do not wish to hold up the Order of Business now.

I thank the Leader for that comprehensive response. Is the Order of Business agreed to?

I thank my colleague, Senator Ahearn, for offering to share time. As the Acting Chairperson said, it was not necessary. I welcome our colleague from the Seanad, the Minister of State, to the House. It is apt that she should take the debate on this legislation. I congratulate my great friend, colleague and neighbour from home, Senator Martin, on introducing the Bill and, in his inimitable way, achieving unanimity on it among the parties and Independents. That is a testament not only to his sincerity and competence, …

I am sorry. I did not realise.

Given Senator Martin's eclectic and great intelligence, I presume that he addressed in his mind before producing the Bill the question of how to deal with those who could be impacted commercially, including how to phase them into the new reality. This is excellent legislation. I had the privilege of attending the briefing organised by Senator Martin, where good questions were asked. There is an incontrovertible case for this Bill. It is timely legislation that is supported by us all. I am enthusiastically backing i…

Before we deal with the formalities of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 I wish to welcome in a very special way Senator Clonan's son, Eoghan, and his carer, Anna, to the House. It is great to have them here and we wish them a good day in Leinster House. I also welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, to the House yet again. He could nearly move in here permanently. We are dealing now with the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 on Committee Stage and are resuming the debate on section 6.

It is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, who is accompanied by Ms Judith Collins, Ms Barbara Kuriger, Dr. Duncan Webb, Ms Helen White, all members of the New Zealand Parliament, and Ms Carmen Maran, Clerk of the House. They are here as guests of the convener of the New Zealand Friendship Group, our good friend and colleague, Senator Barry Ward, and they are very welcome. I am also informed by our colleague, Senator Horkan, that H.E. Brad Burg…

Even Homer nods. The Clerk to the Seanad has informed me that Senator Higgins voted in the wrong seat on the vote on amendment No. 42 and the record has been corrected.

I omitted in error to ask the House for the authority to discuss a number of amendments together as a grouping. Amendments Nos. 72 and 79 to 81, inclusive, and Nos. 91 and 102, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank Members for their co-operation. Does anyone else wish to address this group?

Yes.

Amendments Nos. 73, 74, 77 and 135 are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed. Amendment No. 135 is consequential on amendment No. 74.