I welcome the Minister of State to the House for this very important debate in that it is a recognition of our maturity within the EU, a celebration of its success and a level of reflection on the future. It is a worthwhile exercise in that regard. The sad backdrop to this debate is that we have war in Europe. That is outside of the control of the EU, but it is a tragedy. We must remain responsive to the displaced persons and, later, supportive of the reconstruction of Ukraine. We must respond to the economic impac…

Amendments Nos. 92 and 93 are related. Amendment No. 93 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 92. Amendments Nos. 92 and 93 may be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Does the Minister wish to respond?

Does Senator Higgins wish to sum up?

Does the Senator accept that?

Does the Senator wish to withdraw the amendment?

Amendments Nos. 94 and 95 are related. Amendment No. 95 is a physical alternative to amendment No. 94. Amendments Nos. 94 and 95 will be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

It is a stand-alone amendment.

The Senator has an elephantine memory.

Before Senator Pauline O'Reilly takes the Chair, as I did not formally do it earlier, I welcome the Minister as my neighbour from home and join in the recognition of her support for local radio.

That was impeccable timing. Thank you, Senator.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I compliment Sinn Féin on introducing the motion. It will have the unanimous support of the House. It is important that this should be so. It would be a mistake to introduce it if it resulted in anything different. I also congratulate Sinn Féin on its election results last week. I recognise the achievement of the Alliance Party also. That sends its own message. Congratulations are in order in both cases. I welcome my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Coveney. If he brings the same determination and competency to the …

I thank Senator Ó Donnghaile. The Minister has already replied, but he has undoubtedly heard everything said in the intervening period.

When is it proposed to sit again?

I take this opportunity to welcome one of the Seanad's esteemed alumni, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe. It is good to have him in the House. I had the pleasure of serving a term with him here in the past. I invite him to address the House for eight minutes.

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive and individualised response, which is much appreciated.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

That last contribution was quite a remarkable one and I relate to it on so many levels because of my age and because I grew up in a similar society to Senator Craughwell. I relate to the things he said. It was a remarkable and profound contribution and I commend it for its considerable reflection on a number of fronts. Having said that, I thank the Minister for this work and I thank the members of the committee who are here. The Minister's apology is appropriate on a number of levels. It is appropriate coming from …