When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

I join with the words others have said about the late Austin Currie, leader of the civil rights movement. His occupation of a house in Caledon was a seminal moment, born of his burning desire for justice. He was elected to Stormont at 24 years of age, became leader of the SDLP, was elected to the Dáil in 1989, served as a Minister of State from 1994 until 1997 and was a presidential election candidate. He was courageous, brilliant and completely giving of himself. As has been well said by others, he was a man of pe…

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Senator very much. There is obviously a much better time system in Limerick, if I can be allowed to jest. I am delighted to welcome the Minister of State to the House and to endorse what has been said about her very proactive approach. I will take the liberty of throwing in a question myself now, which I ask the Minister of State to comment in answers, please, on residential accommodation for adults with disabilities, the amount of it, the lack of it, and where the Minister of State is at with regard to…

I thank the Minister of State for responding to my specific question and, more importantly, for responding very comprehensively to the Members' questions. I thank Senators for attending the debate in such numbers, for how engaged they have been and for how seriously they have taken this extraordinarily sensitive and serious matter.

I have received notice from Senator Emer Currie that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion to provide an update on staffing and supports for Danu Community Special School, Dublin 15. I have also received notice from Senator Robbie Gallagher of the following matter: The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on th…

I am delighted to welcome my friend and colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Josepha Madigan, to the House. I am delighted to have her here. I congratulate her on her proactive approach in her Department.

I do not mind interrupting the Senator because there is very little ambiguity in that presentation.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donovan, to the House.

My understanding is that the Seanad Public Consultation Committee will sit after Christmas.

Thank you, Senator.

Thank you, Senator Craughwell.

You have made the point very well but we also have to remind you that, in his absence, we cannot name someone.

We all share your concerns but there is a procedure.

Does Senator Fitzpatrick second Senator Malcolm Byrne's proposal?

As I call Senator Maria Byrne, I thank her for her magnanimity in understanding that we want to keep party rotation.

I thank Senator Seery Kearney and call the Leader to respond.