Thank you, Mr. Markey. I call on Senator McGahon to respond.

I thank Senator McGahon. He has captured the views and thoughts of everyone. I could see from this vantage point how engaged everyone was. This has been a success beyond the wildest dreams or imaginings of myself and the Cathaoirleach, and we discussed this for some weeks. It was an unqualified success. To achieve that success, I thank the Members who attended. Some had to leave to attend other committees but spent time here. There was a huge attendance right throughout. Not only did Members attend, but they asked …

At the outset, I join with the felicitous remarks of our Cathaoirleach. I will not repeat them as that is not helpful but nobody would take issue if I again mention that we are delighted about Senator Moynihan's good news. The Deputy Leader will not have an issue with me calling on the father of the House first. It is great to have Senator Norris here.

Under the separation of powers, the situation in this House and in the Dáil is that we are not allowed to comment on the President or his office. I am not impugning anyone. I am being helpful.

The Senator can speak about events, etc.

Ten out of ten for creative work.

The Senator cannot even imply----

I thank Senator Ó Donnghaile very much. Indeed, we all want to be associated with those words. I also thank him for his co-operation on the other very sensitive matter. It is my pleasure to call Senator Moynihan and again congratulate her.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak at relatively late notice. I was distracted elsewhere. At the outset, I wish to welcome the Minister and to say in a genuinely non-partisan and objective way, which I hope people will recognise, that he is the first person in public life in a long time that I am aware of to confront this issue head-on, bring it into the public domain and take action on it. I salute him for that. I will make the point later that it must be vigorously pursued, but I congratulate …

I do not propose to repeat the Order of Business or anything said by either the Cathaoirleach or the Leader, but I would like to personally associate myself with the words in support of Senators Norris and Hoey, and to publicly congratulate Deputy Ivana Bacik, as I did not get the chance to do so. I will move on now as there is no point in repeating the Leader and the Cathaoirleach. They spoke for us all earlier.

It is my great pleasure to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, here and to invite him to speak to the Bill.

Go raibh maith agat, a Sheanadóir, as ucht an dea-ghuí agus mar an gcéanna duit féin don samhradh. Is í an Seanadóir Higgins an chéad chainteoir eile.

Go raibh míle maith agat a Sheanadóir agus samhradh sona deas duit féin freisin. An chéad cainteoir eile is an Seanadóir Carrigy.

Go raibh míle maith agat, a Aire Stáit, as ucht an fhreagra cuimsitheach sin.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

It is my pleasure to welcome one of our famous alumni of the Seanad, my colleague and friend, the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe.

Amendments Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.

You may not.

There will be chances to come in later.