Before I call on Senator Victor Boyhan, I welcome our colleague, Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, along with her guests from the north inner city, one of whom distinguished himself in protecting children in the inner city in that awful, horrific attack. For that, we are eternally grateful to Caio Benicio. I thank him and Louise Domingues for being here today and I thank Mr. Benicio for what he did on that terrible day. We are forever grateful.

The Acting Leader without interruption.

Dáil Éireann passed the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 on 22 May 2024, 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 Erin McGreehan - The need for the Minister for Health to ensure ease of access to healthcare providers for all patients, including those with disabilities, and in particular, to ensure that all communications are as accessible as technologically possible. Senator Mark Wall - The need for the Minister for Health to provide additional funding and resources to cover the increased need for meals on wheels servic…

I thank the Minister of State for coming in.

Before calling on the Acting Leader to outline the business for the day, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, all the way from Louisiana, Pat and Mabyn Shingleton. Pat has had a distinguished career, in which we in Ireland will be very interested. He was the weather forecast man for nearly 40 years at WBRZ in Baton Rouge. In Ireland, there is nothing more fascinating than the weather. If we add politics to it, things get even more exciting.

Slightly. In advance of Pat's visit, I received a letter from the Governor of Louisiana telling me that Pat was coming and all about his great work, along with Mabyn and his team, on the Wearin' of the Green St. Patrick's Day parade, which he has organised for more than four decades. It is a hugely successful event, with a waiting list of people looking to participate. On top of all that, Pat's Fill a Prescription for the Needy charity looks after people who need medical care. He also started a charity, Pat's Coats…

I thank the Acting Leader for welcoming our guests. I forgot to mention that Louisiana State Senator Beth Mizell was also acknowledged in the letter to Pat regarding o the introduction of legislation to honour those of Irish descent in Louisiana and encourage stronger commercial links. When he retired in 2021, they declared the 29th of January to be Pat Shingleton Day. If we could declare today Pat Shingleton Day in Seanad Éireann, we would, but we will do it informally anyway. I thank him for being here today. Sen…

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Dáil Éireann passed the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024 on 15 May 2024, 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 Eugene Murphy - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the need to establish a primary care centre in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. Senator Micheál Carrigy - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of specialised special needs dentists to deliver treatment within the public system. Senator Joe O'Reilly - the need for the Minister for Education to ou…

I welcome Minister of State, Deputy Burke to the Chamber. The first Commencement matter is in the name of Senator Murphy.

I thank the Minister. The next Commencement matter is from Senator Mícheál Carrigy and the Minister will be staying with us for that.

Thank you Senator, I know a lot of people will agree with the sentiments you have expressed and I recognise that you have done a lot of work on behalf of people with autism. I call Deputy Burke.

I congratulate Senator Garret Ahearn on his promotion to Acting Leader.

I join Senator Sherlock and, I am sure, all of our colleagues in expressing sympathy to our friend Senator Moynihan on the sad loss of her mother. I thank Senator Sherlock for thinking of her today. Anois, glaoim ar an Seanadóir Murphy.

I hope the Senator mentioned myself and Bridget.

Before I call on the next speaker I welcome the transition year students from Tullow who are guests of Deputy Murnane O’Connor. I am not sure if transition year students get homework but if you do, you will have none for the rest of the week. If you have projects or any other work at all, you will not have to do them until next week. When you come to Seanad Éireann, one of the rules is that there is no homework for the remainder of the week. We always advise people to come on a Tuesday. Senator Black is next.

I join the Acting Leader in expressing my support for Janet Horner, Tania Doyle and all those who are campaigning at the moment and are on the receiving end of abuse. When we had a discussion here on the future of local democracy, one of the issues that arose was in relation to the time when there was a protest outside a Minister's house. We have seen that happen time and time again, but that is not a protest; it is intimidation. When you protest outside someone's private residence, you are not doing it to make a p…