I thank the Cathaoirleach for welcoming Brock and his friends to Seanad Éireann. Alabama has strong links to Ireland and we are delighted that they took the time, on this windy day, to come to Seanad Éireann.

I welcome the Minster for Justice to the House.

I welcome Deputy Sean Crowe to the Gallery, along with his guests. They are most welcome.

Before I call Senator Cassells, I want to welcome and say bonjour to Annie Vidal, a Deputy from the French Parliament. My French is pretty poor. I ask Senator Boyhan to stop causing an interruption. I thank Ms Vidal for coming here. This is the 225th anniversary of the Year of the French and I know there were big events in Deputy Flaherty's area to commemorate the assistance the French gave us 225 years ago. It did not quite work 225 years ago, however. We appreciate France's support on Brexit and its ongoing suppo…

I thank the Minister and wish her safe travels to Brussels.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan. The motion is on the delivery of a rights-based care economy based on the recommendations of the Irish Women's Parliamentary Caucus. I call on Senator O'Loughlin to move the motion.

I thank the Senator for all her work.

Senator Boyhan, without interruption, thank you.

I join with the Senator in congratulating the Irish Women's Parliamentary Caucus on its important work. A lot of issues are raised in Seanad Éireann because there is a large number of women represented here. The voices of those who often would not be represented in Seanad Éireann are represented by them. I have seen that transformation over the past number of years, which normally would not be happening. Issues are raised that need to be raised, but which often are not because of the lack of voices representing the…

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy in relation to the death of the former Senator and Member of the European Parliament, Flor O'Mahony. His public service speaks for itself, as does his work behind the scenes and in promoting the ideals of the European Union. That is something we should honour and pay tribute to on the 50th anniversary. I also pay tribute to our colleague Damien, who worked in the parliamentary community. I spoke with him at the Association of Irish Local Government conference…

The debate will follow the normal pattern. The Minister has ten minutes. I welcome the Minister to the House. She is most welcome to Seanad Éireann on our first sitting day back after the recess and we look forward to her contribution.

I would say the Senator is supportive-ish. The next speaker is Senator Gallagher.

We need to stick to the subject matter of the debate.

I thank Senator Ruane for her contribution.

Before I call on the Deputy Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the French ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mr. Vincent Guérend. He and his wife are most welcome. Their national day, Bastille Day, is marked here in Ireland, just as it is around the world. This year is the 225th anniversary of the Year of the French. The French attempts to assist Ireland all those years ago are greatly appreciated. It did not work out well that time but the French assistance with Brexi…

All the great people are born in Kildare.

If anyone has any other recommended reading for Senator Boyhan they might sent it on, just to give him a break from political reading.

Before I call Senator Ardagh, I welcome our visitors from the University of the Third Age, U3A, all the way from Dún Laoghaire. I thank them for coming to Seanad Éireann today. I am sure they are all very active and many of them might still be in work, but those who are retired and may have wisdom concerning how to spend time without spending money might pass those insights on to all of us. I call Senator Ardagh.

I join Senators in expressing thanks to the staff of Seanad Éireann, the Clerk, Martin Groves, the Clerk Assistant, Bridget Doody, and all the people behind the scenes who make the House work, including Alan Ruane and the ushers, and John and Julie of the catering staff. I thank the Leader and the Deputy Leader and all the members of all the political parties and of Seanad Éireann for all their work. I hope they get some break but there are always issues that keep the phone going during the summer. I hope Senators'…

I welcome Seán McKeown to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery on this, his last day. He was deputy head service officer for many years. He is leaving us to take up a new post in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Cavan. Leinster House’s loss is Cavan’s gain. Seán has been here since 2015 following a time in the Department of Social Protection in Navan. I extend my best wishes to him and thank him for the courtesy he has shown to me, all Members of Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann and every visitor …