I will be a customer on Saturday; I can guarantee that.

Pete has been a barber in Kenmare for 60 years. He is a great character. Not only did he play football for Kenmare, he also played for Kerry. He has many stories, none of which I can repeat here because some of them are, well, very questionable. Nonetheless-----

Colourful and very creative. Pete will tell those stories when the Senators visit Kenmare during the summer. Pete has a claim to fame other than playing football for Kerry: in May 1969, he was asked to cut the hair of Charles de Gaulle, no less, after the latter had resigned as President of France. The whole world was looking for de Gaulle. He was staying in Reen-Na-Furraha. Our good friend Pete Hanley was asked not only to cut his hair but to shave him as well. They had a great conversation. He relayed the convers…

He could do that, too.

I thank the Leader. Senator Boylan has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 17 be taken before No. 1". This has been seconded by Senator Moynihan. The Leader has indicated that she is willing to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from Senator Malcolm Byrne that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposed primary care centre at Gorey and the HSE clinic building at Camolin, County Wexford. I have also received notice from Senator Rónán Mullen of the following matter: The need for the Taoiseach to make a statement on the advice issued on the Central Statistics Office website regarding the compl…

I am giving the Senator only one minute to come back out of it.

I thank the Senator for her work on that issue.

I thank the Senator for remembering Mr. Gillis's great contribution to public life in Ireland but also to the farming community, and his leadership in that community. Alan Gillis did this country great service by his work on our behalf in Europe but also on behalf of his own community and the farming organisation that he led so well. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I call Senator McGreehan.

Senator Pauline O'Reilly proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 22 be taken before No. 1." It has been seconded by Senator Garvey. The Deputy Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed?

The Senator has a famous track record for putting up posters.

Despite that intervention, is the amendment to the Order of Business agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I would like to welcome the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to the House.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank the Minister for his comprehensive engagement with the Seanad regarding this particular issue, the motion today. I also thank him for outlining to Members of the House the work that he has done, even as of today, on getting the institutions up and running and making sure that the unilateral action by the British Government, which is in breach of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, is challenged not only by him but by the European Union and our friends in the U…

I have received the following message from Dáil Éireann. Dáil Éireann has passed the Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 on 4 May 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I have received notice from Senator Jerry Buttimer that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on increased investment in train services between Dublin and Cork. I have also received notice from Senator Martin Conway of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on plans for the future operation and development of Shannon Heritage sites. I have also received …