When a new Senator comes in, the Order of Business runs a little longer and we give more time. However, I do not want people's schedules to be put out of sync. The Deputy Leader will not be called until 4.45 p.m., at which time we are likely to have a vote, thus postponing the business of the day. I will not be able to call on everyone today unless everyone takes only a minute or 30 seconds each. However, I do not believe that is of any use to Senators. I call Senator Paul Daly.

I call on Senator Ruane because she has to second the amendment and was here from the very start. However, I will give everybody else one minute if they stick to it. If they do not, I will not be able to accommodate everybody. If the Deputy Leader, who has to respond, did so now, we would still be late. Senator Ruane has two minutes.

Senator Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 2 not be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Dáil Éireann agreed, on 2 March 2022, to the amendments made by Seanad Éireann to the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022. Dáil Éireann passed the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 on 2 March 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired. Dáil Éireann passed the Redundancy Payments (Amendment) Bill 2022 on 2 March 2022, to which the agreement of Seanad Éireann is desired.

I have received notice from Senator Sharon Keogan that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Defence to make a statement on the disposal of land held by the Defence Forces in the Stamullen and Gormanston areas of County Meath. I have also received notice from Senator Barry Ward of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the differing rates of benefits available to medical card holder…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, to the House.

I thank Senator Sherlock for standing up when I entered the room. That only happens when I go home and at the start of the day on Commencement matters.

I welcome our colleague and friend, the ambassador from Bulgaria to mark their national day. We were discussing the situation in Ukraine earlier. As of yesterday, 8,000 citizens from Ukraine were in Bulgaria seeking refuge. During its war of independence, many Ukrainians helped them. The wheel does turn. Bulgaria's national day is 3 March. It marks the date of national liberation and restoration of the Bulgarian state after nearly five centuries of Ottoman Empire rule over its territory. The Irish-Bulgarian connect…

Go raibh maith agat, a chara.

Dia dhaoibh, a chairde. I welcome our distinguished visitors to the Gallery and welcome back former Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú. For the benefit of those who are on the cultural and educational panel, he informs me he will be running in the next election. Just be warned. I thank colleagues for taking time out of their day to be present for the address to Seanad Éireann by Ms Linda Ervine to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge in accordance with the order of Seanad Éireann on 24 February. Proceedings are not to exceed one hour. …

Nuair a cuireadh an cheist ar Linda cé a thabharfadh sí go dinnéar dá mbeadh rogha aici dúirt sí go dtabharfadh sí Nelson Mandela, Íosa, agus Princess Diana. Theastaigh uaithi cuireadh a thabhairt do Diana chun a taobh féin dá scéal a chloisteáil. Linda would invite Princess Diana to listen to her story. Lorgódh sí Nelson Mandela mar tugann a smaointe ar an maithiúnas - forgiveness - inspioráid di. Dúirt sí go ndúirt sé "if you don’t forgive, you are still in prison". Sa lá atá inniu she runs the Irish language pro…

That was a moving and informative speech on the journey that Ms Ervine and people in her community have undertaken.

For some Connemara Irish we have Senator Kyne.

Ceart go leor.

We will ask Linda to respond to those very kind remarks. What was the word Senator Ó Donnghaile used?

I am not too sure what it means but I think it is a scarlet or something like that. Linda, we are delighted to have you here. Thank you for addressing the Seanad. The Members were delighted to have you here as well. I ask you to respond and then the Leader will conclude the business.

I call on the Leader of the House to respond.

Dia dhaoibh, a chairde. I have received notice from Senator Tim Lombard that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to make a statement on the provision of funding for agricultural shows. I have also received notice from Senators Aisling Dolan and Jerry Buttimer of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to make a statement on after-hours access to sch…

I thank the Senator for his acknowledgement of the great work done by many to help the Irish in the UK, who were forgotten in many senses, and had to leave Ireland out of necessity. I welcome to the Public Gallery the former Senator, Deputy Bacik, who, no doubt, is not making an application to rejoin us. She is always welcome to visit us at any time. I thank her for her presence today. I call Senator Pauline O'Reilly.

I welcome Councillor Seán Kelly, from Louth County Council, to the Chamber. I call Senator Warfield.