I thank the Minister of State for her work on this very important issue.

Before I call Senator Conway, I welcome the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, to the Visitors Gallery along with her daughter. She is a canvasser of great renown.

I am sure we will be able to accommodate the request-----

You are doing a great job, Senator Flynn. Thank you for raising that important issue.

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery Deputy Pringle and his guests. I am delighted to have them in. It is great to have guests in here from the Lower House. They are more than welcome. I am sure they do not want to stay here permanently, but we like to have them here temporarily anyway. I now call Senator Dolan.

I thank the Minister of State for her very comprehensive reply to the issues raised. Members will note it was not scripted, which will tell them that the Minister of State knows her brief comprehensively and entirely when she is able to outline all the work that is being done within her Department. She is right across the whole breadth of what is being done within her Department and has a huge knowledge of the issues. Not only that but she is also implementing the solutions. I thank the Minister of State for being …

I have received notice from Senator Aisling Dolan that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on EU plans to support the people of Ukraine and the measures to be put in place to mitigate the potential impact of sanctions in relation to energy and grain costs. I have also received notice from Senator Sharon Keogan of the following matter: The need for the Minister of State with responsibilit…

Before I call on Senator Dolan, I welcome her family to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Her father, mother and brothers are here. I am sure they have been involved in all the campaigning. I want to let them know that she is doing a great job in Seanad Éireann. I welcome the Minister to the House to respond to this matter.

I also welcome Mr. McGrath.

Before I call Senator Garvey, I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, and his family to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I thank them for joining us today.

I welcome the Senator’s parents. I hope they enjoy the day and I thank them for sending us such a formidable Senator.

Before I call the Minister of State, Senator Pippa Hackett, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery the United States ambassador to Ireland, H. E. Claire Cronin. The ambassador is distinguished in many ways as she was the first woman to be the majority leader in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Her great-uncle served in the House of Representatives. Her uncle served in the military during the Second World War, in addition to serving in the House of Representatives, and was also the mayor of Broc…

Is that agreed? Agreed.

We can come back to the Senator later. I call Senator Kyne, after which we will return to Senator Ruane.

I call Senator Ruane, whom I know has an important contribution to make.

I welcome the families to the Public Gallery today. We are honoured by their presence.

Sorry. I had to take the speakers listed out of sequence because Senator Warfield is taking over from me in the Chair. Next is Senator Moynihan.

I have received notice from Senator Annie Hoey that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health to outline when the monthly stipend to student nurses, approved by the Cabinet in 2021, will be paid. I have also received notice from Senator Martin Conway of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on resourcing at the adult metabolic service in the Mater Hospital and resourcing for respo…

Before I ask the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery the Lord Mayor of Cork, Mr. Colm Kelleher, and his son. We are delighted to have them here today. Mr. Kelleher informed me that the chain of office he holds is just one year younger than the United States of America, at 245 years old. I welcome him to the Chamber and am delighted he is with us.

I believe the Senator was referring to the Leader, who asked about the letter going to the Canadian ambassador. It is open to any Senator to write to anyone he or she feels appropriate.