I call on Seanadóir Erin McGreehan. I believe she has some distinguished visitors in the Gallery today.

Make sure you wave to mam, while she is here.

Could I say to the junior Senators from County Louth, you should be very proud of your mother. She does great work in the Seanad. We are sorry that she has to be away from home so often, but she is working very hard on behalf of everybody. I now call on Senator Maria Byrne.

Before I call the Leader to respond to the Order of Business, I join colleagues in expressing my sympathies on the death of Christopher Stalford to his wife and all his colleagues across the community in Northern Ireland. I met him at an event in Queen's University on the future of unionism and he was most gracious afterwards when we had a cup of tea and a chat. He put across his point of view in a very forthright manner but in a way that brought the best out in every part of our conversation. We extend to his fami…

Senators might invite Ms Julia Marciniak and Ms Lenka Laiermanova when that legislation is coming through because of what they had to endure to highlight that particular issue.

I have notice from Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Justice to commence a review of the civil legal aid scheme. I have also received notice from Senator Paul Gavan of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on plans for public and road infrastructure for Limerick. I have also received notice from Senator Garret Ahearn of the following matter: T…

I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the chief executive officer of Foróige, the largest youth organisation on the island. It has been doing great work during the pandemic to make sure that all our young people have access to the activities and services they require. I thank the chief executive officer, Mr. Seán Campbell, for his work throughout the years and for being here today.

I thank Senator Warfield for raising that important issue. As the Senator will be aware, the Seanad has brought in the recommendations in the report that were within the gift of the Seanad to implement in terms of reviewing reports of Oireachtas committees, which we had yesterday, panel debates, which Members engage in and bringing in MEPs, which will happen next week. The other elements, which are not within our gift, are within the power of the Government. We have legislation on the books in regard to voting righ…

On Senator Murphy's behalf, and on behalf of the House, we will extend our sympathies to the former Cathaoirleach on the sad loss of his wife.

I welcome to the Chamber John Fitzgerald, Celine and Jason and thank them for all the work they have done in terms of championing this Bill but also championing the issue of having life-saving equipment safe, secure and available for people when they need it most. There is a quote from the Bible that if you save one life you save the world entire, so I am quite sure they have saved the world many times over. I am conscious of time. We have scheduled only 30 minutes for the debate and I know people want to hear from…

When is it proposed to sit again?

I have received notice from Senator Micheál Carrigy 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 make a statement on the relocation of the Phoenix Centre in Longford. I have also received notice from Senator Malcolm Byrne of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the introduction of a basic income scheme for artists. I have also rec…

I welcome the ambassador of Lithuania to the Chamber. Today commemorates the declaration of independence, which was signed in 1918 and re-established the state of Lithuania after nearly 150 years of Tsarist Russian occupation. Another Lithuanian national day will be celebrated on 11 March and it marks the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. Ireland never recognised the annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union. The Lithuanian community is the second largest in this State. The Lithuanian Associat…

I thank Senator O'Donovan for his leadership of the Seanad as Cathaoirleach. The issue he raised in relation to the former President is something the Seanad will take up. We have been set a challenge and need to meet it. A challenge by a former President is something we should listen to.

I do not mean to interrupt the Senator in mid flow. He is making statements of fact. This House is about debate but there are mechanisms in which that can be adjudged by the journalistic council and other bodies. I want the Senator to be careful on those issues.

The Senator is aware of our new Standing Orders on referring to events outside the House. While it is quite proper and right to do that, he must be mindful of the Standing Orders.

I ask the Senator to please be mindful of all of our Standing Orders. We have them for a reason - for balanced debate in the House and people's right to their good name.

Senators.

Now.

Please stop interrupting. There is a way of-----