It is very big of Senator Ahearn to congratulate Limerick on its dozen all-stars. I congratulate them as well.

Just before I call on the Leader, I join with colleagues in wishing Cáit Hayes all the best in her retirement. She has been a fantastic voice and presence in Leinster House and also an ambassador for Leinster House abroad. When we have had foreign dignitaries coming here she has been brilliant in terms of liaising with their staff and making sure that everything ran smoothly. She was always behind the scenes making sure that everything worked well. On behalf of the House, I wish her a happy retirement. I again cong…

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from Senator Victor Boyhan that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on the potential development of new homes on NAMA-controlled lands. I have also received notice from Senator Robbie Gallagher of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on fertiliser tariffs. I have also received notice from Senator Rónán Mull…

On that Commencement matter, I regret that I had to rule it out of order. The matter you raise is valid and might also be something for the justice committee.

I wish to clarify for the Senator that the concept is to invite a committee Chair to appear before the House about six months after such a report is published. We would review the recommendations and invite the Chair along with the Minister to see if the recommendations have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. We will make that request before the summer to see if those recommendations have been implemented.

I do not wish to interrupt Senator Martin's speech, but we must stick to the motion.

It was when Senator Martin mentioned St. Brigid that I realised we were slightly off the motion, just off course.

I ask Senator Boyhan to stick to the motion.

I have received notice from Senators Micheál Carrigy and Eugene Murphy that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, they propose to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the provision of funding for community projects in Lanesborough, County Longford, as recommended by Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Just Transition Commissioner. I have also received notice from Senator Lynn Boylan of the following matter: The need for the Mi…

I call the father of the House, Senator Norris.

Did the Senator propose an amendment to the Order of Business?

I invite the Leader to respond on the Order of Business.

Senator Keogan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That the motion on the establishment of a special committee on gender equality be taken with debate". However, as the amendment was not seconded in the debate, it consequently falls.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Can I ask the Acting Leader to propose a suspension of the House until 8 o'clock?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank Senator O'Loughlin for proposing this motion. This is one of the initiatives we began this term where issues that affect the various panels and the nominating bodies for the panels are discussed by the Senators on the panels. I again thank Senator O'Loughlin and other colleagues on the administrative panel for putting forward this proposal for discussion.