I wish to make Members aware that, in this unique format, it is the panel members who go first. Unlike all other motions and debates, this motion is signed by all the panel members from different parties. Therefore, like in committees, they are the ones who go first, and then we revert to the rota.

Thank you, Senator. You summed it up. He was an amazing Irishman and did extraordinary things when called upon. He could have and did suffer serious consequences because of his bravery.

I ask the Senator to speak to the motion please.

I call Senator O’Loughlin. I thank the Senator for the work she has put in and the consultation she has done for this panel and for the debate. I believe that everyone found it beneficial. I hope the Minister of State did not set timelines but I hope he will be back very shortly.

When is it proposed to sit again?

I have received notice from Senator Craughwell that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to make a statement on the regrading, pay and conditions of secretarial assistants employed by Senators. I have also received notice from Senator Ollie Crowe of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Justice to outline when she expects to receive the report from the expert forum on antisocial be…

I thank the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for coming to the House this morning.

I again thank the Minister for coming into the House this morning to discuss this issue.

I thank the Minister for outlining many of the issues relating to this matter. As Senator Craughwell noted, we, as Senators, would not be able to do our jobs without our SAs. Grace Coyle in my office has been involved in drafting legislation and in negotiating with Ministers and special advisers to make sure the work we wanted done in relation to policy and the Irish Sign Language Act got done. It is a misnomer to describe someone as a secretarial assistant in this day and age because the job has evolved so much.

Before I call the Deputy Leader on the Order of Business, I would like to acknowledge the national day of Romania. Some 103 years ago today, the National Assembly in Alba Iulia proclaimed the unification of the Romanian people. A long struggle for independence is just one of the common bonds that unite our two peoples. We are proud and committed partners in the European Union and in the United Nations. On 1 December 1918, there was a large gathering in Alba Iulia. Romanians from all the provinces assembled to vote …

To clarify, in regard to No. 1, the end of that proposal should read,", which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government." I call on Senator Fiona O'Loughlin.

I am writing already. You might be invited over.

Is Senator Ó Donnghaile looking for us all to be invited to Barbados?

I thank the Senator for signing us all up for the match. I look forward to seeing the walking wounded come back in here tomorrow morning.

I thank Senators for their contributions. I invite the Deputy Leader to respond on the Order of Business.

The letter is in the post.

When is it proposed to take next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Thugs.

I am conscious that we have to call the Minister at 6.20 p.m. but I want to try to give everyone an opportunity to contribute. I will allow Senators Cummins and Dolan a minute each, if that is acceptable.