I thank Senator Lombard. The Ceann Comhairle and I have been working on the issue of the decade of commemorations and we have an Oireachtas commemoration committee, which I am proud to chair and which has representatives from the various groupings. Obviously, everybody's opinions and ideas will be welcome because, as we approach the centenary of the beginning of the Civil War and the Civil War itself, it is a sensitive time and, as we have seen from other commemorations, they have to be handled appropriately and in…

To be clear, it is not that I have a different perspective, it is the Constitution has a different perspective on-----

-----the separation of powers and the Presidency. That is the issue.

For the benefit of Members, Article 13.8.1° states, "The President shall not be answerable to either House of the Oireachtas [...] for the exercise and performance of the powers and functions of his office or for any act done or purporting to be done by him in the exercise and performance of those powers or functions".

Senator Ruane has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." It was seconded by Senator Higgins. The Leader has indicated she is willing to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I congratulate Senator Chambers, who has chaired the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union for some time, on the interim report. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Thomas Byrne, back to the House. Having served in the Seanad for many years, I am sure he is delighted to be back. I congratulate him on chairing a session of the United Nations Security Council. We are proud that a former Member of the House has done so.

When is it proposed to sit again? Is it 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from Senator Catherine Ardagh that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the timescale for the implementation of the refined DEIS model. I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the timeline and funding for the proposed phase 2 works of the Bandon southern relief road. I …

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Josepha Madigan, to the House and thank her for taking the matter raised by Senator Ardagh, who has four minutes.

Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I note the Republic of Cyprus is marking 61 years of independence. The historic parallels between Ireland and Cyprus are striking. They are two small island nations that have struggled to gain independence. Cyprus and Ireland are island countries, located on the opposite ends of the family of European nations. As partners in the European Union, we are pleased to work together to advance our shared interest in our membership of the European Union. Cyprus …

Leading off for the Fianna Fáil grouping this morning is Senator Ollie Crowe.

I call the leader of the Opposition, Senator Victor Boyhan.

For the benefit of the House, it has been ruled upon and has been Seanad practice for a long time that the President should not be brought into debates within this House because of the separation of powers. I understand this issue is in the public arena, but as it is a practice of the House then it would not be appropriate to directly refer to the President.

I am sorry, Senator. I have outlined the practice in the House and the provision in the Constitution. I will not get into the Constitution. The President should not be referred to or criticised directly or indirectly with regard to any matter in this House.

I will outline the practice one more time. It refers to criticising the President. You can praise the President all you wish but the practice in the House is not to criticise or refer directly or indirectly to the President. I ask the Senator to respect that.

I thank Senator Mullen for his assistance to Senator Boyhan. I refer to the rulings of previous Chairs regarding the practice of bringing the President into discussions in this House.

I thank the Senator for raising such an important issue.