It would be unusual for me to comment on a debate but seeing as references to the Seanad have been included this report, it would be remiss of me not to comment. I believe the Seanad should have a special debate, as has been proposed, on the 60th anniversary of the siege of Jadotville in September. The terms of reference of the report, issued by the Minister's Department, are as follows: a. The Review Group will consider ONUC’s operational environment in Katanga, and in particular Elisabethville and Jadotville; b. …

I thank the Minister and we will continue the debate in September on the 60th anniversary.

We have a tight agenda today so I ask Senators to stick to their allocated time.

The Senator's time is up.

I thank the Senator. I call Senator Boylan.

I apologise for interrupting the Senator but when referring to the President he must be aware of the separation of powers between this House and the President.

Criticism or any reference to the President should be done in a proper manner.

I join Senator Buttimer in wishing her many happy years of active retirement. I am sure someone who is as energetic as that will not be retiring in the sense of putting her feet up on a beach. I am sure she will find plenty of other things to be doing and will keep involved in politics and community service.

Forty years of service and more to come. I now call the Leader.

Senator Chambers has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 18 be taken before No. 1." The amendment was seconded by Senator O’Loughlin. The Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. We wish him all the best for his impending nuptials on Thursday. I know that if it were not for Covid-19 restrictions, we would all be invited to the wedding. He is more than welcome to the House. I believe he is going to Kerry on his honeymoon.

I thank the Senator for his parliamentary contribution to the congratulating of the Minister of State.

I have received notice from Senator Ruane that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion to make a statement on the number of young people with special educational needs and disabilities who are not in education due to school placement breakdowns. I have also received notice from Senator Diarmuid Wilson of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Education t…

I must announce the occurrence of a casual vacancy. Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I wish to announce that Senator Bacik has been elected to Dáil Éireann and by virtue of Article 15.14 of the Constitution, is deemed to have vacated her seat in Seanad Éireann. Consequently, a casual vacancy has occurred in the membership of Seanad Éireann. I am sure all Members wish Senator Bacik all the best in Dáil Éireann. I am sure she will enjoy returning to this Chamber with a different role and …

Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I must remind Members that this week, France celebrates its national day. The storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the revolution which overthrew the French monarchy and created a republic under the guiding principles of liberté , égalité and fraternité . The process was slow and imperfect. It sparked an undying desire for freedom all over the world, including within these shores. It is well known that young Irish men and women were inspired …

I thank the Senator. "Parity of vaccines" is certainly a new term on me. I also join the Senator in wishing those celebrating 12 July in Northern Ireland a very safe day and, hopefully, it will pass off peacefully. I also join with her on the issue of the bonfires. I have attended bonfires in Northern Ireland with members of the Ulster Unionist Party and I join with her and with members of the Ulster Unionist Party who pointed out that the burning flags and of election posters of candidates is not a part of their c…

With regard to references to criminal convictions, I ask Members to be mindful of the separation between ourselves and the Judiciary and of individuals' rights to their good name.

I thank the Senator for raising the important issue of Disability Pride Month.

Well done, Senator.

I join my colleague, Senator Gallagher, and those who wished a happy birthday to Councillor Ian McGarvey as our oldest public representative in Ireland at 91 years of age. He has been married to Marjorie for 67 years. She has been a stalwart of his election campaigns. When someone gets elected at 73, it puts it in perspective for us who would be thinking we should be retiring at 73. When someone becomes chair of the council at 82, they are putting in a long haul. I wish him a happy birthday as probably the oldest r…