I thank the Leader. The final item she raised is an important issue for this House, and this country, to address. I thank Senators for raising these issues.

Today is International Women's Day, Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan, a celebration of the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerated gender parity. We all know all too well that that parity and gender equality eludes us still. The painting being unveiled in the Seanad today is entitled Her Surrender by Leitrim artist, Sinead Guckian. It symbolises the all too frequent airbrushing of the contribution of women from Irish history. Nurse Elizabeth O'Farr…

The Senator arrived just on time.

I thank the Senator for paying tribute to those people who contributed to life in Ireland.

In accordance with the order of the House on Friday, 5 March 2021, the House will stand suspended for 15 minutes and will resume in the Dáil Chamber.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

Senator Higgins has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 7 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

I have received notice from Senator John Cummins that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review the grant payable to improve water quality treatment for private water supplies and to extend the deadline for claims under the previous scheme beyond 30 March 2021. I have also received notice from Senator Barry Ward of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Housing, Local …

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit.

Mar is eol do na Seanadóirí go léir, seo Seachtain na Gaeilge. Like many people, níl mórán Gaeilge agam. However, táim ag freastal ar ranganna Gaeilge faoi láthair to improve mo chuid Gaeilge. I encourage Senators who are not confident in their standard of Irish, like me, to use Seachtain na Gaeilge as an opportunity and a first step or chéad chéim back to the language. Mar a dúirt an tUachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn when he launched Seachtain na Gaeilge, bain triail as agus bain sult as - try it and enjoy it. Of co…

Glaoim ar an Seanadóir Mary Fitzpatrick. Tá trí nóiméad aici.

Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an Seanadóir. Tá trí nóiméad ag an Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile.

Glaoim ar an Seanadóir ó Loch Garman, Seanadóir Byrne.

Níl mórán Gaeilge agam ach an oiread.

I join the Senator in expressing sympathies to Carmel and all the rest of Eoin's family. He was a gentleman. I, too, played on his rugby team. We won and we lost but we always had fun and Eoin was a big part of all that. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

Senator Ivana Bacik has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed. An Seanadóir Malcolm Byrne has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed. Senator Barry Ward has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 11 be t…

Is there a seconder?