I remind Members that under the new procedures, the proposer and seconder have a combined total time of 16 minutes. I call Senator Clifford-Lee.

I now want to hand over the Chair to the chairperson of the women's caucus, which has championed this cause. It has done so not for one woman but on behalf of all women. That 50% of women have not been able to afford a product that is so basic and needed all the time brings shame to this country. I hope this legislation and the proposals made by Senators and Members of the European Parliament, including motions, will mean this will no longer be the case. It should not be a case of having more studies and reports. I…

I welcome the Minister of State and thank her for coming in. Before the Minister of State answers Senator McGahon's question, I have to read out the matters submitted. I have received notice from Senator John McGahon that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on the provision of additional primary education places for south Dundalk, County Louth. I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lomba…

I thank the Minister of State for explaining the situation prior to Christmas. I know she was double-booked on that day and had a constituency issue to deal with.

Today is 1 February and we celebrate Lá Fhéile Bríde, St. Brigid's Day. She was a negotiator, peacemaker and community activist. She was a leader and a wise woman. St. Brigid's Day represents a new dawn on spring. There are hopefully longer, warmer days ahead, this year more than any other. We are looking forward to warmer days and longer evenings. It will be welcome and needed. I thank Senator O'Loughlin for circulating the information on St. Brigid and the Brigid's cross that she gave to us on this Lá Fhéile Bríd…

If Senator Cassells wants to interrupt, he must ask permission through the Chair.

Senator Cassells must speak through the Chair. He must follow the Standing Order.

Because Senator Bacik was interrupted, I allowed her more time.

I am sure St. Brigid would agree and I think we would all support the Minister of State's call. If St. Patrick can have a national holiday, St. Brigid deserves a national holiday as well. I call Senator Ó Donnghaile.

In the report, one of the most shocking aspects relating to Bessborough was that, in one year, 75% of babies died, yet no issue was raised. I thank Senator Black for raising this matter.

I express my sympathy to Senator Keogan and her brothers and sisters on the sad passing of their mother.

I think the Leader answered that in response to the issue of mother and baby homes and I am sure that she will facilitate a further debate on that. Senator Ó Donnghaile has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 29, motion 8, be taken before No. 1." Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the Minister to the House. I thank him for coming and taking this important debate on this very important topic.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, for coming into the Seanad today to respond to the matters before us. Before that, by order of the House, I must read out all the Commencement matters that were submitted by Senators. I have notice from Senator Shane Cassells that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on the recent job losses in a number of Irish prov…

Senators will be aware that the late Senator, Professor Brian Hillery, who was a Member of this House from 1977 to 1997 has died. Brian served a term in the Dáil from 1989 to 1992 representing the people and the constituency of Dún Laoghaire. He was a native of Miltown Malbay in County Clare and was a nephew of the former President Patrick Hillery. He was a very popular Member of Seanad Éireann, where he had many friends. He was an astute and widely respected politician and a gentleman of great wit and integrity. A…

Today is Australia Day. We hope the 30,000 Australians living in Ireland, the 25 million Australians living in Australia and around the world, 5 million of whom have Irish heritage, and the 70,000 Irish men and women living down under have a happy and safe Australia Day. Although we are divided by time zones and Australia is half a world away, we are united by a shared history. This year is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Australia and the 80th anniversary of th…

Although I have Senator Craughwell listed as speaking for the Independent group, I might ask the father of the House to address the Chamber.

I thank the Senator for raising that issue.

I call Senator Craughwell and thank him for allowing the father of the House to speak ahead of him.

I thank the Senator for raising that important issue.