Before I call on Senator O’Loughlin to respond, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery Deputy David Maxwell as well as a senator from France, Nathalie Goulet. I thank her for being here. Accompanying the senator is a man who is no stranger to the House and has visited quite a number of times, Ian Paisley Jnr. In fact, his father, the Rev. Ian Paisley Snr., sat in the exact same spot many years ago. I thank him for being here as well.

I had a great conversation with Ian's father and his mother when they were both on a visit to Leinster House and thanked them, and I will now thank Ian on the record for getting my mother into the Battle of the Boyne opening by Bertie Ahern and his father many years ago.

I think the Senator is talking about the battle itself whereas I am just talking about the interpretive centre. My mother rang me to say she wanted to go, at very short notice. As one can imagine, it was a tough ticket to get. Having exhausted all avenues in the Irish Government, I rang the Paisleys' office and they got my mother to the opening with the late, great Rev. Ian Paisley. That is North-South co-operation at its finest. I thank the Paisley family for that and Ian for being here today.

The amendment has not been seconded.

There is no seconder.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the provision of funding for Project WAVE in 2026 and future years. Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the opening of more reading schools around the country. Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Ministe…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, to the Seanad.

Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, Members will have been saddened to hear of the death in January of a Member of this House and a friend of many, Mary White. Born in Dundalk, she was a woman who was definitely before her time in terms of expanding the horizons for many in the business community at a time in the 1980s when the opportunities for women in business were limited. She was a pioneer and she and Connie Doody cofounded Lir Chocolates, which many Members have had the opportunity t…

Before I call on the Leader, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, namely, Sam Doyle and Hugh Murphy from Newbridge College. They are most welcome. I also welcome guests of Senator Stephenson, namely, Councillor Shane Hickey-O'Mara from Limerick and student Sean O'Gorman as well. We also have Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Ballinasloe, guests of Deputy Claire Kerrane, who I think is there as well, and the teachers. I hope some teachers are with them but we welcome them if they are and inform them ther…

I know Members are aware of the Standing Order about props in the Chamber. I understand the Senator received it but Members need to be aware of those particular rules of the House.

The use of material in the Chamber - slogans, banners, T-shirts.

I know the Senator is aware of it. It is okay. I just did not want to interrupt him.

Senator P.J. Murphy has moved amendment No. 1 to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." This has been seconded by Senator Maria Byrne. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed. Senator Andrews has moved amendment No. 2 to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." This has been seconded by Senator Collins. The Leader has indicated that he 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 take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the Minister back to the House. She will speak for ten minutes, group spokespersons for eight minutes, all other Senators for five minutes and the Minister of State will reply no later than 3.20 p.m.