Before we move to the next speaker, I welcome back to Seanad Éireann former Senator Micheál Carrigy, now Deputy Carrigy, and the Ballymahon Vocational School from County Longford. You are most welcome here to Seanad Éireann today. There was a second school in during this debate but the rules still apply, as the former Senator will know, that there is no homework for any visiting school that comes to Seanad Éireann. Deputy Carrigy will be able to get a letter to that effect if he needs it.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Eileen Flynn - The need for the Minister for Education to make a statement on students, in particular students with special educational needs and of Traveller and Roma ethnicity, being placed on reduced school days during the 2023-24 academic year; and what measures are being taken to ensure these students receive appropriate support. Senator Maria Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to provide an u…

Before I call on Senator Flynn, I welcome Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School to the Visitors Gallery. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here.

How is he doing so far?

I welcome students from St. Cronan’s Senior National School in Swords to the Public Gallery. I presume some teachers are with them or possibly the students are doing a self-guided tour. I welcome the teachers as well.

I thank Senator Costello for her fitting tribute to her good friend.

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the students from Mount Sackville Secondary School to the Public Gallery. They are most welcome. As is the unwritten of Seanad Éireann, when students visit Seanad Éireann there is no school homework for the rest of week. If they need that in writing, they should give me a shout.

Before I call the Leader, we have the parents of Senator Cathal Byrne's partner here today, Michael and Judy Ryan. They are most welcome. They can rest assured Senator Byrne is making a significant contribution. I thank them for being in Seanad Éireann today. Anois, I call the Leader to respond to the Order of Business.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Deputy Niall Collins, to Seanad Éireann. The debate will follow the normal procedure, with the Minister and group spokespersons speaking for ten minutes and all other Senators for five minutes.

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Jen Cummins to the Seanad. They are most welcome, and I thank them for being here.

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome from Offaly County Council guests of Deputy Tony McCormack. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann and I thank them for being here. Senator Nicole Ryan is sharing time with Senators Collins and Andrews. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Senators Cosgrove and Stephenson have indicated they wish to share time. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I note the Leader will be proposing a minute’s silence for the passing of Pope Francis at the end of the Order of Business. Before I ask the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the chargé d'affaires from the Polish Embassy, who is most welcome. Poland will be celebrating its national day on Saturday, 3 May, but I am assured by the Leader that the Seanad will not be sitting that day. I thank the chargé d'affaires for being here. There are long and enduring links b…

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Charles Ward to the Gallery. They are from Finn Valley College in Donegal.

This debate is beginning to sound like an episode of "The Sunday Game".

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Public Gallery guests of Senator Frances Black, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, and Deputy James O'Connor. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann.

I join the Senator in wishing Martin Groves all the best in his retirement. He did it without ceremony, which is how he did a lot of his work here in the Seanad, quietly behind the scenes. He wanted to make sure we were in recess before he announced it as he would not welcome the tributes in public many members have given him for his long and distinguished service of four decades to the State. I thank everyone for their kind words and wishes. He will be around the House from time to time. I am sure he will apprecia…

Senator Fitzpatrick has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 9 be taken before No. 1", which was seconded by Senator Comyn. The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment to the Order of Business agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.