What you say makes complete logical sense, a Chathaoirligh. I support the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by my colleague, Senator Seery Kearney. I would also like to raise an issue that I have raised on many occasions, as have many other colleagues across the House, which is University Hospital Limerick, UHL. I welcome the announcement by the Minister yesterday that enabling and foundation works will commence straightaway for the second 96-bed block unit in the hospital. It makes absolute sense that th…

Colleagues are fully aware of the situation in Inch, County Clare. I welcome the lifting of the blockade. I have always believed the blockade was wrong and I was not afraid of calling it out and saying so. That said, I also have an issue with a bar, blockade or delay in information and communication from Departments. Every county in the country will have to step up to the plate and assist in the humanitarian crisis facing our country. As a result of what is facing the world, our country has to step up and play its …

I concur with Senator Wall's comments on the work of the Civil Defence. I remember at the time of the serious floods in County Clare in 2010 and the big freeze in 2009 the work done by the Civil Defence was extraordinary. As we have no other speakers offering, I call on the Minister of State to conclude.

Before I get to the formalities, and even though they have just left the Chamber, I welcome pupils from Kilcloon National School, who are here as guests of Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne. I was not going to interrupt the Minister of State, Deputy Burke, to say that, but somebody will tell them that their name is on the record of the House.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have organised a briefing on hemochromatosis this afternoon in the audiovisual room. The former Deputy, Senator and Seanad Leader, Maurice Manning, who has hemochromatosis, will speak. This is important because many people have the condition. It would much be much appreciated if Senators could attend or arrange for a member of their staff to attend. I think it will be very informative I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, Niamh Kilcawley. She featured on the "Prime Time" programme a couple of weeks ago…

Hear, hear.

I stand today for one purpose, and that is to second Senator Wilson's proposal that this House play an active role in ensuring that Garda Jeremiah Coonan receives the Scott medal for bravery. I think it is an oversight. Anybody who saves a human life does something unique and precious, and something that really and truly is an act of humanity. In this case, Garda Coonan risked his life and went into a river not knowing the conditions, undercurrents and circumstances; not knowing the man who was in the river, his ma…

The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, is very welcome to the House. I call Senator O'Loughlin.

We are on the third Commencement matter. With the indulgence of Senator O'Loughlin, can we take the Commencement matter in the name of Senator Lombard?

That is another point. I apologise to the Minister of State for this confusion and thank him for his continuous attendance in the House to take Commencement matters that are not necessarily the responsibility of his Department. On this occasion, I call Senator Lombard.

I think the Minister of State knows it better than most.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke for attending. I did not realise he was in the anteroom so I apologise for delaying him. I call Senator O'Loughlin.

I would like to remember and pay tribute to Seán Keane of The Chieftains who passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. Seán was a dedicated and very talented musician. He was ground-breaking in what he did. His wife, who predeceased him by a couple of years, was from Ennistymon where I am from and Seán visited the town many times. As recently as six months ago, he took part in a concert there. His talent and his commitment to culture and tradition in this country will be remembered for generations to come. I agree…

Of course, the Senator was not.

Hear, hear.

Correct.

Hear, hear.

The Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, is, as always, very welcome to the House. He is deputising for the Minister for Justice. In many ways, it is an awful pity that the Minister for Justice is not here to listen to my colleagues, Senators Wilson and McDowell, because for too long what has gone on in this country, in terms of adequate, appropriate and acceptable prison services and facilities, has been disgraceful. Senator McDowell purchased Thornton Hall on behalf of the State. In essence, it was cost neutral…