I, too, salute Senator Ahearn, the Acting Chairman, on what is a nice, well deserved day for him. I echo the remarks of those who thanked all the staff and Members across the House. It is only the people you become friends with. I would consider myself to be a friend of probably everybody here in one way or another. Everyone who is here is here because they are motivated by public service, doing the right thing and decency. I hope everybody here who has put himself or herself forward for election will be successful…

I thank the Minister of State for his time today. I also thank Senator Boyhan for continuously raising these important issues.

The Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, is very welcome to the House.

I thank Senator Higgins for her constant work in this area as part of the EU scrutiny committee. It is much appreciated. It is very detailed and complex but very important. I thank the Minister of State for her time.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Burke, to this House.

We all agree with Senator Seery Kearney and acknowledge the massive amount of work she has done in this area in recent years. I thank the Minister of State.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless.

It is not the first time the Senator highlighted this important issue. We will now suspend proceedings.

I echo those comments to the team in the Seanad Office and the wider Houses of the Oireachtas. I agree with Family Carers Ireland’s proposal. We need to move away from a means test quickly. If someone is doing a job that saves the State a fortune, he or she should be paid for it and there should not be a means test. I would like to think that the body politic is moving towards that position, which is welcome, and I hope that the change happens sooner rather than later. The Leas-Chathaoirleach and Acting Leader will…

The Minister is welcome to the House. He is right that we deal with this health insurance Bill annually and it is great there is an amendment or addition that will benefit citizens and women. I know the Minister has worked hard on it over the last number of years and it will benefit many people. While it may be a technical Bill, it will achieve something that matters in people's lives. In that sense, it has to be welcomed and I sincerely hope it goes through the House unopposed.

Now.

Now.

Now.

Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, to the House.

I thank the Minister of State and Senator Daly. Our next Commencement matter is in the name of Senator Gallagher.

I thank the Minister of State. I thank the Senator for highlighting a very important issue.

I thank the Minister of State for taking all four Commencement matters this morning. We understand the pressures he is under, especially with an impending election. I thank Senator Kyne for raising this very important issue.

Senator McGahon cycled from Dundalk.

Before the Minister of State replies, I wish to echo Senator Dooley's comments. He has articulated very well a project that is essential for both well-being and sport in County Clare.