The next speaker is Senator Lynn Boylan. She has eight minutes.

It appears that the Minister is running late and will not be available until 5.30 p.m. I ask the acting leader to propose a suspension of the House.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I call Senator Keogan. The Senator has eight minutes.

That concludes the lead group spokespersons. All other spokespersons have five minutes. I call Senator Seery Kearney.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to the Seanad. I am not sure if it is his first time in the Seanad since his appointment but it is his first time here while I am presiding and he is very welcome. I congratulate him on his recent elevation. Would the Minister of State like to respond to amendment No. 1? Excuse me. Senator Richmond has indicated. It is my first time presiding over Committee Stage of a Bill.

Before we go further, I apologise to Senator Ward who I think I referred to as Senator Richmond. I do not know why I did that but Deputy Richmond and Senator Ward are from the same neck of the woods. That may be an omen.

The Senator might follow Deputy Richmond to the Lower House.

I know there are no angels in politics.

No side, either on the Opposition or the Government, has a monopoly on virtue. I never speak about the other House but I was absolutely shocked, as was the nation as a whole, by the shenanigans we witnessed on television last night. There is no gagging of democracy in these Houses and anybody who argues as much is only fooling himself or herself. A system was put in place and it does not suit a minority but as far as I can see those Members still have approximately 65% to 70% of speaking time. As they did not get t…

I share the concerns of other Senators with regard to the unhappy situation in Cahersiveen. I endorse the very strong statement on the matter that was issued yesterday by my constituency colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Foley. I support the remarks of Senator Ó Donnghaile on the issue. I do not usually use a script, but I will be treading on thin ice on this issue and, as such, will refer to my notes. I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange for a debate on nuclear energy as soon as possible in th…

I am sharing time with whoever needs it. The Leas-Chathaoirleach can work it out because I am using time already. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go breá léi sa portfolio suimiúil atá aici. I wish the Minister well. She has a comprehensive portfolio and will be seeing a bit of me on the tourism side. I play second fiddle to Senator Cassells and have an interest in tourism. I will cut out all the statistics I had prepared because the House heard them from the Minister, who has the brief. …

I ask for attention for the speaker, please.

I thank the Senator and I compliment the Fine Gael group on very helpful and adroit comments.

The next speaker is Senator Chambers, who has six minutes.

The next speaker is Senator Cummins, who I understand is sharing time.

The Senators have two minutes each.

I will be calling on the Minister to reply no later than 2.52 p.m. There are a good few speakers left but we have precious little time. If Senators can keep their contributions brief, we will leave no one out.