We will definitely have the debate the week after next because I am-----

I will organise the debate-----

-----but it is hard not to think what Senator Clonan says because somebody somewhere did not do this on his or her own. I found out yesterday that the disability memo did not even come to the Cabinet.

The Senator makes a very valid point, though-----

Senator Ardagh spoke about supporting refugees but called for a review, as I think others have done, of the international protection process. Senator McDowell made a very valid point on RTÉ on Monday night. There are differences between some of the people who are presenting for international protection. There are different reasons, and we need to acknowledge that. That difference and those reasons feed into some of the fears people are expressing which we hear on the radio and on the television at the moment. We ne…

I move: That notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, or the Order of the Seanad of Tuesday 31st, January, 2023, the Seanad on its rising on Thursday, 2nd February, 2023, shall stand adjourned until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 8th February, 2023.

I move: That the Nineteenth Report of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight on the amendment of Standing Orders 19 and 65 and temporary amendment of Standing Order 22 be adopted, laid before the House and printed.

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders— (1) A Special Committee consisting of 5 members of Seanad Éireann be appointed, to be joined with a Special Committee to be appointed by Dáil Éireann, to form the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying; (2) The Joint Committee shall consider and make recommendations for legislative and/or policy change in relation to a statutory right to assist a person to end their life (assisted dying), and a statutory right to receive such assistance; Such consideration may i…

I move: That Seanad Éireann, in accordance with section 8(3)(b) of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act 2003, as amended, appoints Senator Paddy Burke to be an ordinary member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission in place of Senator Seán Kyne, who has resigned his office in accordance with the aforementioned section 8.

Notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, I propose that the election of a Cathaoirleach be taken forthwith.

I have the great honour this morning of proposing our very good friend and colleague Senator Jerry Buttimer for the position of Cathaoirleach.

My apologies, I should have said this, obviously, before Senator Wilson. Senator Buttimer's career speaks for itself and it is fostered by the intriguing and social interests in political affairs he had when he was young and that were encouraged by his mam and dad. He has always been nosey and interested in everything but that span has hugely credited the people of Cork South-Central. He was first elected to the county council in 2004, served there until he was elected having contested his first election in 2007, e…

It gives me great pleasure to use the words, "A Chathaoirligh, Jerry Buttimer". We started yesterday with a sense of giddiness in this House. Quite a large number of Senators sit on the Joint Committee on Gender Equality. We launched our Unfinished Democracy report with great hope yesterday when there was an atmosphere filled with hope. I think it has been replaced today by love. I think everyone can feel the love with all the lovely things that have been said about everybody, but particularly about the Cathaoirlea…

I propose we take a quick five-minute recess to stretch our legs and then we can come back and finish the speeches.

Notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, I propose that motions regarding the election of Leas-Chathaoirleach be taken at 3.30 p.m., that motions for the election of Leas-Chathaoirleach must reach the Clerk of the Seanad no later than 3.15 p.m. and that the sitting be now suspended until 3.30 p.m.

I am very happy to second the motion. Senator Chambers has described a consummate politician but a very generous person. We are all very busy here and sometimes we try to help those ahead of us and behind us. Sometimes you can get caught up in your life but Senator Mark Daly proactively ensures he looks after people and he is right about spotting talent. While our business is to scrutinise legislation that comes to us from Dáil Éireann or from the Government, long before he was ever Cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly …

The Order of Business is No. 4, motion regarding the earlier signature of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 5, motion regarding the report of the Joint Committee on Standing Orders (Private Business), to be taken on the conclusion of No. 4, without debate; No. 124(5), motion regarding membership of CERN, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 5, without debate; No. 6, Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendm…

I thank colleagues for all their expressions of sympathy. We join together this morning to remember Private Seán Rooney. I acknowledge Senator Fitzpatrick's involvement in the campaign to have our hospital named after Dr. Kathleen Lynn, who certainly was an incredibly impressive person. I thank the Senator for that. To Senator Carrigy I say bualadh bos to Longford Slashers Ladies GFA. I wish them continued success. I have a feeling this is only the start of great things. Senators Higgins and Chambers both acknowled…

I thank our Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Joe O'Reilly. He is a wonderful personality and really has added to the engagement in the past number of years. I wish him well. Like others, I wish Martin, Bridget, all of the other clerks and all the staff in the Seanad Office well. This House is run in a meticulous manner and that is down to the wisdom and commitment of the team. I thank them. Likewise, I thank Orla, who works in my office. We call Orla "the Leader's office" because that is what she is. There is nobody el…

I move: That, pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to him.