I know that Members will join with me in extending our sympathies to Treasa Carroll who has worked for over 40 years in Leinster House, and who gave great service and is well liked by all her colleagues and Members over those four decades. Her husband, Seamus, who was an usher here and a service officer prior to that, died suddenly yesterday from a stroke. We extend our deepest sympathies to her and all the family and friends, and all of the colleagues in Leinster House who served with Seamus over the years. He was…

Before I ask the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome those from Sacred Heart School in Tullamore, County Offaly. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. They are guests of Deputy Tony McCormack. I thank them for being here today. I also welcome the Cypriot ambassador. The Independence Day of Cyprus commemorates the independence of the Republic of Cyprus from British rule. The ambassador is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Independence was achieved on 16 August 1960 under the London and Zurich …

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome St. Raphaela's primary school who are here in the Seanad with us. They are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Neale Richmond. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today.

Senator, in making accusations against people outside the Chamber, you have to be very careful and mindful of Standing Order 52. I know that raising issues of public interest is what people do in this Chamber, and that is very important, but we just need to strike that balance. Please continue. I will add on more time.

Thanks to everybody who participated in the Walk Out for Women. It is important that the Oireachtas stand with those who are suffering from abuse and coercive control and, obviously, those families who have suffered bereavement as a result of gender-based violence, oftentimes at the hands of people they know intimately. It is something I think we all stand together on.

I join my colleagues on congratulating Senator Brady on his first response to the Order of Business. Anois, the Acting Leader, an Seanadóir Brady.

The Acting Leader has proposed a minute's silence to mark the passing of Seamus Carroll, a great friend of everybody in this House.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I also welcome his father and uncle, who are here. I welcome Christy O'Sullivan, who is a former Member of Dáil Éireann. I welcome Christy's brother and the Minister of State's uncle, Martin, who I am sure is always very generous at the appropriate birthdays.

I welcome Christy. This will tell people how old I am now, but I served in the parliamentary party with Christy. It is a great honour to have Christy back in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Anois, I call the Acting Leader.

The Minister of State has five minutes, all other Senators have five minutes, and the Minister of State shall reply no later than 3.25 p.m.

I welcome representatives from Prosper Fingal to the Gallery, who are guests of Deputy Duncan Smith.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire agus le gach Seanadóir who participated in the debate. When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome Peter and Zoe who work with the US Embassy. They are both welcome to Seanad Éireann along with visitors from a school in Booterstown. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today and I thank them for being here. I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters: Senator Gareth Scahill - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the current status and expected timelines for the delivery of the new school building project for …

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, to the Chamber. She is most welcome, and I thank her for being here.

I have a request to mention Adam Coyle, a transition year, TY, student from Longford, who is in the Gallery. He is here on behalf of his grandfather, Michael from Belmullet in County Mayo. Mayo people are everywhere today, including the Acting Leader. Michael is celebrating his 80th birthday. We wish him and all in Belmullet a happy day today. We look forward to getting some of the cake. There are loads of events today to celebrate that.

When Members raise matters in the public discussion and discourse, they need to be mindful of Standing Order 52 in relation to striking the balance.

Before I call on the Acting Leader, I join those who raised the issue of the Garvaghy Road in expressing my concerns about what has developed over the past week. We unfortunately will remember what happened there nearly 30 years ago and the estimated 21 murders that happened around the Garvaghy Road and because of the issues around it not just 28 years ago but in the years leading up to it. There were numerous parades blocked and allowed through over those years which led directly to the murders of an estimated 21 …

I welcome guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Ardagh, from Presentation school in Warrenmount. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann today.

Were you?