As fewer than five Members have risen I declare the question defeated. The names of the Senators who stood will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

This is quite a distinguished Order of Business because an Seanadóir Garret Ahearn is here to officially take his first Order of Business as the new Leader of Seanad Éireann. I congratulate Garret on his appointment, not only for himself but also for his friends and family. His dad, Liam, who I met last week, and his brothers, Liam and Scott, and children, Jamie and Daniel, are here. Jamie and Daniel will be on their best behaviour today, and I think there is a promise of more ice cream too, if possible. Laura is h…

We join in extending our sympathies to Pauline, Deirdre and all of the family of Teresa, one of the great activists in the Senator's community. We all know people like that, and they deserve recognition on their passing.

In relation to that particular topic, we were discussing it earlier with the President of the European Parliament. It was one of the two elected topics: one is agriculture and the other one is the issue around the Good Friday Agreement, part of which is the discussion about the constitutional future of the island of Ireland. We look forward to everybody's engagement on that particular topic.

When the Senator is in injury time, he should not bring up another topic.

I thank the Leader and congratulate him on his first official Order of Business as Leader of Seanad Éireann. I join with him in welcoming former Senator Cummins and the Minister of State. Both are most welcome to Seanad Éireann, as are all his family and the two young fellows who, like all the Senators normally are, were impeccably well behaved.

The Minister without interruption.

Is the Senator pressing the amendment?

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters on the commencement of Seanad Éireann today: Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of osteoarthritis in the chronic disease management programme. Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on driving test waiting lists in County Kerry and, in particular, the establishment of a driving test centre in Listowel to reduc…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, to the House. The first Commencement matter is from Senator Cosgrove. Tá ceithre nóiméad aici.

Anois, a chairde, I call on the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business.

Before I call the first Senator I welcome, as guest of an Seanadóir Mary Fitzpatrick, Sonya Lennon of Lennon Courtney and Dublin Chamber of Commerce. She is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Thanks for visiting here today.

I welcome guests of Senator Sharon Keogan. I also welcome Councillor Gráinne Maguire, her intern, Noel Monahan, and his mother and grandmother, who are in a supervisory capacity for his time in Leinster House. I also welcome Nessa and Angie Teehan.

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the guests of Senator Cathal Byrne, Maeve, Marian and Angelina and the Senator's intern Charlie. I welcome them to Seanad Éireann. I call Senator Mary Fitzpatick.

I welcome the guests of Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice to the Public Gallery. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Anois, we will have Senator McCarthy.

Anois, the Acting Leader to respond on the Order of Business.