Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind Members that the combined opening speeches of the proposer and seconder shall not exceed 16 minutes and all other Senators have six minutes. I will call on Senators Seery Kearney and Dolan in a moment, and then there will follow the normal pattern where each Senator has six minutes. The Minister has indicated that she wishes to come in early in the debate and she has 15 minutes.

I welcome the distinguished ladies of Ballina and Westport in County Mayo to the Public Gallery. They are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Calleary. They are all very welcome. I was going to say "Mayo for Sam" but I hope that it is Cork for Sam. The ladies are guests of a wonderful parliamentarian and Minister of State. He is doing a great job for them in County Mayo. I hope that the ladies enjoy the rest of their stay here and that he at least buys them dinner.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, to the House. She, too, is doing a fine job as Minister. She is very welcome and I thank her for being here.

Anois, glaoim ar an Seanadóir Mary Seery Kearney whom I believe is sharing time with Senator Dolan. Is it agreed that Senator Seery Kearney will have ten minutes and Senator Dolan will have six minutes? Agreed.