During a Seanad debate on the Fair Deal Nursing Home Scheme, I said: I thank the Minister of State for her words on this scheme and it was interesting to hear them. I did not know much about nursing homes, but my mother-in-law went into one last year. It was the last year of her life and she died last month at the age of 101 and a half years…

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Over 1,100 people will participate in the World Transplant Games, which begin in Gothenburg in Sweden tomorrow. Some 33 Irish recipients of body organ transplants will be involved in the games. I am sure we all wish them every success...

During a debate on Seanad reform, I said: I welcome the Minister of State and this debate. The concept is good but I have some reservations that it could mean that the Seanad could become a giant committee. We have to differentiate ourselves from a committee system...

During a Seanad debate (Second Stage) on the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill) I said: I welcome the objectives of the Bill, although I am concerned about some aspects of it…

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I raised the issues of safety at the Sellafield Nuclear Plant in the UK. However, firstly I said: On the point made by Senator Martin Conway, I know the sign in Ballyvaughan to which he referred [One particular sign in the Ballyvaughan area was removed by the NRA a number of months ago]  which is wonderful. Anybody who has not seen it should have a look at The Irish Times today which carries a great picture of it. I agree with the Senator...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: It is an honour to follow those words of Senator McAleese. I will not touch on the words except what he said about “fresh thinking”. I would love to instill the idea that this House can create fresh thinking...

During a Seanad motion on Water Charges, I said: I had the opportunity to visit Chile some years ago. Anyone who wants to know something about conservation should consider the history of Easter Island. Every Member should do so, if only on the Internet for ten or 15 minutes...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: While offering best wishes to those doing their examinations, I remind the House that the leaving certificate applied examinations are also taking place today. I mention this because a number of State bodies do not recognise this curriculum and there is a necessity to debate this issue...

During a Seanad Debate on the Forth Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, I said: I welcome the Minister. When she was demoted from this House to the Lower House, I thought we might not see her again, but then she was promoted to this position. I was pleased by her contribution and I am pleased we have a Department of Children and Youth Affairs....

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Last year criticism was expressed about newspapers that printed only bad news. A few of us said that we would make sure we have good news. I came across some good news today. NUI Maynooth has become the first and only university outside North America to be included in the 2012 edition of The Princeton Review, a guide to the best 376 colleges. It is good news. Let us ensure we look for good news every now and then...