During the expressions of sympathy for the former member of the Seanad, Ms. Nuala Fennell, I said: Senator Norris has already spoken on behalf of the Independents but I did not want to let this opportunity pass without expressing my memories of Nuala. I knew the family, and her father, way back in the 1950s...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: The horrific deaths in County Donegal are a reminder to us that we cannot take our eye off the ball in regard to road safety. The work done in recent years may have meant people relaxed a little because the number of road deaths had reduced...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I draw the attention of the House to the leading editorial in today’s The Irish Times on Seanad reform. It is interesting that, while calls have been made to abolish the Seanad, certain people have recently changed their minds on the need for it. Yesterday’s debate showed how the Seanad can earn its keep...

The future outlook for the economy depends to a large extent on education. I will give Senators homework to do during the summer because I doubt the House will have a debate on education before the summer ends...