During a Seanad debate on the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2014, I said: Credit must go to Senator Burke for his hard work over the years on this legislation. It is perfectly sensible to make it compulsory for medical practitioners to have insurance and it surprised us that this was not in place already. While his name is not on the Bill, I reckon Senator Burke should get great credit for the Bill before the House. In this respect, I am pleased to see another clear tranche of law that aims to improve the lives of citizens coming from the Seanad...

During a Seanad debate on the situation in Gaza and the Ukraine, I said: I was born in 1936, a long time ago. I have lived in an Ireland that, with the exception of Northern Ireland, has not had a war in all that time. We have been able to stay out of it for various reasons. Ireland joined the European Union in 1973 and there has been no war in the European Union since, although there have obviously been wars outside. Peace does not happen by accident. It happens because many committed, dedicated and determined people say they will make it happen and work hard to do so...

During a Seanad debate on the Electoral Amendment (no.4) Bill, I said: I am opposed to the Bill. Senator Byrne explained his concerns very well in respect of it. Why has the position of Clerk of the Dáil remained vacant for over a year? I just cannot understand why that is the case. Now, we are changing the law. The Minister has explained why the latter is happening but he did not indicate why the position of Clerk of the Dáil, which was previously held by Mr. Kieran Coughlan for quite some time, has remained vacant...

During a Seanad debate on the Environmental Protection Agency, I said: The Minister was present to hear the contributions by Senators Whelan and Landy. Senator Whelan spoke with such vigour, courage and concern about the experiences he has had. Senator Landy spoke about his experience with the Hanrahan farm in his area. It is a reminder of what those who are close to these things have to do and also of their concern about the EPA...