During the second stage debate in the Seanad on the Finance Bill 2015, I said: I welcome the Minister of State. I am delighted to have him here. What is particularly pleasing in the finance results that are coming through is that we have a surplus way beyond that which we anticipated, on which I congratulate the Minister of State and Department. I got one piece of advice from Senator Sean D. Barrett, namely, not to forget the shoebox. I asked him what he meant. I am not sure who came up with the shoebox idea. I understand it was Brian Farrell who said when one get a one-off benefit, one should put it in a shoebox rather than spending it or including it in a budget because suddenly it will all be gone. There is a temptation to do that. Let us remember the shoebox and any surplus money we have on that basis...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said:  It is always enlightening to listen to Senator Ó Murchú speak because he does so with concern and commitment. I have a difficulty, however, in that every time we seek to solve problems in other parts of the world we seem to be saying what they should be doing..

During the second stage debate in the Seanad on the Motor Vehicles (Duties and Licences) Bill 2015, I said: he Minister of State is very welcome. The Bill is a very technical and necessary one. I take the opportunity to raise a couple of issues on the overall tax system for vehicles as a whole. We must ask why gardaí are even monitoring whether people pay their motor tax...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: As we heard earlier on today, we have had some very good tourist numbers. However, during the week, the US Government issued advice to its citizens warning them to be careful about where they travel. I want to make sure we take whatever steps we can to ensure that there is no fear among Americans who are thinking of coming here and that they feel very safe in Ireland. We hope they do...