During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: On Monday I got a call from Áras an Uachtaráin. he reason I bring it up is that it was a call inquiring about the health of my mother-in-law. Her 102nd birthday was due to fall on 10 November and the President wanted to know to which address she should send the letter of recognition. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law died a few months ago and I was able to tell them that. This is a reminder of what we are able to do if we commit ourselves...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: IBEC published a number of proposals today which are worthy of debate. I suggest that the Leader might find time for such a debate in the near future. The problem which faces us is that we are not spending in Ireland..

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I thank Senator Zappone for an education and the activity she has created in this regard. I did not know anything about the loop system and did not realise this. I also thank Senator Darragh O’Brien for raising again the question regarding illegal diesel I introduced some time ago. It is a matter of huge concern for the State because the money involved runs to hundreds of millions of euros and because it encourages crime...

During the Order of Business in Seanad, Some months ago I raised the question of one airline in particular making a substantial sum of money from overcharging for credit card fees, but I was incorrect inasmuch as I did not go far enough. The charges made by all airlines for taxes, fees and airport charges for a passenger who does not travel are not refunded automatically. Not only that, each airline makes it very difficult for a customer to get a refund if they are unable to travel...