During the Committee and Remaining stages of the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment Bill, I said: I did not have a chance to make a speech on Second Stage, but I will have to avoid making a Second Stage today. It has been very interesting to hear what others have said. I compliment the Minister of State, and although Senator Walsh said she has not gone far enough, she has taken the first step and to do so in such a short time is worthy of consideration...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I wish to refer relates to what is occurring in the Horn of Africa. We are experiencing difficulties in Ireland at present and we are always referring to how badly off we are. A massive famine has developed in the Horn of Africa, which comprises Somalia, Kenya and a number of other countries. Some 12 million people are in dire need...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: The principal purpose of this House is to legislate. That is what we did last evening when we debated Committee State of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011. We had a very interesting discussion during the Second Stage debate on the Bill, particularly in the context of bankruptcy...

During a Seanad debate on Food Safety Standards, I said: It is traditional to welcome a Minister on his first visit to the House and I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Shane McEntee. I am in bad humour tonight because we guillotined a Bill in the House in order to discuss food safety...