During a Seanad debate on the government's Action Plan for Jobs , I said: I welcome the Minister. It is always a joy to listen to somebody with good news and certainly the Minister has brought good news today. The Minister is also hearing great things today. Even members of the Opposition are saying nice things about him. It certainly appears that there is progress and that things are heading in the right direction

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: It is time for us to ensure there is a discussion on what is happening in Israel and Gaza at some point, but sooner rather than later. It seems to me that we must find a solution to the horror and terror that is being inflicted in that part of the world. I am sure that it is possible for a country such as this to have an input into the solution...

During a Seanad debate on Ash Dieback Disease affecting trees, I said: welcome the Minister of State to the House. I had done some work on this very serious problem and I had intended to call for an action plan from the Minister of State, but he has already done a great deal of work and I am very impressed. This work has included meeting the Minister in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, MLA, because it is an all-Ireland problem. It is also an all-Europe problem...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: The Minister for Health was in the House yesterday but I would like him to come back shortly. Yesterday's short debate was good and I was delighted that my colleague, Senator Crown, had the opportunity to influence the Minister regarding the new children's hospital. He encouraged us all to support the Minister wholeheartedly to ensure the hospital is built as a matter of urgency...

During a Seanad debate on the economy, I said: I welcome the Minister of State and, in general, the speech is welcome as well because it contained positive news. It is fair to say that some developments have been very worthwhile. I disagree entirely with Senator D'Arcy, who said that people need certainty while indicating that we should play with corporation tax. If we are to give investors certainty, we must make it very clear that the 12.5% corporation tax rate will stay and that we will not fiddle with it...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I rise to support Senator Mullen and all the others Senators, including Senator Bradford, with regard to their call for the Minister to come to the House, but I am unsure whether it is the Minister for Health we want. I believe it should be the Minister for Justice and Equality...

During a  Seanad debate on Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the EU in 2013, I said: It is particularly pleasing to have the Minister of State here who was so close to the action that took place in recent weeks...

During a Seanad debate on the Mortgage (Loans and Bonds) Bill 2012, I said: I first learned about Denmark in the 1950s in the context of their folk schools. Their system of education and of involving people in traditional folk schools is wonderful. My father became involved in that and I found it very interesting, way back then. In the 1970s I went to Denmark because it was the first country with a supermarket that put barcodes on its products. Denmark has led the way in many areas but I was unaware of the nykredit system until Senator Barrett brought it to our attention...

"Seanad Éireann - Open It, Don't Close It" - RADICAL SEANAD REFORM THROUGH LEGISLATIVE CHANGE - CONSULTATION PAPER

Proposals for Measures to Transform Seanad Éireann Without The Need For Constitutional Amendment

To read this newly launched Consultation Paper (in PDF format), click here.

During a Seanad motion on the Common Agricultural Policy, I said: I am glad he will take charge of this matter over the next few months. I have every confidence in him. He did a great job during the fisheries negotiations. I am confident that he will do the same during the negotiations on CAP reform...