During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Today is an important day for some of the visitors to this country. Some thousands of them will leave today, 23 April, and return to Canada. I refer to the brent geese, who come every year on the same day, 23 October, and go home every year on 23 April...

During a Seanad debate on the sale of state assets, I said: I am very concerned at the reports that the State assets on offer will raise nowhere near €3 billion. I am also concerned that the €1 billion that has been earmarked for reinvestment in the economy to boost job creation, which the Minister mentioned, is also said to be at risk. If the money is not raised, what will the Government cut next?...

During Expressions of Sympathy for a former member of the Seanad, Myles Staunton, I said:  I am delighted to be here to have the opportunity to say a few words about my friend, Myles Staunton...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: There are many urgent items on the agenda that attract our attention, or which may distract us from other matters. However, figures published yesterday showed that one third of all babies born in Ireland this year are likely to live to be 100, that is, until 2112.

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I congratulate Senator Ivana Bacik for the success yesterday in respect of the Bill that banned female genital mutilation. The Bill was created by the Senator...It was a Seanad Bill and became law here yesterday. I congratulate her for her perseverance in that area...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Last night’s debate in Trinity College [on the future of the Seanad] was worthy of attendance, and it was attended by many Members from this House. I congratulate Senator Bacik for managing to explain the position of the Seanad to those who were there...

During a Seanad debate on the Privacy Bill 2012, I said: I congratulate Senator Norris for introducing the Bill, it is a topic that needs exposure. I also thank the Minister for his words and the consideration that he has given the Bill...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Last year 70 million Chinese people travelled abroad and 10,000 of them came to Ireland. The Italians looked at the figures and wondered what they could do. They always issued visas in Beijing and Shanghai, but its Ministry of Foreign Trade established about 30 mobile offices to issue visas around China and the number of Chinese visitors coaxed into visiting Italy increased by 100%...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: When the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade came before the House a few weeks ago I raised the question of an Irish citizen who has been imprisoned in Sri Lanka for quite some time. This Irish citizen has been locked up for four and a half years, which is 1,674 days to date. He has not been charged. It is fair to say he is kept in desperate conditions. I am not sure where we go from here. What more can we do...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I welcome the Bill. My daughter, Gillian, studied under Senator Barrett in Trinity College and graduated in 1988, one of a group of 38. The day after her graduation, 37 of the group emigrated. Those who talk about how difficult times are now — I agree times are difficult — should be reminded that we have gone through difficult times in the past...