During a  Seanad debate on the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011, I said: The Bill is worthy of attention and I congratulate him on what he is doing. I have been with him in Drogheda and at the City of Science [Dublin] launch recently so I know what he is doing...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: one of the objectives of the Courts and Court Officers Act 2002 was to make an effort to bring down the costs of legal proceedings, an issue which has been at the height of criticism by the troika and the IMF...

During an Address to Seanad Eireann, by Ms. Emer Costello, MEP, I said: I welcome Ms Costello to the House. I thank her for saying those nice words about the House. We hope we are here next year and the following year to honour those. I have a couple of questions, one of which relates to safe food in Europe. Is there a danger, particularly after what has happened with the discovery in Ireland of the horsemeat scandal, that the image the European Union has of creating safe food has been damaged and that we are lagging behind other parts of the world?...

During a second stage Seanad debate on the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences Bill) 2011, I said:  It is fair to say that while we do not particularly welcome the Bill, it is better to get it in and out and behind us. I have a real difficulty with the legislation and the tax system in regard to cars. I am delighted the Minister intends to look at this area as it needs examination...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I wish to thank everyone who contributed to last night’s Private Members’ debate on food. Senators raised a wide range of issues and I ask the Leader to keep in touch with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on this issue...

I introduced a Motion in the Seanad on Food Wastage on 15th February 2012. I said: I  welcome the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney and am delighted he has come to the House. I have been in the food business all my life and have been interested in making sure that those who have a responsibility in the food business are able to do something useful...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Yesterday Senator susan O’Keeffe held a highly interesting and highly educational session in the audiovisual room on hydraulic fracturing or fracking. I found it fascinating and support her call today for a debate on the subject...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I am informed that the mileage rate for the public service has three different levels which rewards those with bigger cars. This is a time when we are watching our costs. A larger car means a higher rate in mileage allowance and the lowest rate is €21.22...

During a Seanad debate on the Croke Park Agreement, I said: I I found this debate very interesting. I like to hear a Minister of State who is in control of his or her brief, knows what he or she is talking about and is determined to put it across. I do not think the Minister of State is right in everything he said, but he has asked those of us who are critical to be more explicit. Senator Mary Ann O’Brien was explicit in what she said...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: I support Senator Walsh’s motion [which asks the Government to convey to the Holy See its intention to welcome a visit by the Pope to Ireland in an official capacity] and call for vote. It seems to me the motion is so carefully worded in such a modest and careful manner and in a manner which I believe aims at getting the support of all sides of the House...