During a Seanad debate on the CAO application process and college places, I said: In December I raised the decision by Fáilte Ireland, based on a change in administration, to arrange for subsequent courses in hospitality training to be handled by institutes of technology which do not recognise the leaving certificate applied. The Minister of State will have heard me speak previously on the leaving certificate applied examination. Some years ago, I had the honour of chairing the committee which established this highly successful system...

During the Order of Buiness in the Seanad, I said: Senator O’Toole called for a debate on the actions taken to avoid strike action because of the cuts in the budget.A newspaper article last week stated: “The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said that it is ‘seriously concerned’ that industrial action in the radiotherapy services, which forms part of the campaign currently under way across the public service, has the potential to compromise patient safety"...

During a Seanad debate on Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Micellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010, I said: I mentioned to him [The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources] previously that when I was interviewed on television three years ago, I was asked what business I would go into if I was going into business now, and I said I would go into sustainable energy...

During a Seanad debate on the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009, I said: This is a much needed Bill in light of the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimate that up to 1,000 puppies a week are exported from Ireland to countries where there is much greater regulation...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: A number of us attended the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation event this morning to which Senator Fitzgerald and others referred. We were very impressed at the amount of work being done there and the level of active citizenship involved in such organisations...

During a Seanad debate on the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009, I said: I feel a little weak in this area and do not have considerable experience, as confirmed to me when I listened to Senator Corrigan, who has a background in psychology, and also to Senators Feeney and Healy Eames...

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: If the Minister for Finance responded to the suggestion I am about to make, there would be an outcry. He would be brave indeed. I want to draw attention to the tax amnesty in Italy.

During the Order of Business in the Seanad, I said: Some years ago a Japanese businessman said to me that if the Japanese had a brand like St. Patrick’s Day, they would use it well. I say this to highlight the value of a brand. Last week Senator O’Toole referred to the importance of the National University of Ireland brand which I believe must be maintained in some way...

I raised on the adjournment the very important issue of our National Archives. I said: I am concerned about the National Archives which performs a vital role that is often forgotten. Its purpose is two-fold: to care for past public records, some of which are, for good reason, closed to the public and to superintend the storage of archives in public institutions and to arrange for their final transfer..

During a motion on Seanad reform, I said: I have listened to every Member who has spoken in this debate and I have found it very interesting. In two weeks’ time I will begin my 18th year in the Seanad. I appreciate the opportunity to have become involved and many Members share that view. I have been impressed with the level of debate in the Seanad during those 18 years and with what has been done. I agree entirely with those who maintain we are not recognised.