Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator O’Loughlin, like many others, wished the junior certificate students well today as they get their results. It is an important milestone for those young people as they move along in their academic journey. The Senator also spoke about the section 39 workers and the strike that was averted yesterday. She welcomed the fact the strike did not go ahead and that a deal was done in the early hours of the morning. The Senator also drew our attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Week and some stark figures. Some 3,700 new breast cancer diagnoses are made annually. The Senator also acknowledged that today is World Menopause Day. Later, we will be taking the Private Member’s motion on HRT.

Senator Boyhan spoke about Irish Rural Link. He attended its briefing earlier at which the Tánaiste launched its report. He offered support for the HRT motion later today and drew the Houses attention to the ongoing issue and plight of those being trafficked – human trafficking – into Ireland for prostitution and slave labour. The Senator also spoke about the women in Irish agriculture report launch earlier.

Senator Warfield spoke about Israel and Palestine and praised the President.Others had other comments to make on that. I am informed by the Cathaoirleach that there is a little bit of ambiguity or confusion as to what is permitted in this House in terms of commentary on the Office of the President. I am informed that it is founded on the constitutional provision that the President shall not be answerable to either House of the Oireachtas for the exercise and performance of the powers and functions of his office or for any act or purporting to be done by him in the exercise and performance of these powers and functions. It is possible that one might argue that if somebody strays beyond the performance or exercise of the powers or functions of their office, that there is a grey area as to what can and cannot be commented on in these Houses. There is-----