Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)

The House will now hear tributes to President Mary McAleese. Before the proceedings commence, I feel obliged to remind Members that in the ordinary course, the President is above and beyond debate in the House. The order made earlier today does not alter the fact that the President is not answerable to the House and that in accordance with long-standing rulings of the Chair, the conduct of the President in office is not open to criticism, direct or indirect.

Members should be mindful that the early order does not allow for reference to the President-elect. I will now call on the Taoiseach to address the House.

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