Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

I realise how close I am living to the seat of power when I see you, Acting Chairman, chairing this debate and the Minister of State in the House. The Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, also lives close to us. Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit. I welcome the Minister of State. I have not had an opportunity to welcome him to the Seanad until tonight and I wish him well.