Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

I understood I had eight minutes, the same as other Senators. I will try to deliver within the allotted time. I ask the Acting Chairman to notify me when I have spoken for three minutes.

I salute our older people, who have made an important contribution to Ireland during their working lives and their retirement. I also welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, to the House. She is making a major difference to older people. The appointment of a Minister of State for older persons to deal with legislation and with problems that arise for older people demonstrates the importance of older people to the Government.