Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I would like to express my and the House's regret on the sad passing of one of the oldest retired Members of the Oireachtas, who passed away in August at the age of 95. Séamus Dolan was a native of Blacklion, County Cavan, and served as a Fianna Fáil Deputy and Senator from 1961 until his retirement in 1981. He was a teacher and a farmer, was born in 1914 near Blacklion and was first elected to the Dáil in 1961. Following the 1965 elections in which he was defeated, he was elected to Seanad Éireann where he spent the rest of his national political career. Following a four-year absence from 1969, he was again re-elected to the Seanad fin 1973. His greatest honour came in 1977 when he was elected Cathaoirleach of the House and served until his retirement in 1981. As we all know, he was a great Irishman and was very proud of his country, his history and the Irish language. As a fluent Irish speaker, he took every opportunity to promote the Irish language and its use. I extend our sympathy to his wife Bríd, his daughters, sons and grandchildren.

We hope to pay tribute to Séamus Dolan at a future date, along with tributes to former Senator James Dooge and to have the families present. It is with deep regret that we learned of the death of former Senator, Professor James Dooge, who passed away on Friday, 20 August 2010 at the age of 88. Jim was a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and a leading Member of the Seanad for almost 30 years. He played an important role in the development of the European Union. He is the last Senator to have been appointed to the Cabinet and one of only two Members of the Upper House who have had that great distinction. Jim was predeceased by his wife Ronnie and daughter Melissa. He will be sadly missed and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family and grandchildren. On behalf of the House, I offer them our sincere sympathy. Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a anam.

I only heard this morning of the sad passing of former Senator Evelyn Owens. We will pay tribute to these three Senate colleagues at a future date and give Members an opportunity to express their sympathy.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding time allocation for the Order of Business; No. 2, motion regarding defence of legal action; No. 3, statements on the provision of health services by the HSE; No. 4, motion regarding Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme 2010; No. 36, Private Members' motion No. 15, regarding end of life care in hospitals. It is proposed that Nos. 1 and 2 shall be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business. No. 3, statements on the provision of health services by the HSE shall resume not earlier than 4.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 5.30 p.m. Spokespersons have already made statements and all other Senators will have seven minutes. They may share time with the agreement of the House. The Minister shall be called upon ten minutes before the conclusion of the debate to make closing comments and take questions from leaders or spokespersons. No. 36, Private Members' motion No. 15, shall be taken at 5.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 7.30 p.m. No. 4, motion regarding Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme 2010, shall be taken at the conclusion of No. 36 and conclude not later than 7.30 p.m. Spokespersons may speak for 12 minutes and other Members for ten minutes and Senators may share time, by agreement of the House.