Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Order of Business is No.1, Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2013 - Second Stage, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude not later than 4 p.m., with contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, those all other Senators not to exceed six minutes, and the Minister to be called upon to reply not later than 3.50 p.m.; No. 29, motion 10, to be taken at 4 p.m. and to conclude not later than 6 p.m; and No. 2, Courts Bill 2013 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to adjourn not later than 8 p.m., with contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed six minutes.

That is the Order of Business for today but it would be remiss of the House if we did not acknowledge the fact that Jimmy Walsh of The Irish Times, the reporter who has covered this House so well for many years, is retiring tomorrow. In his fledgling days, Jimmy was one of the reporters who covered the visit of President Kennedy to Ireland. He joined the press corps in the Houses of the Oireachtas more than 40 years ago, initially covering proceedings in the Dáil and then covering Seanad proceedings for more than 20 years.

Jimmy is the old style reporter, with his notebook, pen, typewriter and shorthand. I believe his shorthand is excellent. I was always amazed by Jimmy's retention and memory for details that happened many years ago. He has covered this House with distinction and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his honest and accurate reporting of events in this House. He will be missed by all of us.

Whether the newspaper will replace Jimmy, I do not know, but it is only right and proper that we acknowledge the work he has done in covering events here. I hope when he retires tomorrow that he will not cut all ties with the House and that he will come back and visit at regular intervals. He was presented with a pass for the House up to 2016 by the Ceann Comhairle yesterday so there is no reason he would not be in a position to visit at regular intervals, and we look forward to his company during that time. I want to place on record our gratitude and thank Jimmy for his coverage, work and the friendships he has built up over many years in the House.