David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I send my condolences to the family of Val Doonican, a Waterford man, who died yesterday. It is a tragedy for his family and I offer my condolences to his wife Lynn and his extended family. He was bestowed the freedom of Waterford city a number of years ago. I had the pleasure of being in the council chamber on that occasion and to hear about his life and the many stories he had to tell. He had a programme on the BBC for many years which was watched by many people in Britain but also in Ireland. He was a hugely popular Waterford figure and a proud Waterford man. The Leader of the Seanad will have warm memories of Val Doonican also. I again extend my sympathies to his family.

I raise again an issue that was raised on several occasions in this House about the changes to the lone parent payment. It is disgraceful that despite weeks of calls by Senators on this side of the House, the Minister has not been able to come in to justify this change.