Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to Eileen Leslie Greer, aged 98, who was presented with a medal and certificate by the British ambassador yesterday for her work in Bletchley Park in decoding German codes. She is a first class honours German graduate from TCD. We owe a lot of our freedoms to those who did work at Bletchley Park, especially in this jurisdiction.

I must express concern at an article by Eithne Shortall in The Sunday Timesto the effect that the National Gallery, behind us, will not be ready this year for the 1916 celebrations. It was supposed to be ready and there were prospects of a major increase in the budget for the project but it is coming in late. That should not have happened with a project that was to coincide with celebrating 1916.

I am concerned as to whether the same people will take hold of the Seanad and keep us out of this building when it comes to our turn to receive the attention of the construction industry. It is regrettable that the building behind us will not be ready as promised. The prospect of cost overruns is always there where the Irish construction sector is concerned and we may be next for the treatment. How long is it intended to keep us out of this debating Chamber? Do we have guarantees that the projects will be completed on time?