Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I offer the Cathaoirleach my deepest apologies for forcing him to adjourn this House last night. During my time here, he has more than facilitated me in providing me with speaking time and treating me with the level of fairness that, unfortunately, has not come from everybody in this House. I thank him for that. I realise that unlike the rest of us here, the Cathaoirleach is constrained in what he can say and do but will face the same electorate as the rest of us. I am deeply grateful to him for the respect he has shown me in this House.

I second Senator Crown's amendment to the Order of Business. Could the Leader ask the Taoiseach to ensure that when he calls the election, polling day is a day that suits the young people of Ireland, students who are hundreds of miles away from home? Either colleges should close or voting should be on a Saturday.

I have been asked by Councillor Joe Bonner to thank Senator Byrne for raising a particular matter this morning. It concerned environmental issues, particularly in County Meath. The Senator made it perfectly clear that he was very unhappy with the answers he received this morning. Councillor Bonner asked me to tell the Senator that there is another public meeting tonight to which he is invited.