Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is imperative that we all continue to put the case for our country, as the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are doing. The Cathaoirleach commended Senator Leyden on his role. I am sure that he will continue to be the voice of reason, as will Senator O'Reilly and other Members of the House who travel and undertake European work.

I join Senator Conway in congratulating all involved in Thailand, particularly the gentleman, Mr. Jim Warny, from Clare via Belgium. It is important to acknowledge the tremendous role of those involved in the rescue. Equally, it is important to recognise that a diver's life was lost. I sympathise again with his family.

A number of Senators are concerned about the time for the Minister's speech during our statements on Palestine. I am happy to work with Members to ensure that his speech is not a lengthy tome. I will speak to them after the Order of Business if there is a concern. I am more than willing to increase the time for each Senator to eight minutes. I will revert to the House. A number of Senators raised this matter with me during the Order of Business, but they did not move a formal amendment.