Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Cathaoirleach ruled on Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell’s point. The only contribution I will make is to side with the Cathaoirleach in that the language we use in this Chamber in particular should always be parliamentary and such that we should not be afraid to use it outside here. I concur with the Cathaoirleach in that.

Senator Warfield raised a very important matter. I did not read The Sunday Business Postbut I join with him in commending Michael Barron. I have known him for several years, as Senator Warfield does, and have always found him to be an exemplary citizen who has been very active in bringing good social change to our country. I did not know that the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, had exonerated them and I am delighted at that. I very much regret that Equate has to close down because it was doing great work. I fully subscribe to the sentiments Senator Warfield expressed here. I would be happy to invite the new Minister for Education and Skills to the House to discuss the matter.

On a sad note, on behalf of the Fine Gael Party and the House, I extend sympathy to the family of the late Margaret Brady who was a member of staff here in the House for many years and she passed away this morning. Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.