Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate you, a Chathaoirligh, and wish you well in your term. I have no doubt but that you have the experience and the knowledge to do a wonderful job. I also welcome the new Members of the House and wish them well. I have no doubt at all but that this will be a very good Seanad. I congratulate Senator Hackett on her elevation to Minister of State with responsibility for agriculture and wish her well. She is the first person to be so elevated in this House in nearly 40 years.

I know full well why the House made the decision not to take Commencement matters until the end of July but I ask the Leader to have another look at this issue. Perhaps we could have Commencement matters with written replies. I think that could be facilitated. Commencement matters are a very important tool for Members of this House, and I ask the Leader to take on board my suggestion. The Cathaoirleach could announce at some stage during the day, after the Order of Business or whenever else, which Commencement matters he has picked.