Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo the concerns expressed by Senator McDowell concerning an Irish citizen, Richard O'Halloran, in China. There is a need for a broader debate around the relationship of Ireland and the European Union with China.

Speaking during a Commencement matter debate earlier, my colleague, Senator Fitzpatrick, rightly raised the need for urgency in reaching a decision on this year's leaving certificate. I echo her praise of the role of the Irish Second-Level Students Union in its advocacy on behalf of students. I follow what Senators Bacik and Moynihan said about the broader issue of the reopening of schools and ensuring that students are in a position to catch up. While many teachers and schools have been excellent in delivering remote learning, that has not been universal and we need to look at ways in which we can support students who are coming through.

I would like to move an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 10, the Defence (Restriction on Use of Certain Titles) Bill 2021, be taken before No. 1. The purpose of the Bill is to protect the use of the titles of "Defence Forces" and "Óglaigh na hÉireann" so that they can only refer to organisations that are linked to the Defence Forces and Óglaigh na hÉireann. While we are on the subject of the Defence Forces, I extend sympathies to the partner, family and friends of Private Mark Mahon of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, who sadly passed away at the weekend.He served this country with distinction on the UN mission in Lebanon. For him to lose his life so tragically is something that we should remember. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.