John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to raise an issue that is probably suitable for the Cathaoirleach as well as the Leader. It is about the expressions of sympathy for former Members. In the next couple of months we will be hitting the two-year mark of this Seanad term and for the last 18 months we have not been able to have expressions of sympathy. Such expressions are a very important day for the families of former Members who come in and spend the day here. We have not been able to have guests visit. When we consider where we are now with Covid compared to where we were just last year, it is much more feasible that expressions of sympathy take place. I would really appreciate it if we could outline a timeframe for when that might happen in 2022. A number of former Senators have passed away in the last 18 months but I am thinking especially of former Senator Terry Brennan from my own part of the world, County Louth. He passed away in June 2020. We are now 18 months on from that. My own family availed of it two or three years ago. It is a very special moment for families when Members speak about their family member who served in this House. I would really appreciate it if we could set out a timeline for when we will have expressions of sympathy for former Senator Terry Brennan, along with all the other former Members who have passed away in recent months.