Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Cathaoirleach mentioned the Lithuanian community in Ireland. I eat a lot of fish and the man who looks after my fish is a lovely Lithuanian man. If I have a problem I ring him and he makes sure he has fresh cod, hake or whatever is on the menu. Even though the fishmonger is Lithuanian, the fish are Irish. I wish the ambassador well. There are long-standing good relations with his country and I am sure they will continue.

I rise on three issues. I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on an excellent occasion yesterday. It was historic and extremely well done and I was glad to be a part of the event. It does great credit to the Cathaoirleach; to his guest Senator Norris, the father of the House; and to former President Mary Robinson. It was well choreographed, I enjoyed it and it was a significant acknowledgement of the role of the Seanad. It was appropriate and auspicious. Well done to the Cathaoirleach.

This week is Epilepsy Ireland week. I have declared my relationship with that medical condition. I acknowledge that to the House and ask the Acting Leader to arrange a short debate of an hour or an hour and a half on the issue. We should realise there are 40,000 known epileptics in Ireland. It is believed the real amount could be closer to 100,000. It is an unusual condition because it can creep up on the least expected occasion, as I know. It is worth debating and I would like that debate to happen.

I acknowledge and pay respect to the former President, Mary Robinson, with regard to a matter she raised yesterday with the Cathaoirleach as one the Seanad could deal with. That is the area of climate change. It is a burning question, as we all realise. I have grandchildren and would love that they would see in 30 or 40 years' time, when I am in a different situation, that we have looked after our planet and climate. We are making moves in the right direction but, as the former President said, the Seanad, through the Cathaoirleach's leadership, can play a greater role in the area of climate change. We ignore it at our peril. We see it in the waters, seas, land, changing climates, etc. I would like us to create an impetus on it. Eight years' time is too late. The clock is ticking and, unfortunately, we are running out of time.