Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with the expressions of sympathy on the death of former Senator Paul Coghlan. He was a gentleman who I had known for many years before I met him in this House in 2016. He was a very welcoming man who was very kind and friendly. He touched the lives of many people. He was always there to lend a hand and give advice down through the years. He will be sadly missed by all and I extend my sympathies to the Coghlan family.

The issue of the leaving certificate maths paper was raised by Senators Lombard and McDowell. I join with them in expressing my concerns not only about the leaving certificate but also about the junior certificate. I do not know how many distraught students and parents contacted me over the weekend. One student sent me a text over the weekend asking whether there was any hope the State Examinations Commission could be brought before the Oireachtas committee. This is how stressed this person is about it. This is a H1 leaving certificate student, who is very upset about it. This student has never been so stressed about anything. I hope the that bell curve we all hear about will be kind to people. Students having this stress in the middle of their exams is not acceptable.

There were legal objections to, and a judicial review of, the furthering of the Limerick to Foynes road with the bypass of Adare. The objections were withdrawn in recent days. This is very welcome news. Not only does Adare need a bypass but the Limerick to Foynes road has become very busy with tourists coming through the port. The road is much needed and it is welcome news.