Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before I call on the Minister of State I would like to welcome the pupils of Carrabane National School in Galway. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy their day in the Seanad. We are currently taking Commencement matters. Senators submit various topics for debate and four are chosen. The relevant Minister or Minister of State comes in and responds. The Senator raising the matter has a four-minute slot in which to do so. In this case, it is Senator Wall. The Senator has set out his issue. The Minister of State will now have four minutes for his response. After that, there will be two one-minute slots for the Senator and the Minister of State, respectively. Commencement matters are taken every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We are in the process of a dealing with these matters, hence there are not too many people here. However, the Oireachtas is a busy place. There is a great deal of activity and many committee meetings are ongoing in different rooms within the Houses. Our guests are welcome. I hope they enjoy their day.