Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I bring Senator Carrigy back in - I will give him another moment to gather his thoughts - I welcome a group to the Public Gallery in the Seanad today. It is great to have them with us to see how our questioning and democracy works in the Seanad. What is ongoing here is called a Commencement matter. Senator Carrigy is passionate about funding for local authorities, including his home local authority, namely, Longford County Council. He is advocating for increased funding with the Minister of State at the Department of housing and local government, who has responsibility in this area, and the Minister of State is replying to him. Senator Carrigy will now respond to what the Minister of State has said and the Minister of State will get the last word. It is great to have the group here.

I note that we do not have copies of the Minister of State's speech, which is highly unusual for the Minister of State, Deputy Dillion, to be fair. The Seanad Office needs a copy, if he does not mind ensuring one is provided.