Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. As I was looking at the long list of speakers, I did not see her come in. I apologise. It is always great to see the senior Minister in the Seanad. Senators greatly appreciate that.

The Minister will have eight minutes to address the House. Group spokespersons will have ten minutes and all other Senators will have three minutes. I will call the Minister to reply not later than 5.38 p.m. The statements are to conclude at 5.45 p.m. I ask that people respect the time. We are under a certain amount of pressure.

Minister, the floor is yours.