Paraic Brady (Fine Gael)

I, too, would like to be associated with all the good remarks said about the Irish soccer team. I grew up in the Jack Charlton era and recall early mornings and late night socialising and celebrations. I recall the buzz that was around the Irish team and especially how their efforts brought together communities, a country and a nation. The Irish team also brought our diaspora across the water together because everywhere we went everybody loved the Irish. We grew, as a nation, through sport. I wish the Irish teams - management and players - success in everything they do in the future. Let us hope that we will see America again to compete in the World Cup.

It would be remiss of me to not personally thank the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe. Since I was elected, Paschal Donohoe took all the newbie Senators under his wing. He has been very approachable and he took the time to sit down and have a chat, which I found remarkable. I have always looked up to him from his time as Minister for Finance when we went through tough times on the buildings, and I was one of those workers who went through it, and we saw what he did for this country at that time. I wish him and his family well in his new move.

Finally, last week Councillor Danny Byrne at his council's meeting raised the issue of e-scooters. I do think we need a debate on e-scooters in this House. I have travelled in and out of Dublin on a number of occasions and witnessed the disrespect that some of the riders of e-scooters show for traffic is remarkable. Unfortunately, we will see a few deaths on the roads if legislation is not brought in regarding the speed limit for scooters and where they can travel. I have seen people on e-scooters weave between middle, outside and inside lanes and we need discussion in this House in that regard.