I join in the good wishes for Jimmy Walsh. With all of this morning's tributes, he is probably tempted to enter politics. He would win the popular vote among Senators. Jimmy is a thorough gentleman and a one-off. He has given outstanding service to democracy and journalism through his coverage of the activities of the Oireachtas in his long and illustrious career. I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement. As I did after yesterday afternoon's fine presentation and enjoyable function, I encourage him to write his book. I hope he does.

I join in the call for a debate on direct provision accommodation. An expensive system, it does not appear to serve well the people for whom it was designed. We need to investigate its merits or otherwise. I would hate it if an inquiry into why it failed people was ever necessary. I hope the Leader will find time in the next session to facilitate that debate.

Before I call the Leader, I wish to pay a brief tribute to Jimmy Walsh. I have known him for a long time, as I have been in the Houses for approximately 18 years. I have become a friend of his. We have often exchanged ideas and so on. I am unsure as to whether he would see fit to accept a nomination to the House. If he did, he might find himself the lily among the briars.

Jimmy is the type of journalist that never played the man. From my knowledge of him and from reading his articles, he always played the ball and was fair. Many young and not-so-young journalists would do well to study and emulate what he has achieved. His contribution to journalism and his adherence to high standards, fairness and decency stick out strongly. Low standards in journalism are as pathetic and as damaging and demeaning to society as they are in politics, for which we are often criticised.

I consider Jimmy to be a gentleman, a scholar and a good judge of whiskey. I wish him many more laps of Marley Park and a happy retirement. I hope that when he retires from journalism, he will occupy himself by writing a book and returning to Leinster House sometime when the straitjacket of his work is not upon him so that some of the Senators who have known him for a long time can spend a social occasion with him, perhaps a meal.

Good idea. Well said.

That is merely a suggestion. With those few words, I wish Jimmy the very best in his retirement. I am quite certain that we will meet again. Our paths will cross. I sometimes walk in Marley Park but I do not think I could keep up with him.

I now ask the Leader to conclude this very lengthy Order of Business but a deserving one on the occasion of the retirement of our journalist friend, Mr. Jimmy Walsh.