Why it is always when it is my turn to speak that this carry-on breaks out?

The Senator brings out the best in us.

The Senator should not get emotional.

I promise not to today. I am composed.

The Senator is entitled to be emotional.

That is the woman in me - that is the female side of me.

I thank the Senators from all parties who came to me yesterday and showed such compassion and support following my revelation in the Seanad yesterday. I met Senator Walsh in private and we had a discussion. Senator Walsh and others are entitled to their point of view. I will listen to their point of view and respect it. However, I had an issue with the way they were putting their point of view across. I thank all Senators because the debate took a turn after that and it was carried out in a dignified and sensitive manner. That is all I will say on that matter.

Senator Mooney is right in talking about a crisis of unemployment in the country that we are working hard to try to resolve. Governments do not make jobs but put in place incentives to create jobs. That is what we are continuing to do. Yesterday the Minister for Social Protection, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach launched Pathways to Work. We are doing our best to put in place incentives for the employers to help people get back to work. I welcome the initiative.

I welcome the increase in the uptake of science and maths courses in college - something we have all been looking for in recent years.