It certainly was.

I note the comments of Senator Paul Coghlan on an exchange between two judges in a certain family law case covered in the newspapers. Judges are independent in the conduct of any court case, including any ruling, as they are in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. It is crucial in the functioning of our democracy that each of the vital institutions of State show due respect for the roles played by each other and avoid entering into areas that go beyond constitutional propriety. I have no wish to comment further on that matter.

Senators Jim D'Arcy and Susan O'Keeffe referred to the single parent tax credit and the amendment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, proposes to make in the Finance Bill which I am sure will be welcomed by many.