I wish the Senator well and welcome him and his new-found enthusiasm for septic tanks on board. I hope he will continue to follow in the footsteps of the Fianna Fáil Party in protecting those who are financially impoverished. I welcome much of what he said on this issue.

I am sure Senator Diarmuid Wilson and I speak for all sides in complimenting President Higgins and his wife, Sabina, on their extraordinary performance in the first couple of days of their visit to Britain which will continue until tomorrow. Their visit has given a morale boost to Irish people in Britain and at home. I also compliment Senator Paul Coghlan who represented the Seanad yesterday. I presume he was in the Long Gallery listening to the President's speech. I had the pleasure of listening to the former Taoiseach, Mr. Ahern, when he spoke there. Incidentally, he did not give me a ticket, which I obtained through my contacts in the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. The then Taoiseach was not one bit concerned whether I was present.

He did not have to give the Senator a dig-out.

I found it to be an historic occasion and I am sure Senator Paul Coghlan enjoyed the occasion yesterday. President Higgins lifted the morale of the Diaspora, including the Irish in Britain, and those of us who are at home. I pay particular tribute to the President's wife, Sabina, who has done an extraordinary job in promoting Irish fashion. Sometimes the consort is left to one side in these circumstances, but it should be placed on record that she has promoted Irish fashion. I read yesterday in one of the newspapers that she has been meticulous in ensuring everything she wears is the best of Irish fashion. It is a wonderful tribute to the President and his wife. They have done a great job for Ireland and fair play to them.