I am not sure if my colleagues are aware of this. I am glad to announce that our esteemed colleague, Senator Jimmy Harte, is making great progress and has regained consciousness, which is great news. He is still in hospital. I wish him further success and I hope he will be back with us and back home in the not too distant future. It is great news.

I also welcome the incoming secretary general of ICTU, Ms Patricia King. I acknowledge her contribution to trade unionism over many years. As was stated here last week, she is its first lady secretary general and I wish her every success. I also congratulate the outgoing secretary general, Mr. David Begg, and acknowledge his contribution to the trade union movement over many years.

Hear, hear.

I wish to be associated with those remarks.