Liam O Flynn and rugby
The Cathaoirleach associated himself with tributes to Liam O’Flynn and congratulated the rugby team on its Twickenham victory. He also mentioned Tadhg Furlong’s west Cork connection before the Leader responded.
Before I call on the Leader, I wish to be associated with two things, the first being the remarks made about the great Liam O'Flynn. He was a great musician but he was also an artist.
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I also wish to acknowledge and congratulate the Irish rugby players on their great victory in Twickenham. I have attended matches in Twickenham a good few times but, unfortunately, the result mostly went the wrong way. The people of west Cork have a huge claim to Tadhg Furlong who wore the No. 3 jersey because his mother comes from Whiddy Island. The people of west Cork are very proud of him. His number one supporter is his grandmother, Mrs. Noreen O'Leary, who still lives on Whiddy Island. She is a lovely lady and I have often had the good fortune to visit her house for a cup of tea. When I go to these matches, although it is not often, I always claim that a man from Bantry or Whiddy Island - where only 20 people now reside - is on the front row of the Irish team. His mother took up a teaching job in south Wexford and I am sure his father, James Furlong, will have a different claim. I have been very fortunate to have met him on a few occasions and they are lovely people. This was a great and uplifting occasion for the country. I felt that I had to make those remarks.
In terms of No. 5, Private Members' business, Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2016, can the Leader clarify whether the Order for Committee Stage and Committee Stage will be taken together?