I join Senator Lombard in welcoming the Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Councillor David Maxwell, and his family to the Chamber.

Hear, hear.

I hope he has an enjoyable stay. I think it is more sheltered here than it is in Monaghan at the moment. In the event that Senator Lombard does not make it to the Lower House, he is spreading his wings in being re-elected to this Chamber.

Plan B.

I must spread my wings too and welcome David Maxwell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, to the Chamber and wish him well if he decides to run for the Seanad, provided he is not on the Labour Panel.

I congratulate our colleague, Senator Joan Freeman, on being nominated to contest the Presidential election. It is a great achievement for her. I wish the President, Michael D. Higgins, who is a former lecturer of mine, every success as well because he is an extraordinary, wonderful President. He taught me well. He taught me so well that I got into the Dáil before him, which was a great achievement, as I told him at the time.

You must have been a mature student.

It is never too late to learn.

The other people, who have been funded by the €160 licence fee, are Sean Gallagher, Gavin Duffy and Peter Casey. I do not know how we managed without them. I cannot figure that out. The last guy we funded was George Lee and he did not last too long. He was funded by RTÉ. I wonder how we will manage without "Dragons' Den".