Order of Business
The Leader outlined the day's legislative schedule. Senator Leyden then marked the RMS Leinster commemoration and welcomed former TD Joe Callanan to the House.
The Order of Business is No. 1, Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2018 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 a.m. and adjourned not later than 2.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each; No. 2, Markets in Financial Instruments Bill 2018 - Second Stage, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and adjourned not later than 3.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each; No. 3 Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Bill 2018 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and adjourned not later than 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each; No. 4, Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 5.30 p.m.; and No. 5, Private Members' business, Mental Health (Capacity to Consent to Treatment) Bill 2018 - Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 4, with the time allocated for the debate not to exceed two hours.
In line with the agreement of the House yesterday, I propose that we stand for a minute's silence to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of the RMS Leinster. The Dáil did so earlier this morning and we agreed yesterday that we would do so this morning at 11.30 a.m.
Comment on this
I commend the Cathaoirleach and the Leader of the House for organising the minute's silence in memory of those who lost their lives 100 years ago today. It was a terrible tragedy just one month before the end of the First World War, a terrible and tragic war.
I take the opportunity to welcome to the House Mr. Joe Callanan, who was a Deputy from 2002 to 2007. He is from Kilconnell in east County Galway. He spent 21 years as a councillor and was a very active member of the Western Health Board. He is a nephew of Johnny Callanan, who was also a great Deputy. I welcome Joe back to the Oireachtas. He does not come very often, but he is very welcome. I am sure we all join in that welcome.