It is a major loss.

I cast my mind back to the establishment of a number of radio stations, aided and abetted by the former Minister, Ray Burke. We know what happened there.

The Civil War ended in 1923.

On the subject of spin units, the Fianna Fáil Party, which was in government for a while, had a particular unit-----

They had a one-man spin unit, namely, P. J. Mara.

They had a couple, actually.

You guys had an awful lot more spin doctors than we ever had.

I know Senator Clifford-Lee is trying to assert herself here but it is important to listen as well.

That is not good language.

It is very gendered language. I take exception-----

How is it gendered language?

It is very misogynistic language. I take exception to misogynistic language used in my direction.

That is rubbish. Absolute tripe.

Senator Clifford-Lee has used that phrase in the House a couple of times.

I will continue to call out misogynistic language.

I can assure the Senator-----

That is nonsense.

Please allow the Leader to conclude.

If Senator Clifford-Lee wants to throw things at me that is fair enough, but one thing she cannot accuse me of is that. I have never done that.

The Leader is obviously not aware of-----

Senator Clifford-Lee asserts herself all over the constituency where she works-----

I am the expert and I exonerate the Leader.

-----and she is an example and an inspiration to women in this country.

If there are more interruptions I will suspend the House for 30 minutes.

I have never made an untoward comment like that in this House and nor do I ever intend to.

The Leader is quite right.

I ask Senators to direct their comments through the Chair.

I am disappointed with the remarks of Senator Clifford-Lee because, in my time as Leader of the House, I have worked with colleagues on the Opposition benches, including the Independent benches, to bring people together rather than divide.

Would the Leader have said it if it was a man who was sitting where I am?

Of course he would. He is neutral.

Senator Norris is collaborating with him now.

I really object to this. I do not do personal attacks and I am never personal in anything I do or say as Leader or as a politician. I am never personal in here. Senator Clifford-Lee's remark was very disappointing.

If Senators do not allow the Leader to conclude, I will suspend the House.

Senator Clifford-Lee's comment is very disappointing. I am never in this House-----

I am suspending the sitting for 15 minutes. What is going on here is nonsense.

I ask the Leader to conclude the Order of Business.

I am disappointed at the remarks of Senator Clifford-Lee. I am definitely not misogynistic and I ask her to withdraw the remark.

I will not withdraw my remark and I am disappointed by the Leader's comments.

The fault is not on the side of my colleague but on that of the Leader. He should withdraw his comments and I recommend strongly that he do so.

If this is going to continue I will put the question on the Order of Business.

She is damaging the cause of women. She should withdraw her remark.

I cannot take interruptions. Otherwise, I am entitled as Cathaoirleach to put the question and forget about continuing the debate.

It is a point of integrity.

That weighs both ways.

I am not misogynistic, and I will stand up for myself on all occasions.

She should withdraw that remark.

I am very upset. I enjoy the rough and tumble of politics but I have never in my 12 years in the Oireachtas been personal or made personal charges against people. I make a political charge and the Members of the House will vouch for that. I am very disappointed.

It is clear the Leader is not even-----

She should withdraw the remark.

I can assure Senator Clifford-Lee that I have known members of her party for more than 30 years and we have never once had a cross word on a personal level. I work with Members every day. I compromise and work with people. I engage in the banter of political life but I never get personal. I am very disappointed and most upset-----

Would the Leader say it if there was a man sitting in this seat trying to assert himself?

Withdraw the remark.

Withdraw the remark.

Do the decent thing.

Let him withdraw the remark he made against me.

Senator Leyden raised the issue that was raised yesterday by Senator Nash. The Revenue Commissioners are updating their concessionary flat rate expenses practice. It is a review. Despite the comments of Senator Leyden, the fourth estate does not govern the country. Policy is set by the Government. The Revenue Commissioners are independent of the Government and they are in charge of the tax code. As I said yesterday, the changes outlined will also allow workers to be able to claim where they were unable to do so in the past.

Senator Devine raised the important issue of air pollution.