Last weekend, the Association of Irish Musical Societies held its annual awards ceremony. We know the positive impact active musical societies make in all our communities. I pay particular tribute to the winners of the overall show, namely, Gorey Musical Society.

How much did that cost you?

The best of all is here.

Gorey Musical Society is my hometown musical society. It has had a number of successes over the years and has won a number of awards. We should recognise musical societies all over the country for the contribution they make. It was also appropriate that the winner of the best musical director award was Fintan Cleary of the Wexford Light Opera Society. Mr. Cleary has sadly passed away since being nominated. It was an appropriate recognition of his contribution to music and theatre life in County Wexford. He was a great friend to me and many others in the area, and to recognise him in that way was appropriate.

I echo Senator Craughwell's concerns. Senator Conway looks worried when we raise some of these issues, but I have a concern about some of the remarks that were made about Professor Louise Richardson. I have had the pleasure of meeting her. She has made an enormous contribution to education on these islands and across the Atlantic. The way in which the President quite frankly insulted her was not acceptable.

Hear, hear.

There were some throwaway references to admirals. I do not see any admirals speaking on the programme.

Tá an t-am beagnach thart.

It is important that we respect the office of the President. If, however, the President oversteps with his remarks, he deserves to be criticised.