Order of Business
The Cathaoirleach welcomed Mary Murray to the Gallery, and the Leader set out the day's business. Members reciprocated the tribute before the formal agenda was announced.
Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business, it is my great pleasure and privilege, on my own behalf and all of our behalf, to welcome Mary Murray to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. For more than 19 years she has been taking care of all of us here in Leinster House. As you all know, she is a wonderful supporter of sport and, in particular, the red and green of Mayo, the green and white of Celtic and other teams. For 19 years, Mary has been a regular part of the Oireachtas, in the coffee dock, the self-service and the restaurant. She is always in good form. She always looks after us regarding our dietary requirements and gives us advice about what we should and should not eat. Also, she is a wonderful person. She is very caring and I have always found her to be immensely charming. She was very nurturing of all of us when we were new Members of the Houses. She has looked after us. She is joined by John Walsh, who is our catering manager. I know Mary is a big fan of Enda Kenny. She wants Mayo for Sam before she finishes. I wish her a happy retirement. I thank her for all her work, service, good humour and smiles. We will miss her. On my own behalf and on behalf of all of us in Seanad Éireann, míle buíochas.
I welcome guests of Senator Byrne, Emma Johnson, Yvonne Dempsey and Michelle Kennedy, who are here from the north Wexford school bus group. They are very welcome and I thank them for being here today.
Anois, an Ceannaire le do thoil.
Comment on this
I thank the Cathaoirleach. I wish Mary every good success in the next chapter of her journey. She has been a lovely, friendly face from Mayo in the canteen for many years.
The Order of Business is No. 1, Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency Bill 2023 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 2.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 2, Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill 2022 - Second Stage, to be taken at 2.15 p.m. and to conclude at 4.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, those of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes and time may be shared, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 122, motion 8, Private Members’ business, regarding artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, to be taken at 4.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.