Before I call the Deputy Leader to announce the business of the day, as Senators know, our colleague and friend Mr. Tom Hickey, deputy head usher, is retiring today. He is going to be joining us. In fact, he is here, right on cue as always.

As Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and in my own personal capacity, I welcome Tom to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery today. I pay tribute to him and thank him most sincerely for his dedicated service of more than 23 years to the Oireachtas. Those of us who have served in the House for a long time will know that Tom has been one of the gentlemen of Leinster House. He is always courteous to Members, staff and visitors. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty on many different occasions to ensure that the Houses of the Oireachtas run smoothly and efficiently. When he joined us back in 2001 as an usher, he was promoted to team leader and then became deputy head usher in 2012. To me, he has been a great, shining light of the Oireachtas, as well as being a very proud member of the Oireachtas rugby team. He led the team to the Rugby World Cup in Paris this year.

I wish Tom, Lorraine and their family, a very happy and health retirement, and the very best of luck. Gabhaim míle buíochas leis.

I now ask the Deputy Leader to outline the business for today.

It is younger people are retiring these days. I wish Tom every happiness and continued joy as he retires. All of our staff who work around here, particularly our ushers, are consummate professionals. Tom's kindness and wisdom during my time here has been hugely beneficial. I want to genuinely thank Tom for everything he has done for me, on behalf my Fine Gael colleagues and indeed all of us.

The Order of Business today is No. 2, Appropriation Bill 2023 - all Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 75 minutes by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall in relation to all amendments include only those set down or accepted by the Government, with the opening contribution of the Minister at the debate on Second Stage not to exceed six minutes, all Senators not to exceed six minutes, and the Minister to be given five minutes to reply to the debate; No. 3, motion regarding the early signature of the Appropriation Bill 2023, to taken on the conclusion of No. 3 without debate; No. 4, the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 3, whichever is later, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes and that time may be shared, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and that time may be shared, and the Minister with no less than ten minutes to reply.