I welcome today's announcement from the Minister, Deputy Harris, on what is the deadline day for the CAO process, of a major expansion in courses outside the CAO process. We all know the stresses. I am sure the Deputy Leader knows as a parent, as do others who have gone through the process, that the CAO points system places stresses on pupils, parents and their wider families.

Today the Minister, Deputy Harris, has announced a major expansion in degree courses outside of the CAO process. Last year he launched the first degree courses outside the points system. Today, they are doubling the offering for students, so there are alternatives to the points race. These courses offer an alternative to the CAO system. They are aimed at ensuring points do not determine educational choices or career opportunities. It is important that young people note that more than 40 courses will be available in 2024. The Minister wishes to advise young people that after school they can consider options to be a nurse or engineer or work in ICT or construction without worrying about their points. As I have said, the courses include business, nursing, engineering, music, sound production and software development. This is the second year of programmes and we continue to learn from the roll-out and delivery of third-level courses. In the western region, through the Atlantic Technological University, Galway and Roscommon ETB, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB and Donegal ETB, we have courses in science, industrial laboratory science, engineering, sustainable engineering technologies, business and general nursing. This is a very welcome endeavour and initiative by the Minister, Deputy Harris. We should invite him to the House some time to update us on these exciting developments and initiatives and whatever plans he may have for further expansion of this in the years ahead.

Senator Kyne is looking for the Minister, Deputy Harris, to come to discuss this morning's welcome announcement. The announcement one year ago that the Minister was offering new routes for our young people to get third-level education outside of the CAO points system was welcome. The fact we are doubling the offering so quickly is a real intention to recognise that the CAO process is sometimes difficult. I have done it three times with three of my eldest children - two perfectly, and one completely messed up - and I do not think I am an unintelligent person. It is a difficult process to navigate, but it is wonderful we now have alternative choices for our young people to get degree courses they could not otherwise get through that system.

Senator Currie is looking for the Minister for Finance to come to have a debate and discussion with us about the welcome developments that have been seen on our screens and in the media in recent days with Stormont and Northern Ireland. There are some concerns coming out of the European Union this morning, so I think that debate will be welcome. I will ask the Minister to come talk to us.

Senators Wall, McGreehan and O'Loughlin opened with the fact that today is a wonderful day. It is St. Brigid's Day. I love that everybody claims ownership of St. Brigid. I think we all do. The primary school I went to as a child was called St. Brigid's school. We all feel we have some connection to and ownership of her. That is a wonderful example of a fierce and fearless lady who was so intent on peace. We can all recognise her wonderful attributes and want to have a bit of a connection. I wish everybody a happy St. Brigid's Day and it is lovely to see the sun shining on the first day of spring.

Senator Craughwell, in the way only he can, congratulated Antoinette Cunningham for 33 years of supreme service to the State in her career in An Garda Síochána. We did this previously when we spoke on Patricia King's retirement. We often talk about strong women in those kind of public sector union relations negotiations. Women do not have to be strong to be successful. They can be fearless and fierce at the same time. Sometimes we try to make women into something just because they have succeeded. Women can succeed; they can absolutely succeed. Antoinette Cunningham showed us that, but she is also a wonderful mother and a hugely compassionate human being. We can be all things. From all our perspectives, I wish her a happy retirement in next stage of her life and thank her for her service.

Senator Burke made a sensible request for the Ministers for public expenditure and reform and for finance to have a review of the BIK system, because it is aimed at getting people to do more and to be able to save more. At a time, in particular, when climate considerations should be at the forefront of all of our decisions, they clearly are not, given the system encourages people to have diesel cars and to do more miles so they can get more back from the State, which does not make any sense. A review would be welcome, and I will certainly ask for that. It is no problem.

Senator Boylan, much to my pleasure, has spoken about the public consultation to review and, I hope, make illegal the use of shock collars for puppies and dogs. It has been extended for a couple of weeks. The email address to which to make views known is animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie. The Senator is right. I am baffled by so-called dog and animal lovers who say it is not cruel to shock a baby dog, a puppy, for up to 11 seconds with a collar with metal protrusions with a voltage from 400 V up to 7,000 V, which the dog cannot get away from because it is around its neck, and that it is a positive thing with regard to training. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. I encourage all to make their views known, and I thank the Senator for raising that.

Senator Moynihan spoke about seeking new and long-overdue playing pitches in Dublin 8. She also brought to our attention a worrying note that the price of infant formula has increased significantly in recent years and that this has not been addressed specifically by the State. It is worrying that some mothers are forced to steal it to make sure they have enough for their babies, which is a chronic indictment, while mothers who do not have to reduce the formula and water it down. That is equally difficult for parents. I will certainly bring that to the attention of the Minister for Finance to see what we can do.

Senator Keogan has looked for a debate on the CA+ Convention. I will ask for that and organise it if I can. The Senator is right when she says that 70% of our legislation comes from the EU. It is something for all of us to think about with EU elections coming up in the next couple of months. We need to make sure the people we send to represent us actually do represent our views, and not think it is just some faraway place where nothing happens. It impacts us every day.

I wish the Deputy Leader luck on her selection.

I thank the Senator. Senator Conway spoke about the Wayfinding Centre, which is a lovely and wonderful initiative that was opened by Vision Ireland yesterday with the support of certain Departments. It allows people with mobility issues to access public modes of transport, to make sure they can navigate them and, if they cannot, for the State to learn why they cannot so we can make changes. It is really wonderful.

As I have said, Senator O'Loughlin opened today's proceedings by talking about the wonderful woman of peace, but also about our pause for peace today at 12 noon. It will happen in this Chamber and in the Dáil, and that is really reflective.

I also welcome the students from Navan, County Meath, this morning. They are very welcome. It is a lovely spring day and they should enjoy their tour around the Dáil and Seanad.