Before I call on the Leader to announced the Order of Business, I join everyone in expressing our sadness and sympathy on the death last week of our former colleague and friend, Michael D'Arcy Snr., former Member of this House, TD, Minister of State, and county and town councillor. Michael was a native of Annagh, Gorey, County Wexford and had a long and distinguished career in local and national politics serving the people of Wexford.

He began his political career in 1958 when he served on Wexford County Council having been co-opted to the position following the death of his father, Timothy. He served on Wexford County Council for many years after that. In June 1977 he was elected to the 21st Dáil which marked the commencement of a distinguished career in national politics. He was a proud Wexford man and member of Fine Gael but he was, in particular, a huge advocate and supporter of rural Ireland and of farmers, of which he was one. He loved people and was very committed to politics and was renowned and known for his hard work, honourable and committed public service and representation, for his people, his county and his country.

In 1981, he was appointed Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture by the then Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald and again, in 1982, he was appointed Minister of State in the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and at the Department of Gaeltacht. He served in the 20th Seanad from 1983 to 1987 on the agricultural panel and was returned to Dáil Éireann in 1987, representing his county of Wexford, up to 2002. He served as a member of Gorey Town Council and, indeed, chaired its last meeting in 2014.

Michael D’Arcy Snr. leaves behind an outstanding legacy of public service to the people of Wexford, a tradition that was carried on from his father and was subsequently carried on by his son, Michael Jnr., who also served in this House as well as Dáil Éireann during his political career.

As well as a remarkable career in politics, he was a loyal member of Kilanerin Ballyfad GAA club throughout his life. As well as being a playing member of the club, he also served as club president and chairperson.

On my own behalf and on behalf of all of us in this House, I extend our sympathies and thoughts to his family and to his wife, Marie; his children, Jude, Michael, Liam and the late Shirley; his siblings Peggy, Emily, Nora, Frank; and his late brother, Jim. My sympathies also go out to his extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. In due course, we will hold a tribute to him in the House. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I concur with the sympathy that have been expressed by the Cathaoirleach to the D'Arcy family. We will move an expression of sympathy at the end of Order of Business.

The Order of Business today, Wednesday 8 May, is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2024, back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Private Members' business, Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023 – Committee Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 3, Research and Innovation Bill 2024 [Dáil] – Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 7.30 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I support the Order of Business. May I also, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, extend our deepest sympathies to the D'Arcy family on the passing of Mr. Michael D'Arcy Snr.

First, I wish to do a shout-out to fellow hay fever sufferers. It always creeps up and, nearly unexpectedly, catches. At the moment, I am taking every antihistamine known to man. I stopped off this morning to get a herbal concoction from Paul O'Connor from the herb shop in Eyre Street, Newbridge. If that works, I will do a little sideline in here in terms of selling it on.

On the way in, I note that there was another march for Palestine. When I finish with the Order of Business, I will be joining those who are there. It is really important. I know there is a call for an emergency European Council meeting to discuss the latest military invasion of the Rafah crossing and the cutting off of two vital, urgent entry points of aid. Again, we need a firm international response. Ireland and Spain have really been very strong leaders in all of this but we absolutely need to have that urgent European Council meeting. It is important that we support it.

I understand today is the first advance care plan day, which is an opportunity for families to have those discussions. It supports people to think ahead about what is most important to them and how they live their lives up to the time they pass, but it is also about putting legal directives in place to make sure that people have wills, etc., in place. It is important we take the time to consider those difficult and sensitive situations. I was pleased to be a member of the joint committee that examined the whole area of assisted dying. Recommendations have been made. It is a very sensitive and emotive subject and I acknowledge that the Government probably will not have the time or space to deal with those recommendations, but because it is the first advance care plan day, I just wish to say that it is important that we encourage family members, neighbours and even constituents to think about all of those important issues.

I wish to raise the issue of the primary medical certificate, which is a document that confirms that a person is severely and permanently disabled. It is far too onerous. The fact that someone has to lose the use of both arms or both legs to avail of it is really wrong. It is beyond time this was reviewed. It is important that we look to have the Minister to come here to discuss that.