The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the appointment of the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; and No. 2, Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3.15 p.m. The proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7.30 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the lovely words he said about our colleague and friend, Mary O'Rourke. She was a formidable lady, a wonderful person and was great craic. She had a strong conviction about politics and the need to do good within our own communities and within any role in parliament or at local authority level. Most of all she was a people's person. She had a great interest and insight into people and that was always very clear. The support she gave particularly female Fianna Fáil candidates was very strong. To bear witness to the lovely tributes over the past few days but particularly from her two beloved sons Aengus and Feargal yesterday was really something else. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

There are a few items I wish to raise. First, we had a presentation in the audiovisual room this morning from the National Women's Council regarding sex-for-rent exploitation.

This was a report by the National Women's Council, NWC, on where vulnerable women and vulnerable young men have been preyed upon. It is far more widespread than we would have thought. However, it is clear that we need legislation to make this illegal because it is actually not illegal at this time. I look forward to working with the NWC to ensure that we bring in the appropriate legislation.

Today is also World Dyslexia Awareness day. It is important to raise awareness of the issues facing those with dyslexia. One particular issue that has been raised with me, and I am sure with many others, is school exams. I certainly support the call in terms of introducing extra time for second level exams for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties. The lack of appropriate time is a disadvantage and barrier for dyslexic students in second level exams. We need to do everything we can to support them.

There is a local issue I wish to raise that I could not raise on the Order of Business, not in any way due to the Cathaoirleach. I am referring to O'Modhráin Hall in Newbridge. This was a vibrant and thriving community and arts centre for the people in Newbridge. Sadly, it fell into disrepair. Ten years ago Kildare County Council was on the point of buying it as a youth centre for young people. At the last minute, new trustees came on board, sold the hall and are now saying that the proceeds of €213,000 will go to Conradh na Gaeilge. My point is that Conradh na Gaeilge does a lot of excellent work but it is a national organisation. That money should be spent in Newbridge. Ms Orla O'Neill, the daughter of one of the original trustees, has made an excellent suggestion that this should go to Crooked House, a Youth Theatre. I fully support that. I have written to the Charities Regulator to ensure that would be the case. I would like the support of the Seanad on that.

I join with the Cathaoirleach and Senator O'Loughlin in paying tribute to the late Mary O'Rourke. Mary O'Rourke was humorous, witty, personable and formidable. One of my first public encounters with her was when I and the late Senator Mary Jackman - herself a highly intelligent, formidable woman - many moons ago decided to trip up Mary O'Rourke on a section of an education Bill she was putting forward here in the Seanad. We went in maybe slightly unprepared but, prepared or otherwise, we went in full of gusto. Both of us made what we thought were good contributions. However, by the time Mary O'Rourke had replied to the two of us, we left very chastened. Despite that initial encounter I developed a great rapport with her over the years afterwards. She was a lovely woman, there is no question about that. She was a trailblazer for women. She held multiple ministries. She was, as Senator O'Loughlin said, very concerned about "ordinary people": I put that in inverted commas as there is no such thing as an ordinary person. She was concerned about people and made a significant difference to so many. She had a wonderful career. Her family can be proud of her and her career. They can be inspired by her memory. Indeed she provides an inspiration to all of us on how to do public service. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

In the brief time I have left, I request again that we have a debate on the Middle East. Previously, on the very first day we came back, I urged the Leader, Senator Chambers, to have the Tánaiste come to the House at some point. I am renewing that request. I have been approached, no later than yesterday evening, by Army families. We have a lot of Army personnel up my way. I said to a few of them, "Have you somebody out there?" Even if they do not, they tell me the entirety of Army families are very exercised, upset and concerned for the people who are at risk out there. In particular, 35 of our UNIFIL personnel, in what they call a bunker and a special post, would be very close to the fighting. I would like an update from the Tánaiste on his conversations internationally on that question as to where we are at.

The safety of those wonderful patriots is of great concern to all of us.

The entire Middle East situation is getting worse by the day. There is no solution other than peace and talks. Too many lives have been lost. All that Israel is achieving is a new generation of Hamas and Hezbollah, and a renewal of the whole thing. It is time we sat down at the conference table.