I welcome pupils and teachers from Killina Presentation Secondary School in County Offaly. Thank you for being here. As it is the unwritten rule of Seanad Éireann, you all get off homework for the rest of the week and, as I always say, you should have come on Monday or Tuesday. So for the rest of the week no homework and like a good politician, I will extend it to next week as well and the week after, if we can stretch it.

Senator Alice Mary Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 8 be taken before No. 1". It has been seconded by Senator Maria Sherlock. The Deputy Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment.