I welcome the Minister of State and congratulate him on his most deserved appointment. He started his career in national politics in this House and I had the honour of serving with him. I feel a sense of pride when anyone who is blooded in this House is promoted. I am delighted with the promotion and wish him every success in his political career.
Business of Seanad.
I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, to the House. Warm tributes were paid to him on the Order of Business from Government, Fine Gael, Labour and Independent Senators. He served in this House in a most distinguished manner. We are pleased that his first speaking function is in Seanad Éireann.
I join in welcoming the Minister of State to a House that is familiar to him as he started his national political career here. I wish him luck in his first ministry. He is following in the footsteps of former Taoisigh and Ministers but I have no doubt he will do so without difficulty. The Department of Education and Science, and those who depend on it for adult and community education and youth affairs, will be much richer for this appointment.