Before the business of the Seanad is entered on, I desire to make a personal explanation. I see that in the Official Report of the Debates of our last meeting I am put down as using the word "rubbish" during the course of a speech made by Senator Johnson. I should like to say that in using the word I had no intention of being insulting. It is a word that one uses so easily in ordinary life, and I did not realise that its use is inadmissible in public debate. As I understand it is an unparliamentary word to use, I desire to withdraw it and to express my regret to Senator Johnson.
Personal Explanation.
I accept the withdrawal most unreservedly, and hope that nothing more will be thought or heard of the incident.