Before calling on the Acting Leader to outline the business for the day, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, all the way from Louisiana, Pat and Mabyn Shingleton. Pat has had a distinguished career, in which we in Ireland will be very interested. He was the weather forecast man for nearly 40 years at WBRZ in Baton Rouge. In Ireland, there is nothing more fascinating than the weather. If we add politics to it, things get even more exciting.
Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad
It is very humid at the moment.
Slightly. In advance of Pat's visit, I received a letter from the Governor of Louisiana telling me that Pat was coming and all about his great work, along with Mabyn and his team, on the Wearin' of the Green St. Patrick's Day parade, which he has organised for more than four decades. It is a hugely successful event, with a waiting list of people looking to participate.
On top of all that, Pat's Fill a Prescription for the Needy charity looks after people who need medical care. He also started a charity, Pat's Coats for Kids, to provide people in Louisiana with warm coats in the winter. He is much more than a weatherman. We welcome Pat, along with his wife, two children and four grandchildren, to Seanad Éireann. We thank him for all his work. Not only did the Governor of Louisiana send me a letter in advance of his visit but so, too, did the Lieutenant Governor. Pat and Mabyn are most welcome to the Seanad. I thank them for being here.