I am delighted to have been invited to speak at Marriage Equality’s LGBT Parenting in Ireland conference. I would like to congratulate Marriage Equality on today’s event and on its multi- faceted campaign to highlight the situation and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families. Marriage Equality has consistently expanded our knowledge of the experiences of LGBT parents. What is more, it has put a useful spotlight on the experiences and wishes of their children.

Fine Gael Clare TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the re-opening of an Irish embassy to the Holy See. The move has been announced as part of the establishment of a number of new embassies and consulates to support trade and aid.

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Tuesday) warmly welcomed the Government’s decision to reopen the Irish embassy to the Holy See. Senator Coghlan was speaking during the Order of Business in the Seanad this afternoon.

The Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013, which I am introducing to Seanad Éireann today, will build on the improvements in safety on our roads which were achieved over the past decade, and introduce measures which will contribute to improved road safety in the years to come.

Michael Ring, Minister of State for Tourism & Sport has published the Heads of the Sport Ireland Bill following approval by the Government today.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has said that the new draft Rural Development Programme (RDP), as announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, is a great outcome for the agri-food sector. Deputy McEntee added that Minister Coveney has managed to secure €1 billion more in funding than had been expected.

Speaking at the Open Europe Conference for EU Reform, in London today, the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D., said that despite the challenges faced by the EU, the Union offers the best platform to our country to represent and advance our national interest.

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has welcomed the publication by the Irish Maritime Administration in his Department of a revised Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of Small Fishing Vessels (less than 15 metres length).

It is a great pleasure and a privilege for me to be able to join you here to share in this special day – the day you will be granted Irish citizenship, the first of our citizenship ceremonies in 2014. It is a very important day in the story of your life and it is also an important day for Ireland, as the host nation bestowing this honour on you.

Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture Michael Comiskey today (Monday), following the release of statistics by the CSO, indicating that less than 6% of farmers in Ireland are now under 35 years, highlighted measures of the reformed common agriculture programmes aimed at encouraging young farmers into the industry.