A wide range of questions have been asked. I thank Senator Byrne for his comments, all of which I can assure him have been noted.

We do not hear that too often.

However, I am unable to accept his proposed amendment. Second Stage of the Bill will be taken today. Committee Stage will not be taken until further consultations have taken place. No meetings with interest groups have yet been scheduled. However, I am advised they will be arranged soon. For this reason, Committee Stage will be delayed. I hope that is helpful to the Senator.

I will refer the question on the pyrite issue to the Leader, who is sympathetic to the Senator's concerns in this regard. I am sure the Leader will deal with the matter on Tuesday and will facilitate the Senator in allowing time for such a debate rather than have Fianna Fáil arrange for such a debate during its Private Members' time.

I agree with Senator Hayden's comments in regard to the job announcements by Paddy Power and the Kerry Group, which are all welcome. I agree also, as I am sure do all Members of the House, that the President is doing us proud in enhancing Ireland's reputation in South America.

Senators Hayden and Leyden called for a debate on taxi regulation. The Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, has given an undertaking that he will come to the Seanad in the near future to discuss this issue. I note Senator Barrett's comment in regard to the Commission. I do not doubt what he had to say. I am sure that will be taken into account. As I explained earlier, Committee Stage of the legislation will be delayed.

Senator O'Neill's comment in regard to peace commissioners was interesting. I am sure this is repeated throughout the country. However, the Senator, as I am sure he is aware, is in a position to make representations. I will pass on the Senator's comments to the Minister.

Senator Walsh spoke about the public service unions, the banking sector, unemployment and so on. I understand the Leader is favourably disposed towards debates on those issues. I will communicate with him in this regard.

Senator Mullins issued a timely reminder in regard to the referendum on children's rights. I take on board his comment that we must defeat any apathy in this regard and that it behoves all of us to do what we can to ensure the referendum is passed. I agree also that Saturday is a good choice of day for the holding of the referendum. I compliment the Minister and Government in this regard.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about suicide. I was saddened by the case which he outlined. I am sure the person concerned welcomed his assurances. I will pass on the Senator's concerns to the Leader.

Senator Landy also spoke of the job announcements by Paddy Power and the Kerry Group, which as I stated are very welcome. I note his comments about race nights in Dundalk. While I have not been there myself I have heard it is a great track. The industry needs help and we should be encouraging the holding of more race nights there. I will follow up the matter with the Leader.

I have already responded to Senator Leyden's call for a debate on taxi regulation. As I stated, the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, will come into the House soon to discuss the matter. The Senator is correct that the regulator needs to examine the current situation.

We debate frequently.

I will refer the question of the Wind Turbines Bill 2012 to the Leader.

Senator Martin Conway raised this afternoon's meeting of the Croke Park agreement implementation body. We call on all concerned to make genuine efforts as we all want progress. Senator Conway is also concerned about the taxi industry and he will be able to pursue the points he raised with the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, in short course.

I very much agree with what Senator Wilson stated about Ulster Bank. The situation of the meat producers he discussed is most unfortunate. He stated 160 jobs are at stake. I hope this is not a wind-down by Ulster Bank because it gave an assurance to an Oireachtas joint committee that it was here for the long haul and I questioned its representatives myself at the time. I note what he stated about a substantial takeover offer and I will pass on his remarks to the Minister, Deputy Bruton.

Senator Keane also spoke about Ulster Bank not passing on mortgage interest relief. It is a matter for the regulator and we will refer it. She is probably correct about the banks delaying clearing. It is something about which I am concerned as I am sure are all Members. Arising from Senator Keane's comments this morning, I will refer the matter further. The Leader is committed to holding a debate on banking.

I am delighted to note Senator White is overwhelmed and impressed with the ancestral home of President Obama.

Ancestral village.

Of course. I note what the Senator said with regard to appropriate signage. It is good that it will go up shortly because, as she stated, it will be very helpful for the Gathering.

I hope he is re-elected.

Senator Brennan spoke about the world handball championships in Dublin which are an important event. He is concerned about Dundalk as is Senator Landy, and I fully share their views in this regard.

Senator MacSharry is concerned about allowances for public servants, in particular those on the front line. He agrees with the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, on kite flying, as do I. The Leader has given a commitment with regard to debates on finance and budget preparations. I will refer the Senator's remarks to him.

Senator Burke spoke about a newspaper article alleging that the Minister, Deputy Reilly, is running for cover. As Senator Burke explained, we saw how good he was here yesterday during two different sessions. We have no fault to find with the Minister, Deputy Reilly. He is in a very difficult berth and he is doing a good job. We should allow him to get on with it. I will refer the Senator's comments on a national housing policy to the Leader.

I note the comments and concerns of Senator Daly on mortgage problems and I will refer them to the Leader. I note what Senator Michael D'Arcy said about Adjournment debates and the practice in the other House of an appeals system if the person involved is not satisfied with the reply or believes the reply is not correct. As the Senator explained, this may not be the Minister's fault. I will refer these comments to the Leader and I am sure he will deal with the matter.

Senator Thomas Byrne moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That statements on public sector allowances be taken before the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill."