Senator Darragh O'Brien called for a debate on perinatal care. I will try to arrange it in the new year. With regard to the budget and the elements relating to social welfare, we will have ample opportunity to discuss them next week during the debate on the Social Welfare Bill.

Senators Bacik and Moran, among others, raised the escalation of violence in Northern Ireland, especially the attacks on members of the police force and the Alliance Party, which has been the voice of moderation in Northern Ireland for many years. Last week I conveyed our sympathy and support to the leader of the Alliance Party, as was requested by Members of the House. Unfortunately, there has been further violence over the weekend. As has been stated, peace is a very fragile rose and we should do everything possible to ensure that peace reigns, especially over the Christmas period and throughout next year. Everybody should do what they can to support the police force and voices of moderation in Northern Ireland at all times.

Senator van Turnhout asked for a debate on referenda, how they can be conducted and so forth. That is an interesting subject for debate which we will try to pencil in for the new year. The Senator also asked about the child and family support agency.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, has agreed to attend the House in late January or early February to discuss a number of the issues that the Senator has raised in recent months. I also noted the request by the Senator and others for a debate on forced labour in Ireland.

Senator Quinn referred to an Irish citizen jailed in Sri Lanka. I suggest that the Senator table an Adjournment matter on the issue in order that he might get the up-to-date position from the Department, which he could relay to the family.

Senator Quinn has also called for a further debate on shale gas and fracking. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, attended the House on the issue. In light of the UK proposals, however, this may be an opportune time for a further debate.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan rightly complimented Ms Fionnuala Britton and the Irish ladies' team on their excellent result at the weekend. It was a proud moment for their families, their coaches and the country. It gave us a lift that we all badly needed. Of the 2,300 applications for sports capital grants, only 600 received moneys. I will take the Senator's comments about the non-major sports organisations on board.

Senator White called for a further debate on budget issues and Archbishop Martin's comments yesterday. The archbishop also stated that jobs comprised a key matter. The creation of jobs is one of the main issues that the Government is trying to address. Many aspects of the budget were geared towards job creation and helping small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, to prosper. I hope that these efforts will continue into the new year and that we will see a result from the budget initiatives.

Senator Harte mentioned Liberty Insurance, a private company. I am sure that many other insurers will make themselves available to take up the slack for the small businesses in question. It is important that small businesses receive insurance.

Senator Norris referred to a meeting in the AV room today. We all need to inform ourselves, but if people on the other side of the argument decide to attend that meeting, it is a matter for themselves. Pressure should not be placed on any Member to attend meetings. Pressure is not being exerted. I have been inundated with requests to attend meetings on both sides of the argument, but I have replied that I will inform myself on the subject.

Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to the education cuts under Fianna Fáil and called for a debate on the gap analysis report on third level reform. I will try to arrange one.

Senator Cullinane raised the question of the Fine Gael-Labour Party coalition. As I stated last week, we do not share Fianna Fáil's belief in temporary little arrangements. We will work to restore our economic sovereignty.

Senator Moran referred to the importance of fostering good relations with communities in Northern Ireland. I also noted her point on epilepsy drugs. The Minister for Health will attend the House a number of times this week to discuss two health Bills. Perhaps the Senator could raise her issues with him then.

Senators Leyden and Kelly mentioned applications for third level grants. As of close of business on 5 December, from 66,827 student grant applications, there were 32,500, or 49%, complete and awarded, provisionally awarded or refused. Some 25,000, or 38%, are awaiting documentation from students. Some 13,024 people have not provided any documentation to date to support applications. We are still on track to ensure all properly completed applications can be processed by the end of the year. Additional staff have been allocated to SUSI and have made a substantial difference. As I stated previously, this is the first year the scheme has been in operation and I hope the teething problems can be solved before next year's grant applications. I am sure all the properly completed grant applications will be expedited and people will have their grants by Christmas.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the savage murder of Pat Finucane. I assure him and other Members who raised the issue that the Taoiseach is consistent on the matter and fully supportive of the family. I am sure he will make the case to the British Prime Minister in early course on the matter.

Senator Higgins commented on the commemoration of the Famine. I will bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister, Deputy Deenihan.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh asked about inviting the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister from the Northern Ireland Executive to the Oireachtas. I have been involved in that process and when we get agreement from both the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, an invitation will issue. There is no question about that, although a certain protocol must be followed. That is the way business is done. I also note the Senator's points on the closure of Garda stations and perhaps we can have a debate on the policing plan in the new year, which was also requested by Senator Noone.

Senator Mullins outlined the positive aspects of the budget, particularly with regard to small and medium enterprises. He called for a further debate on the issue in the new year.

Senator Noone raised the issue of below-cost selling of alcohol and the country's relationship with alcohol. I am trying to arrange a debate in the new year on the issue.

Senator Healy Eames mentioned the promissory notes. The Government is totally focused on avoiding the next payment of €3.1 billion, on which I am sure we will have news in early course. I note the Senator's points on the farming sector in her area. The issue should and will be brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

Senator Conway spoke about the Revenue Commissioners, stating that mortgage interest relief cannot be given to people who are not paying their mortgage. It has been clarified that relief will and should be given on a pro rata basis to people paying part of their mortgage. With regard to the taxing of wealth, over €500 million will be applied in this budget as wealth taxes, including capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax and deposit interest retention tax.