I hope that spirit of goodwill will continue throughout the day as we debate Bills.

Senator Darragh O'Brien spoke about taking Committee and Remaining Stages of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012 today. We are dedicating as much, if not more, time to Committee and Remaining Stages of the Bill than was the case in the other House, although that is not the barometer I like to use to measure our business. We will have ample time to discuss amendments.

Senator Hayden outlined the many positive legislative measures debated in and passed by this House. She has rightly noted that bank debt and job creation remain the No. 1 priority for the Government and we hope to make significant progress in the coming year in both areas.

Senator Barrett has pointed out that the Houses of the Oireachtas legislation was debated at length in the Seanad. I did not read today's Irish Independent, but it is not correct to suggest it sneaked through both Houses of the Oireachtas or that it only imposed a cut of 2.5% in the budget of the Oireachtas. We were told by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that the Bill provided for €60 million in savings compared with the previous Bill. Journalists can write whatever headlines they want. They seem to interpret matters in their own way, but I cannot do anything about what headlines they put in newspapers.

Senators Comiskey, O'Donovan, Healy Eames and others spoke about the good news on fish quotas. All of us would like to compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, and the Marine Institute on their efforts. This is the second year in a row that we have enjoyed a very positive outcome from the talks. A debate on fisheries is overdue at this stage and we will arrange one early in the new term. As Senator O'Donovan pointed out, it makes sense to make agreements that last two or three years rather than renegotiate them annually because fishermen would have greater certainty. I am sure the Minister will take up this point during the debate.

Senator O'Keeffe spoke about the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. I thank the Senator for the excellent work she has done on that committee. She also reminded us about the young Senators who would be coming here in the new year. We look forward to that and I am sure Members will be keeping an eye on them because they may replace some of us in the future. I also commend the four entrepreneurs for the excellent work they are doing.

Senator Norris recalled the heroic teacher in Connecticut who had saved her students from a tragic and dreadful end. Our hearts go out to all of the families affected by that tragedy.

I am glad to hear from Members opposite that they are prepared to begin the debate on the Social Welfare Bill 2012 at section 5. It is ludicrous that we spent one hour debating the Title of the Bill on amendment No. 1.

I agree. Senator Bacik asked a lot of questions about the Title yesterday. The discussion was staged by the Labour Party to filibuster and waste time.

I hope we can do our job in a professional manner.

In regard to motion No. 12, the matter is before the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We can discuss the motion in the first week of the new year.

Senator Noone and others spoke correctly about the need to monitor the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 in order to plug any loophole.

Senator Cullinane spoke about the new starting salaries for nurses. I am not aware of the case he mentioned, but I understand the salary for young nurses starting this year will be €22,000.

Senator Keane and others referred to yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on the role of directors of banks. It is clear there are differences of opinion in the House. We have had a number of debates on banking issues and I am sure there will be many more opportunities to raise issues pertaining to directors of banks with the Minister for Finance.

Senator Leyden spoke about the business of the House. It was wonderful to see 60 Members in the House. It was the first occasion in quite some time that we had had a full attendance for a debate on a Bill.

It was unfortunate that we had another very important Bill to deal with about two hours afterwards and the House was noticeably emptier for that debate.

Senator Terry Leyden also raised the issue of the release of prisoners for Christmas. As I stated yesterday, the same arrangements that obtained in previous years will obtain in that regard.

Senator Michael Mullins looks forward positively to 2013 and wishes God's blessing on the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the first six months of the year. We all look forward and wish the Government well in its endeavours in that regard.

Senator Paul Bradford asked about the public hearings with reference to the expert group's report. As far as I know, no request has been received from the committee by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for the use of this Chamber. I think that committee is meeting today and I am sure that if the issue arises, it will be given consideration. However, there has been no request received from the committee for the use of this Chamber.

There is no meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges scheduled for today.

I am sorry about that.

Senator Paul Coghlan and others raised an issue regarding directors of banks and suggested some of them were surplus to requirements. These points can be made in a future debate on banking.

Senator Terry Brennan outlined the position on the announcement made yesterday by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, on cutting the red tape with regard to licensing requirements and applications from small and medium-sized enterprises. The reduction of bureaucracy to make life easier for small and medium-sized enterprises is welcome and of paramount importance.

Senator John Crown spoke about the status of public patients. There has been a massive increase in the numbers of medical cards allocated in the past couple of years. I did not get an opportunity to record the three questions the Senator asked me to put to the Minister for Health, but if he provides them for me, I will obtain answers for him.

Senator John Gilroy also raised the matter of bank directors. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of amnesia and mentioned the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan. I do not think I should comment further on that issue. I commented on the suggestion of amnesia last night.

Senator Colm Burke complimented the Bills Office which he has kept very busy in preparing a Private Members' Bill that he has ready for introduction in the new year. He also outlined the plight of those whose debts were written down by the banks and could not get credit to buy a property.

Senator Martin Conway said we needed to change legislation dealing with bank directors. This is a matter that can be discussed in a debate on banking in the new year. I will find out why the Legal Services Bill has not been brought before the House. It is an important Bill and should be brought before the House early in the new term. I will get back to the Senator on the matter and notify him when we expect to have the legislation before us.

Senator Rónán Mullen called for a debate on Northern Ireland which we can arrange in the new year.

On the abuse of privilege, Senator Michael Mullins is a member of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Any proposal he has to make will certainly be considered by it.

I wish everybody a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year. I have responded to most of the issues raised. Unfortunately, I cannot accept the amendment proposed to the Order of Business.

In the spirit of Christmas, forget about using the guillotine.