I sympathise with our colleague, Senator Imelda Henry, on the death of her mother, and with her father, Peter, who is well known to us. I also sympathise with the families of the late former Senator Éamon de Buitléar and the late Kevin Heffernan.

Of course, I join colleagues in totally condemning the brutal murder of Garda Adrian Donohoe. We now know that these men were trapped in a car park and that Garda Donohoe was blasted out of it. He was slain in cold blood without any opportunity whatsoever to defend himself. Sadly, this area used to be referred to as "bandit country", but I am afraid some of the banditry is lingering on. I know the Garda and the PSNI co-operate wonderfully together, but in south Armagh and north Louth, consideration should be given to a corridor where both forces can operate together, and we should do whatever we need to do in legislation to enable it. We know, for instance, that if our forensic team had been able to gain access to the burned out car in Keady, it would have speeded things up and we would not have had the delay. That type of wonderful co-operation should be provided for. I am happy to leave it at that because, as Senator Darragh O'Brien said, today is not the day for normal business.

Like my colleagues, I extend my sympathy to the Henry and the de Buitléar families on their bereavements. I would also like to comment on the senseless death of Detective Garda Donohoe. It makes no sense to any of us how a gang, no matter how heinous, would target a situation that was actually armed. That sort of occurrence is extremely unusual and that fact must be brought to bear when these men are brought to justice. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever that they would knowingly enter into a situation in which they would have been dealing with members of the Garda Síochána. Like others speakers, in particular Senator Brennan, I would welcome co-operation between the Garda and the PSNI and would appeal to the public, especially in the area where this occurred, to provide any information, no matter how insignificant it may appear, to the Garda to bolster its efforts to bring these men to justice as soon as possible. I agree with previous speakers that today is not the day for the debate but it raises the point that these people, who are at the front line on a daily basis protecting the citizens of this country and all aspects of our lives, including the financial aspect, which unfortunately was the case here, should be given the resources they require.

I also commend the work of the Dublin joint policing committee, which I attend. It is not until one actually has regular interaction with the gardaí that one sees how responsive they are and how they take on board the suggestions made by various interested parties - politicians and others - to contribute to the overall security of the country.

I also support the comments of Senator Hayden on the Constitutional Convention. I was very pleasantly surprised by the interactions and debate that occurred at the convention. It is a work in progress and this has never been done before. It is very novel and I was quite hesitant before attending and thought that it may not have the teeth we might like it to have. Certainly all areas of society are represented in the convention and very good proposals will come from it. I hope the Government will listen to those proposals when the time comes. Senator Hayden's suggestion that we invite the chairman, Mr. Tom Arnold, to the House in order that we can contribute to the convention is a very good one.

Before I call the Leader, I would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to our colleague, Senator Imelda Henry, on the death of her mother and to the family of the former Member of this House, Éamon de Buitléar, who died recently. I also extend my sympathy to the wife and family of Garda Adrian Donohoe, the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, Mr. Callanan, and all members of the force on the tragic loss of Mr. Donohoe.

The Order of Business has been dominated, rightly, by votes of sympathy, particularly to the family of the late Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Members are, rightly, expressing their sympathy, outrage and horror at his murder. They have spoken from the heart, especially Senators Terry Brennan and Jim D'Arcy, who actually knew Adrian Donohoe and his children personally. This incident reminds us of the work gardaí do on a daily basis in the protection of citizens and the institutions of the State. We all commend the wonderful co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI and I am sure all Members will join me in calling on anyone who has any information, however small, to give it to the Garda or the PSNI in order to bring the perpetrators to justice, which is what everyone wants.

A number of other items were raised on the Order of Business. I note the points made by Senator David Norris on a public servant who has mortgage difficulties. Certainly, the humiliation of children, as described by the Senator, is totally unacceptable.

Senator Marc MacSharry raised the matter of the promissory notes, on which negotiations are continuing. It is hoped they will be concluded by the end of March. That is the position of the Government and we hope to have a positive response before the end of March.

Senator John Kelly referred to Roscommon County Hospital and mentioned that he would raise the issue on the Adjournment.

Senator Pat O'Neill lauded the organisers of the Holocaust memorial service held recently. He also spoke about far-reaching proposals relating to repeat offenders and anti-social behaviour. We will be having a debate on law and order, sentencing and so forth and can discuss the matters matters at that time.

Senator Marie Moloney referred to the lack of recruitment of staff to deal with epilepsy patients at Beaumont Hospital.

This is a matter we should discuss with the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Reform and Health to ensure the unit is opened.

Senator Paschal Mooney mentioned the joint policing committees review. That issue can be discussed in our debate on law and order and sentencing policy.

A number of Senators referred to the Constitutional Convention which is a work in progress. Recommendations will be discussed in the House at the appropriate time. I will ensure that will happen.