The majority of Senators welcomed the election of the new Pope, Pope Francis, whom we all wish well. He certainly has a very onerous task. As the saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day" and we should not expect things to change overnight. He will have a very difficult job in making changes and I believe the cardinals in their wisdom decided they wanted a change of government within the Vatican.

Is it the Leader's policy to look for a change of government?

I believe they wanted a change in the way the Curia worked. That is one of the reasons we have Pope Francis.

We need a change here, too.

Am I going to be interrupted, even when speaking about the Pope on his election? It will be a new beginning and new hope for all of us. There are many lapsed Catholics who are looking for a reason to return to their faith and this might be the catalyst they need. We all welcome the election of Pope Francis. There is a great deal in a name, as has been enunciated by many Members. St. Francis fought poverty. We should give Pope Francis a chance to settle into the job. I hope he will do an excellent job for the world and in the cause of world peace. It is an inspired choice, as one Senator said. Let us hope the Vatican, the Catholic Church and the world will prosper as a result of the new Pope's election.

There are other more mundane matters, but they are also important. The issue of mortgage arrears was mentioned by Senators Mark Daly, Marc MacSharry and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh among others. I have stated on numerous occasions that the Government acknowledges that the mortgage arrears issue is one of the most serious social and economic matters facing the country. It is a source of distress for many families and an impediment to economic recovery. The Government has prioritised the issue by implementing new legislation, structures and processes. The banks must now step up their engagement with borrowers in difficulty to allow them to see a better future, which is what we all want. There are now specific time-bound targets for the six main banks which will ensure measurable progress in dealing with the issue. By the end of July the banks should propose sustainable mortgage solutions for 20% of distressed borrowers, reaching 30% by the end of September and 50% by the end of 2013. As the vast majority of distressed borrowers will see solutions proposed by the end of 2014, there is progress on the issue. It is nonsense to say this is a charter for bankers. Let us see how it operates, as the Government is doing its best to solve the problem by having legislation and reforms in this area. Bringing in extraneous issues such as suicide is deplorable.

That is what happened in Spain. That is why they imposed a moratorium.

Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the Equal Status (Amendment) Bill which the was the subject of a very informed debate yesterday evening. She also called for a debate on the economic, social and cultural aspects of the Constitution which I understand will be dealt with by the Constitutional Convention. She wished the Taoiseach well in his deliberations and meetings with President Obama.

The European Commission yesterday agreed to a draft mandate to be used by the European Union in its upcoming negotiations with the United States on a new free trade agreement, the transatlantic trade and investment partnership agreement. It is up to the European Union's economic Council of Trade Ministers, currently chaired by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to reach an agreed position on the new free trade investment partnership. The Minister is holding a meeting for EU Trade Ministers in Dublin in April to achieve this agreement. He returned from a trip to the United States yesterday, where he held a series of high level meetings with key figures in President Obama's Administration, including Mr. Mike Froman, deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs, and the US trade representative, Mr. Ron Kirk. A major new study published yesterday indicated that EU exports to the United States would increase by 28% or €187 billion each year as a result of increased trade under the new EU-US free trade agreement. Agreement between the two economic blocs would also increase global trade, producing an extra 6% growth in exports for the European Union, bringing total benefits to €200 billion. These points were pushed by Senator Sean D. Barrett as he noted the importance of the free trade agreement between the European Unin and the United States. We all wish the Taoiseach and the Minister well in the deliberations.

We knew the Pope had connections with Argentina and are glad to hear from Senator Paul Coghlan of his Kerry connections.

An Irishman.

Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Paul Bradford spoke about the Irish horse racing industry. I will try to arrange to have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine before the Seanad to discuss the matter.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan and others also mentioned St. Patrick's Day and wished Ministers well, outlining the importance of them travelling abroad, particularly to Asia and other areas. This year will see 19 Ministers and Ministers of State, including the Tánaiste, travelling to 21 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for a series of trade, investment and tourism programmes. This will continue not just for St. Patrick's Day but throughout the year. Enterprise Ireland will embark on a record number of ministerial-led trade missions, with an increased focus on high growth economies in Asia, the Middle East and South America. Such visits are very important for exporters and the economy in general as we try to generate growth. They should be welcomed by all.

Senator Lorraine Higgins called for another debate on suicide prevention and cyberbullying, as well as for new initiatives to be introduced in schools. I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills.

With regard to the comments on Pope Francis, it has been alluded to by others that Senator David Norris gave some very generous, wise, welcoming and reasoned words, with which I agree.

Senator John Whelan has called for a moratorium on wind farm construction until guidelines are decided. There has been a public consultation process, but I agree with the Senator and will try to arrange a debate on the subject when we return after Easter.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke about bridge building and reopening the embassy in the Vatican. I have no doubt that ways and means will be found to do this at a later stage.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about men's health and said a change in attitude was required. He also mentioned that life expectancy for men in this country was shorter than in many European countries. We will raise the matter with the Minister for Health and try to get him to come to the Seanad to discuss it.

Senator Colm Burke welcomed the selling of ten-year bonds at 4.15%. This brings us a step closer to regaining our economic sovereignty and should be welcomed.

Senator Mary Moran spoke about symphysiotomy and the Walsh report. I have reverted to the Senator on the issue, but I will find out at what stage is the report.

Other Senators spoke about the election of the Pope as being an inspired choice. I am sure we all wish him well.

I will accept the amendment to the Order of Business to allow No. 11 to be taken before No. 1.

Senator Mark Daly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 11 be taken before No. 1." Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.