I am glad to see that all Members are in good and strong voice after the recess. I join the Leader of the Opposition and many other Members who have expressed their deepest sympathy to the citizens of Boston on the three deaths and injuries to so many people at such an event. I hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Speaking personally, it brought back memories of the many atrocities we witnessed on this island for many years. What happened must have resonated with the relatives of victims of bombings on this island. I join Members in expressing sympathy to the citizens of Boston, with whom we have such good relations.

A number of Members raised the issue of the Croke Park II agreement on public sector pay. I remind the House that the Government is determined to fix the national finances and get Ireland back working again. In order to reach our necessary deficit reduction target, a further saving of €1 billion was required in the pay and pensions bill for public servants. The proposals were fair and equitable in their impact in that it was proposed to protect the salaries of 87% of public workers earning less than €65,000. However, it was difficult for trade union members to accept the proposals and it has been a difficult process for each and every one of them. It is unprecedented to ask public servants to sign up to an agreement that would impact negatively on their pay and conditions. As the Government has made clear on many occasions in recent weeks, a rejection of the proposals does not change the fact that in order to meet our budgetary targets and continue on the path to economic recovery, we need to make payroll savings of €300 million this year and €1 billion by 2015. The Government will reflect on the outcome of the ballot and consider how the required savings can be achieved this year. This is a time for calm reflection by all concerned. A saving of €300 million will have to be achieved and I am sure the method by which this will be done will be outlined in the coming weeks.

Senator Ivana Bacik, among other Senators, referred to the issue of symphysiotomy and the fact the Government had accepted a Bill last evening. Senator Mary Moran has raised this issue more than anyone else over a period of months. It was a good day for Ireland that the all-party Bill was accepted by the Government.

Senator Ivana Bacik also complimented the Constitutional Convention on its ongoing work. There were differences of opinion on the convention between Senators Rónán Mullen and David Cullinane, with the former expressing a lack of confidence and the latter expressing confidence in it.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout also welcomed acceptance of the Bill on symphysiotomy. She also noted the question of thalidomide and said the Government should engage with survivors. I think that issue is ongoing.

The issue of human trafficking was raised by Senators Jillian van Turnhout and Cáit Keane. I inform the House that the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Bill 2013 will be brought before the House next Tuesday or Wednesday. There will, therefore, be ample opportunities for the House to discuss the many issues raised on the Order of Business, not only today but on previous occasions. Senator Jillian van Turnhout also welcomed the members designate of the new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. I am sure we would all like to congratulate them.

We have heard Senator David Norris' views on austerity on a number of occasions and heard them again today. With Senator Catherine Noone, among others, he also raised the important issue of judicial independence. It is the firm view of the Government that the effective operation of the judicial system, of which an independent Judiciary is the cornerstone, is indispensable to the State and all citizens. The Government also recognises that legitimate issues of concern can arise from time to time that will require constructive discussion between the Judiciary and the Executive. Some issues have arisen from the significant programme of reform under way, including concerning the recent proposed amendments to the Constitution which are of relevance to the Judiciary. Government policy on many of these issues is on the public record. For example, the position on a reduction in judicial remuneration flows from the decision of the people in a referendum and is well known. In some cases, the Government has yet to reach a final decision on the precise proposals to be made. The proposed referendums on the abolition of the Seanad and the reform of the courts are two cases in point. I think everybody acknowledges that these issues require some engagement between the Executive and the Judiciary and perhaps new thinking also. There is ongoing and regular engagement, as appropriate, between the Government and the Judiciary. The contact takes place within the relevant constitutional parameters and is both formal and informal in nature, as confirmed by the Minister for Justice and Equality recently.

And denied by the judges.

It involves senior members of the Judiciary, the Attorney General, relevant Ministers and senior Government officials. That process of engagement will continue and address issues of legitimate concern.

Senator Denis O'Donovan, among others, referred to the fodder crisis in farming owing to the severe weather conditions we have witnessed. I am trying to get the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come to the House and hope to have him here within a couple of weeks to discuss this and other farming issues. Therefore, I cannot accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator Aideen Hayden mentioned the lack of childhood obesity intervention programmes throughout the country.

The matter was raised by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and should be debated further in the House.

I have addressed the question raised by Senator Rónán Mullen on the Judiciary.

Senator Michael Comiskey outlined the theft of heavy machinery in several Border counties. The matter is one the Customs service and other agencies of the State on both sides of the Border should be and I am sure are addressing. I shall bring the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities.

Senator John Whelan mentioned a need for proper infrastructure to harvest water and asked questions on water metering. I understand the water metering programme is to commence in the next couple of months.

With regard to the matters raised by Senator Marc Marc MacSharry, I was not aware of the death of former Senator Bernard McGlinchey. express my sympathy and that of the House to his family. At a later stage we will bring his family into the House to hear tributes to him.

A number of other matters were raised by Senator Marc MacSharry, but I only heard some of them. He raised the matter of access to the Department of Finance. Allegations in that regard are in the public domain in the form of newspaper cuttings. I am sure the Secretary General of the Department will address these matters.

I agree with Senator Paul Coghlan that consultation and dialogue are needed in order to deal with the Croke Park II agreement and the Judiciary.

Senator Feargal Quinn mentioned a Pakistani lady who has been in jail for four years for blasphemy and is awaiting a death sentence. I shall bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, as requested.

Senator John Kelly referred to the cold case report due soon on the murder of Fr. Niall Molloy and called for a public inquiry. I am sure that when the relevant Minister receives the report from the Garda Commissioner, the matter will be addressed.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú referred to his genealogy Bill on the Order Paper regarding publication of the 1926 census. If he has insufficient time to address the matter during Private Members' time, I shall consider allocating Government time. Normally these matters are addressed during Private Members' time.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames referred to the forthcoming Bill to address the X case. We will consider any request from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children to use the Chamber, as we did previously. I am sure the Government will give ample time to discuss such a serious matter, as it has to date.

I can assure Senator Sean D. Barrett that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is working with his counterpart in the United States of America to conclude a trade deal between the two economic blocs. It will be of great benefit to Ireland if agreement is reached.

Senator Denis Landy referred to a lack of notification by the Revenue Commissioners about the property tax and said some people still had not received notification. He also requested that the relevant Minister clarify the methods of payment. I am not sure whether the information is contained in the note provided by the Revenue Commissioners. I am sure clarity can be provided for the Senator and the general public on the matter.

I have outlined to Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh on numerous occasions that I did issue an invite to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, but I have not received a response as yet. I gave him the same response the previous three or four times he raised the matter.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned the cost of drugs. Significant reductions in the cost of drugs have been negotiated, but I agree with him that significantly more reductions are required.

Senator Marie Moloney advised Members of the closing date for the receipt of submissions in respect of the mobility allowance. I understand the transcripts of the debate were forwarded, but, if not, I will ensure they are forwarded by 5 p.m.

Senator Paschal Mooney referred to an RTE programme. Perhaps that matter might be addressed by the Cathaoirleach. Certainly I did not have an input into the programme, nor was I asked. A Member of the House suggested this would happen and I brought the matter to the attention of the Cathaoirleach's office. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach might outline what happened in that regard.

What about the Leader?

I have just said I was made aware of it. The matter was being addressed by the Cathaoirleach's office. Is that sufficient for the Senator or is there something else he is trying to find out?

I am curious to know why no officeholder of the House accompanied the cameras. That is the reason I asked the question.

I am sure the Cathaoirleach will address the issue.

In regard to next week's business, the House and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges agreed to encourage young people to become involved in politics and to listen to their issues. There is no obligation on Members to be in the House next week when the young people are present, but I will certainly be here to listen to what they have to say. It is an ideal opportunity for them. It is only proper that the House be utilised to give young people a voice and to listen. We would all do well to listen to what they have to say on a number of issues. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges and I have no objection to the use of the Chamber by young people. We will have ample time-----

With all due respect, I am more than happy to have anybody come into the House, but we do not have sufficient legislation which is what the Chamber is supposed to be about.

The Leader to continue, without interruption, please.

This is the second House of the Oireachtas and it is for the purpose of debating legislation. Please do not try to smear what I am saying about the young people.

The Senator raised the issue-----

I would welcome any group to the House.

The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste raised the issue of the-----

That is not the point. That is typical of the Government.

The Leader to continue, without interruption, please.

Senator Cáit Keane mentioned the death of a former Prime Minister and conveyed her sympathy. We should convey our sympathy to the family. It is an Irish trait that we should not speak ill of the dead. I will certainly convey our sympathy to her family and our colleagues at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly.