Like Senator Darragh O'Brien, I wish to welcome everyone back after the recess to what will be an interesting term ahead. As we gear up for the budget in mid-October - it is the first time we have had a budget this early - I welcome the signals from within the Government that the full adjustment of €3.1 billion may not be made. In fact, a lesser amount may be taken out of the economy in this budget and it would be a welcome step, as most colleagues would agree, towards ensuring a speedier return to economic recovery. We will see a great more deal debate on that. I ask the Leader to ensure that we might play our own part in that debate in the run-up to the budget.

I also wish to refer to the referendums on 4 October. We have had an extensive debate in this House on the referendum on the future of the Seanad, although we have had a less extensive debate on the court of appeal. I hope that in the next few weeks we will have an opportunity to debate further the court of appeal referendum. There is an unfortunate lack of information in the public domain on that referendum.

In terms of the referendum on the future of the Seanad, however, I have been out canvassing with Democracy Matters for a "No" vote. Yesterday, Senator Quinn and I were out in the lashing rain and received a good response.

Good for the Senator.

I urge other colleagues who will be voting "No" in the referendum to come out and support the campaign for a "No" vote and retention and reform of the Seanad.

Does the Senator have Labour Party "No" posters also?

Senator Ivana Bacik to continue, without interruption.

We have a very short window of time.

I saw those Labour Party "Yes" posters and I was not sure what side the Senator was on.

Senator Ivana Bacik is making an excellent contribution and should be given a chance to speak.

Thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. When we are out canvassing it is worth reminding everyone that there are two Bills for reform which have passed Second Stage in the Seanad. They are on the Order Paper and therefore it is not simply a case of retention or abolition because there are clearly proposals for reform in the public domain.

I am also seeking a debate on the situation in Syria in the near future. During the recess there were appalling developments in the war in Syria with the use of chemical weapons and the slaughter of civilians, including children. They were absolutely appalling developments. The only positive thing that can be taken out of it is the welcome rapprochement in the talks between Russia and the United States that may see some diminution of the violence in Syria. We should be urging the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to play his part in ensuring that there is a negotiated settlement and that we will see an end to the slaughter in Syria.