Friday's achievement was that it put an end to a growing period of heedlessness in this country. Despite what we might think of ourselves and our power, it took the people to do that. We could not represent the people and be listened to during the past summer in this House. However, the vote we received on Friday is not for back to normal but to go forward. We have been given a clear signal by the people that we have a responsibility to reform both this House and the other House in order that both can work effectively to quickly meet the needs and issues facing the people.

I agree with reflection. Will the Leader bring motion No. 8 on the Order Paper, tabled by me and Senator Paul Bradford, to the attention of the Taoiseach in order that it could also form part of his reflections? It proposes that we have proposals from Members on all sides of the House, that we have a set of agreed proposals for reform by 20 February 2014 and that a committee be established to achieve this and reflect the membership of this House. I hope the same will happen in the other House. I thank the Leader for putting the issue of political reform on the agenda this evening. However, I ask him to communicate my request to the Taoiseach.

I understand there are time constraints, but I must refer to a couple of matters after listening to what has been said here today.

It is particularly audacious for my colleague, Senator David Cullinane, to lay the blame for the referendum result at the door of the Taoiseach. I remind the Senator that his party collaborated in the Taoiseach's solo run and was only too willing to act like Shane O'Donnell, receiving the hand pass at the end of the solo run to put the ball in the back of the net. That has to be said.

The Fine Gael-Sinn Féin alliance is up and running.

It is in government with the DUP.

The Government of the future.

We are well over the time limit. Please allow Senator James Heffernan to make his contribution without interruption.

I apologise to the Leas-Chathaoirleach, but I cannot let this go. What annoyed me most during the campaign was the contributions made by two of the privileged Taoiseach's eleven who derided Members and this Chamber. I say to those two Members from Galway that they know where the door is. Let them use it and make way for Senators such as Senator Katherine Zappone who has the courage and integrity to stand up for what the Seanad is about.

There were also many on the opposite side who showed tremendous courage during the debate. I recall Senator Tony Mulcahy who before the summer blew the spurious €20 million argument out of the water and left it bare for all to see. I refer, in particular, to the Labour Party Members who stood up and were counted during the debate. Fair play to them and well done.

What about last week?

I hope the House will join me in proposing a special vote of thanks to the Leader of the House, Senator Maurice Cummins, for the courage, commitment and dignity he showed during the campaign.

I will speak briefly before the Leader replies. It was an historic, constitutional occasion. Everybody in the House, acting not only as part of an institution but as individuals, should have learned something from the debate, be it good or bad. It was good for the future of the institution, although the outcome was probably unexpected. Many citizens may have forgotten that since 1 January 1938 the imprint of every piece of legislation passed into law has had the involvement of Seanad Éireann, but many are slow to forget this. Perhaps the Leader or somebody else might enlighten me. I hear the argument that 60% of the electorate did not turn up. I have been involved in politics for a long time, ever since I was a child. I have never seen more than 70%, on average, turn out to vote. The average is in the high 50s and low 60s. From my research, it appears the turnout in this referendum is in the top six for referendums held in the past 20 years. These things puzzle me. Perhaps the Leader has some answers, but I thought it was a substantial turnout. The citizens had their say and gave their verdict, which was positive for this institution. I respect this.

I thank the Leader for his indulgence. It is an unusual and historic day for this establishment. I apologise for allowing everybody in, but there will be no vote on the Order of Business and I took the liberty to try to give everybody his or her say on the day that was in it.

We certainly have had a marathon session. I do not wish to reply to all of the comments made on the Seanad referendum and the issue of political reform because we will have another opportunity to do so later today. I am sure we will have a comprehensive debate, not only on the issue of Seanad reform but also on political reform in general.

Senator Ivana Bacik raised the issue of Priory Hall, as did other Members. I hope that matter will be resolved amicably in the coming days.

Senator Katherine Zappone referred to the issue of legislative change being required for reform. I agree with her that there is no appetite among the public for another referendum on the issue of how individuals should be elected to Seanad Éireann. Therefore, we must deal with that matter through legislative change.

Senator David Norris called for a permanent electoral commission. I will bring that matter to the attention of the Government. I note the Senator's points on the ballot papers. Many pointed out that the ballot papers for the referendums were less than clear and this matter will have to be addressed in future ballots.

Senators Paul Coghlan, Mark Daly, Marc MacSharry and others referred to EU directives. I am firmly of the view that this House should be involved in the scrutiny of EU directives, but there are very few due to be transposed into Irish law before the end of the year. We have already had two debates on different directives - the first on a health directive, in which four Members spoke, and the second on a directive on child exploitation, in which 12 Senators spoke. If anybody wishes to bring forward further suggestions for debate on directives, I will certainly facilitate them. I agree that scrutiny of EU legislation is an area in which this House should have a greater involvement.

Senator Paul Coghlan and others referred to the importance of ensuring the new Court of Appeal is established as a matter of urgency.

Senators Aideen Hayden, Jillian van Turnhout and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of direct provision for asylum seekers, with reference to a report in The Irish Times today. That report shows that the inspection regime put in place by the Reception and Integration Agency, within the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality, is working. Identifying problems and having them fixed is the purpose of a good inspection regime. Maintenance issues are an ongoing fact of life and dealt with on a comprehensive basis by that body. I hope to have the Minister in the House in early course for a debate on the issue. I had asked that he come on Thursday, but he indicated that he was unavailable. I assure Senators that I will ask him to come to the House soon to address the matters they have raised.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell sought details of the sale of the national lottery franchise. She might table the issue for discussion with the relevant Minister on the Adjournment.

Senators Colm Burke, Marc MacSharry and John Crown referred to the need to resolve the dispute between junior doctors and the Health Service Executive at the earliest possible date. All Members share that wish.

Senators John Crown and John Whelan referred to the 1979 referendum on Seanad reform, in respect of which no legislation has ever been implemented. I hope a motion will be put to the House urging the Government to implement the provisions of that referendum as soon as possible.

Senator David Cullinane referred to job creation. As I said, the Government's focus in the forthcoming budget and in general is on jobs and job creation. The Senator expressed his regret at the loss of 70 jobs in my home city. However, Honeywell has offered assurances regarding its continued confidence in Waterford, where 300 people remain employed.

Senator Catherine Noone raised the issue of submissions to the Minister for Finance on the sugar tax. I am sure he has received these submissions, but we will have to wait until next week to see whether he acts on them. The Senator welcomed the measures being taken by the European Union to tackle the abuse of tobacco. This initiative was led by the Government and, as I am sure everybody will accept, represents a win for all the people of Europe in taking on the tobacco industry.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan referred to political reform, an issue I have covered. With Senator John Gilroy, he has reminded the House that this is nurses week. We all agree with their comments lauding the important work of nurses and midwives.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout referred to the Health Information and Quality Authority's report on a facility in Monaghan.

I understand a decision has been taken by HIQA to close the unit by the end of October. There are two young people residing in the unit and the HSE is finding suitable alternative placements for them. All managers and staff in the unit will be redeployed.

Senator Mark Daly mentioned EU directives. With regard to pyrite legislation, I will find out for Senator Thomas Byrne the current status of the Bill.

On the point raised by Senator Denis Landy, we will have the local government Bill in the House in the next couple of weeks. I also note the Senator's point on medical cards, a matter I will bring to the attention of the Minister for Health. Compared to when the Government took office, 250,000 more people are eligible for free GP care, a point that should be highlighted.

Most of the other points concern reform of the House and the body politic. Senator Mary White mentioned her Bill on mandatory retirement, a point that will be addressed again in the House. On the point made by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, I will listen to proposals for reform of the House from any quarter and bring these matters to the attention of the Government. Senator James Heffernan commented on the role of Sinn Féin in the campaign.