Senator Thomas Byrne questioned why the Appropriation Bill was being taken without debate. That has been the procedure in this and the other House for some time. I have requested the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to send somebody and will try to have the Bill debated today, but I understand the Minister is away. The Department is looking for a substitute and we will have a debate, if possible.

On a point of clarification, there was some confusion about No. 4 on the Order Paper, Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013. Report and Final Stages will be taken at the conclusion of No. 3 and conclude not later than 12.15 p.m.

Senator Thomas Byrne also asked about the health service plan. I am sure we will have a comprehensive debate on the Bill in January.

Senator Aideen Hayden asked about the visit by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister to the Irish war graves. The visit is to be welcomed. As the Senator rightly pointed out, many people from Dublin joined the British army at the time because of poverty or perhaps a sense of adventure or to fight for the rights of small nations. People from many parts of the country, my city in particular, joined the war and it is only right and fitting that the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister visit the Irish war graves.

Senator Aideen Hayden also referred to the housing crisis, as did Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. I have requested the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House in January for a comprehensive debate on housing.

Several Senators supported Senator David Norris's request to invite Pope Francis to address the House. That matter will come before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Pope Francis is a man whose humility and humanity resonate with people all over the world. I would welcome such an invitation, although protocol may require it to be a State visit. I am sure this matter will be discussed at length at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Senator David Norris can be assured of my full support in the matter.

Senator Martin Conway asked for a debate on poverty, a debate which other Senators have sought previously. Senators Martin Conway, Hildegarde Naughton and Michael Mullins complimented the work of Samaritans, in particular. We must support organisations such as Samaritans which do such wonderful work throughout the country. It would be regrettable if charities and organisations such as Samaritans and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were to suffer in any way because of the activities of other charities which are under scrutiny.

Senator Feargal Quinn asked for a debate on Seanad reform. I am sure all aspects of the issue will be discussed in the new year such as procedures for upgrading Standing Orders, if necessary, for example, an issue the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will debate in the new year. I do not think there is an appetite for another referendum, but I agree that aspects of Seanad reform which are possible under legislation should be investigated.

Senator Lorraine Higgins asked for a debate on a review of the powers of NAMA and the need for transparency in its procedures.

That takes me to Senator Mark Daly who has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 17 be taken before No. 1." This relates to transparency in the case of NAMA. I am agreeable to leave being given to print the Bill. I am, therefore, acceding to the Senator's proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh called for debates on housing, a matter to which I have referred, and broadband coverage, a matter to which Senator John Kelly also referred. They noted the more than €400 million to be invested by eircom in fibre-optic broadband provision during the coming year.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to NAMA. I note his points in that regard.

Senator Paschal Mooney discussed the report of the Referendum Commission. I take his point in that regard. We may decide to debate the report, to which Senator Sean D. Barrett also referred. Senator Sean D. Barrett also mentioned the role of opinion polls. I do not propose to repeat last evening's business.

Senator John Crown expressed concern about the workings of certain hospital boards and an alleged cover-up of certain practices at his own hospital. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. If the Senator wishes to provide me with paperwork or the like, I will furnish it to the Minister.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the systems of governance in organisations funded by the State and called for greater accountability and a debate on the subject. He has raised this matter three times in recent weeks. I will certainly request the Minister's attendance for a debate on it.

Senator Mary White has referred to the Adoption (Amendment) Bill a number of times, as has Senator Feargal Quinn. When doubts were expressed and the Minister was castigated in the House, I always had faith in her and expressed the sentiment that she was doing everything possible to address the matter. It is to be hoped it will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion tomorrow through the introduction of the Bill.

In the light of Senator Thomas Byrne's request, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that at 3.15 p.m. we will debate the Appropriation Bill 2013 for 30 minutes. There will be five minutes for each Senator, with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, being called on to respond after 25 minutes. We will debate the Bill as requested.

Senator Mark Daly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 17 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed. The Leader has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That the Appropriation Bill 2013 be taken for 30 minutes after the Order of Business." Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.