The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding earlier signature of the Local Government Reform Bill 2013, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2013 - Order for Second Stage and Second and Subsequent Stages, with Second Stage to be taken at the conclusion of No.1 and conclude at 1 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, the Minister to be given five minutes to reply to the debate on Second Stage and Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken immediately thereafter; and No. 3, statements on the recent severe storm damage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 2, with the time allocated for this debate not to exceed one hour, the contributions of all Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply five minutes before the conclusion of the debate.

We will oppose No. 1, motion regarding earlier signature of the Local Government Reform Bill 2013, because it is not reform but further centralisation of power in the Government. As we had a good debate on it but opposed the Bill, we will oppose the earlier signature motion.

Why has only one hour been set aside for No. 3, statements on the recent severe storm damage? The damage has been extensive throughout the country, affecting coastal communities, in particular along the west coast, and inland areas. I am sure many Senators wish to put specific questions to the Minister, as I do in regard to the area in which I live. Will the Leader extend the time for that debate or, if the Minister is indisposed, could it be rescheduled to recommence at some stage next week?

What contact has the Government Chief Whip, Deputy Paul Kehoe, had with the Leader in regard to the establishment of a banking inquiry? According to media reports, the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges met yesterday evening to agree the composition of and terms of reference for the banking inquiry committee. I welcome the banking inquiry but disagree on the manner in which it is to be set up. A Leveson-style inquiry would be a better idea, but having said that, we welcome and will participate in an inquiry. However, from what I have heard, it appears this House will be left out of that inquiry.

The Government and the Taoiseach hold this House in contempt, as does the Government Chief Whip, Deputy Paul Kehoe, which he has proved in the past two years. I remind the Government Chief Whip that the people voted to retain this House, in whatever form, in the recent referendum, and we have discussed reform. This is a constituted House of the Oireachtas. Has the Government Chief Whip been in touch with the Leader? What are the plans in Government to include the Seanad in that banking inquiry, if any? If the Government Chief Whip has not been in touch, can we convene a meeting of the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges to put our case to the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges? I think colleagues on both sides would agree the Seanad has much experience. Senator Sean D. Barrett has great experience in the financial area. We have a right and the ability to participate in this inquiry.

This weekend marks the anniversary of the despicable murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. It will be a very difficult weekend for his family, friends, community and his colleagues. It is a disappointment to me and my colleagues that no one has been brought to justice for this despicable crime of capital murder. On behalf of my colleagues in Fianna Fáil, I urge those with information on this despicable murder of a very committed garda, carrying out his duties on behalf of the State and protecting the citizens of the State, to come forward with it. Will the Leader convey our concern to the Minister for Justice and Equality, who must provide the Garda with the support required and the resources to bring the perpetrators of this brutal murder to justice swiftly? One year has passed and I know the investigation is ongoing, but on my behalf and that of my colleagues in Fianna Fáil, I put on record that we are thinking of his family, colleagues, friends and community in County Louth. We earnestly hope those who perpetrated this despicable murder are brought to justice without further delay.