Senator Darragh O'Brien asked about the status of Senator Feargal Quinn's Bill. It has been passed by Seanad Éireann and the other House will decide where and when it will proceed.

The Government accepted the Parental Leave Bill 2013, about which, as the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, outlined, it has many reservations. Nevertheless, it was prepared to accept it on Committee Stage and will have many amendments to be introduced on Report Stage.

I will certainly ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, to come before us to address the matter of GP contracts and the treatment of children under the age of six years. I hope he will be able to come to the Seanad in the next few weeks.

Senator Ivana Bacik called for debates on a number of reports, including one from the European Parliament and another from the justice committee on prostitution. I do not know if the report on domestic violence has been published-----

No.

-----but when it is, we will arrange to have a debate on it in the House. I also note the Senator's points on the situation in Ukraine and the request for a debate on the matter.

Senators Sean D. Barrett and Diarmuid Wilson called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I will request the Taoiseach to come here for it.

Senator Paul Coghlan commented on Senator Feargal Quinn's Bill, while Senators Denis O'Donovan and Diarmuid Wilson spoke about post offices and rural Ireland. As I stated yesterday and the day before, the Minister in question attended the Seanad to take an Adjournment matter and presented a very comprehensive report on the issue. It is not the intention of the Government to close post offices. When I first mentioned that the Government did not intend to close post offices, I was heckled from the other side. Seventeen post offices were closed in the past three years, but 197 were closed in the previous three years under the previous Administration. The figures speak for themselves in that regard.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about expenses for persons on jury duty. We will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. Perhaps the Senator might consider raising it on the Adjournment.

I am sure we will have a very good discussion next week on the Private Members' motion to be brought forward by Senator Jillian van Turnhout.

Senators Jillian van Turnhout and John Crown commented on the Bill dealing with smoking in cars where children were present. There are a number of items of correspondence on the matter from the relevant Department to both Senators. It has been indicated that the Bill will be taken in early April. I intend to include it in the agenda for 2 April. It is appalling that there has been such a delay in taking the Bill, but I am unsure who or what held it up. However, I assure the Senators that it will be on the agenda on 2 April.

Well done.

I note Senator David Norris's comments about the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, and the Garda Commissioner. Senator Walsh had similar comments to make, but I do not share that opinion.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe spoke about domestic violence, an issue also raised by Senator Ivana Bacik. We will have a debate on the matter when the report is complete.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh clarified Sinn Féin's position on the heavy goods vehicle levy. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, gave a clear and comprehensive response when the matter was raised on the Adjournment last evening.

Senators Aideen Hayden and Jim Walsh spoke about the Irish Nationwide Building Society and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation mortgage books. The Minister for Finance will be in the House next week when I am sure the opportunity will be taken to mention these matters.

Senator Paschal Mooney also spoke about and welcomed the significant increase in tourist numbers. It should be welcomed by all of us. I note the Senator's points on the need for the industry to monitor prices in order that we do not see significant increases. However, I would have thought a price of €3.25 for a piece of cake was fairly reasonable in this day and age.

Senator Rónán Mullen proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. While it is customary for the matter to be raised with the Leader prior to the commencement of proceedings, I will, however, accede to his request that No. 8, Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) (Amendment) Bill 2014 - First Stage, be taken before No. 1.

No discourtesy was intended.

I have mentioned Senator Diarmuid Wilson's contribution and note his comments about rural Ireland. I also note Senator John Gilroy's comments in that regard.

Senator Feargal Quinn mentioned the licensing of livestock ships. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney.