I advise the House that Mr. John McNulty has withdrawn from the Seanad by-election and asked Oireachtas Members not to support his candidacy. He issued a statement in that regard-----

Perhaps he thinks he is worrying us in doing so.

I think the-----

On a point of order, I thank the Leader for his statement and clarification. However, in the light of Mr. McNulty's withdrawal from the Seanad by-election, what is the process now? As members of the electorate and Members of the Seanad, we need to know-----

That is not a matter for the Order of Business.

It is also not a matter for me, as I have no say in the election. That is a different matter and different procedures apply.

There is no question for me.

How would I know that? We have never had an issue such as this before.

On a point of order, what happens to the ballot papers of those who have already voted?

Yes.

That is not a matter for the Order of Business.

It is not one for me and I cannot provide clarity. I am sure the returning officer will be in touch with people to advise them of the position.

I am not trying to be disruptive, but I wish to ask one question. Following on from Senator David Cullinane's comments, ballot papers arrived yesterday morning.

Hear, hear.

People would have voted yesterday. What is the position? Will the Seanad, through the Cathaoirleach, ask the returning officer what the position is? The statement could be read and included in the Official Report.

That is not a matter for the Chair.

It is not for me to advise on it either and I have no wish to become involved in it. I am sure advice will be made available to Members. I agree that quite a number have voted, including me. The issue will have to be examined.

What will happen if that candidate wins and does not wish to take his seat?

I have no intention of amending the Order of Business.

Senator Ivana Bacik asked about Committee Stage of the employment equality Bill. I will try to ascertain when the Bill will be dealt with. The Senator also called for a debate on the national dementia strategy.

Senator Katherine Zappone spoke about Eavan Boland. We will certainly bring the name to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for consideration.

On taking Committee Stage of the Bill which deals with Seanad reform, the Senator is aware that I have made a number of announcements on the issue. I will check to see if the Government wishes to proceed with the Bill and allow it to be taken in Government time.

Senator Sean D. Barrett referred to the events taking place in Hong Kong and the issue of democracy. He, rightly, expressed his opinion in that regard.

With regard to the European Union's probe into Apple's dealings with Ireland, we maintain a very transparent corporate tax regime, with most companies paying effective rates very close to the top rate of 12.5%. The Revenue Commissioners have confirmed that Ireland does not make any special deal with individual companies and that the regime is statute-based and applies to everybody. There is nothing new in the publication from the European Commission, as it is a copy of a letter sent from it to the Irish authorities in June, indicating the commencement of a formal state aid investigation. Ireland is confident that there has been no breach of state aid rules in this case and issued a formal response to the Commission earlier this month in which it addressed in detail the concerns outlined in the opening position.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the plight of bank porters, who, as he rightly stated, are on the front line for banks. Many of the banks now want to get rid of staff, which means that we may be talking to machines more often than people when we go into banks. I note the Senator's concern in that regard and that he will raise the matter with the bank in question.

Senator Marc MacSharry called for a debate on maternity services. I will certainly try to facilitate such a debate.

Senator John Whelan discussed the Irish Wheelchair Association and the need to follow best practice. My understanding is that building regulations cover the issues mentioned by him, but we will try to ascertain the exact position. It is very important that all building regulations are adhered to. Inappropriate use of disabled parking zones is a despicable practice and those fined for it deserve the loss of every euro in such instances.

I have already referred to the matter of Seanad reform which was mentioned by Senator Feargal Quinn.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell spoke about interest rates for graduate-entry medical students and sought an amendment to the Order of Business. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, but I do not propose to accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator David Cullinane discussed events concerning the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

I read the newspapers today and some of the alleged comments attributed to the ex-councillor were unfortunate, to say the least. It is very important for a Minister to be driven by a person whom he or she implicitly trusts, but I have no intention of being drawn further into the matter.

Senator Paschal Mooney mentioned the termination of the 252 long wave transmission. I agreed with him some time ago that it was a retrograde step. A saving of €800,000 has been quoted, but it will be interesting to see how he gets on when he raises the matter at an Oireachtas committee meeting in the morning.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout raised the question of graduate entry for medical students.

Senators Denis O'Donovan and Michael Mullins mentioned the persecution of Christians in many areas of the world and called for a debate on the issue. I will try to find out for Senator Denis O'Donovan when the sea-fisheries (amendment) Bill will be brought before the House.

Senator Rónán Mullen made a number of points about the Seanad by-election and also grants for water tanks and so on which I will bring to the attention of the relevant Ministers.