Senator Thomas Byrne referred to the making of statements on issues included in the schedule and the lack of legislation. This is the first week we will have statements on each of the three sitting days. In the preceding nine sitting weeks we dealt with legislation every week. We have debated various Stages of 13 items of legislation this term. Two new items of legislation will commence on Second Stage next week and there will be further legislation before the House rises for the Christmas recess. I, therefore, reject the Senator's assertion that there has been no progress on the Government's legislative agenda. An ambitious and reforming agenda has been pursued since the Government took office in 2011.

This will continue until the completion of its term of office. All of the debates scheduled for this week were repeatedly requested by Members on all sides of the House. It is a coincidence that they are occurring this week.

I note and agree with the Senator's points about the fair deal scheme. Members of the Dáil are due to have a debate on the matter during Private Members' business this week. Finance has been approved for over 500 people per month under the scheme, but the figures are greater than 500. That is the problem. There is, therefore, a need for more funding. An extra sum of €25 million has been provided, but there will be a need for much more. The Minister for Health is well aware of the position and I hope the matter will be addressed in early course because it is undoubtedly causing problems for many families throughout the country.

Senator Ivana Bacik and many other Members expressed their sympathy to the family of the late Professor Brian Farrell. He was an excellent broadcaster and academic and we heard some very nice stories about him. People involved in public life and politics would have seen him as an excellent person, broadcaster and academic. He gave wonderful service in everything in which he was involved, both as an academic and a broadcaster. I express my sincere sympathy and that of the House to his family.

Senator Ivana Bacik called for a debate on the dementia strategy. It is the intention of the Government to publish the strategy prior to the Christmas recess. I will try to arrange a debate on it when it has been outlined.

The Senator also referred to the new policing authority. I understand the Bill is to be brought before the justice committee. Perhaps we might debate the heads of the Bill also. However, we will debate the Bill on Second Stage in early course.

Senators Mary Ann O'Brien, Jillian van Turnhout, Martin Conway and others referred to the decision of UPC to block access to child abuse material. That is welcome, although obviously there is a great deal more to be done in that regard.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien withdrew her comments on corruption and brown envelopes in the planning of the bridge in Kilkenny. I agree with her about the planning process. There should be much greater consultation on items such as this, as provided for under the planning process. I hope that consultation will take place with all interested parties.

Senator Sean D. Barrett raised the issue of postcodes and referred to the need for further consultation, which will now take place. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, has addressed the matter. The Senator also mentioned a procurement issue, which must be addressed.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton referred to the decrease in unemployment. It is welcome that the unemployment figure has fallen so much during a period of many months. Job creation remains the first priority of the Government and that will continue to be the case.

Senator Averil Power proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 14 be taken before No. 1. I will accede to her request. It is a matter that must be addressed and about which she spoke very well.

Senator Mary Moran referred to Remembrance Day and recalled the work of former Deputy Paddy Harte on the Island of Ireland Peace Park. He was joined in his work by Glenn Barr at the time. It was a humbling experience for me to visit the peace park and its graves a few weeks ago as a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. We should never forget the sacrifices of Irish people who fought for the freedom of small nations. Many of them also believed they were fighting for home rule in Ireland. An article in the Irish Independent today notes that in 1966, during the 50th anniversary commemorations of the 1916 Rising, the then Taoiseach, Mr. Seán Lemass, stated he would not question the motives of Irish people who had fought in the First World War.

Senators Mary Moran and Eamonn Coghlan raised the issue of aggravated burglaries and called for every assistance to be given to the Garda. They also requested a debate on law and order issues.

Senator David Norris correctly described the First World War as an horrendous mistake. Practically all wars are horrendous mistakes.

The Senator also referred to farmers and the beef crisis, an issue that was also raised by a number of other Senators. There is no question that farmers must be given a fair price for their produce. I hope tomorrow's meeting of the beef forum will find an amicable solution to the problem. For some time farmers have been accepting prices for certain types of animal that are not comparable to those secured by their counterparts in the United Kingdom. I hope a resolution will be found by all of the relevant parties tomorrow. Speaking on the same issue, Senator Susan O'Keeffe stated farmers were paying for the mistakes of the factories and made a valid point about the horsemeat and other scandals.

Senator Kathryn Reilly called for a debate on the regulation of Internet content. I will try to facilitate such a debate.

Senator Michael Comiskey referred to the beef crisis and other problems in farming. A number of Senators, including Senators Terry Leyden and Feargal Quinn, extended sympathy to the family of the late Joe Walsh, a former Member of the House. I will try to facilitate in early course an opportunity to discuss the life of Mr. Walsh who was an excellent politician and public representative. He did much for his constituency and the country, especially in preventing an epidemic of foot and mouth disease.

Senator Aideen Hayden called for debates on the issues of mortgage lending and deficiencies in cancer services, an issue to which Senator John Crown also referred.

Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to problems with drinking water in Tralee and the greater Galway area, respectively. We also heard about the continued use of lead pipes and other problems with water services infrastructure. The Senators' comments highlight again the need to put in place proper infrastructure to ensure people will have proper drinking water at all times. This is one of the Government's priorities and I hope a solution will be found. In the next eight to ten days the Government will announce a policy that will help to establish an investment structure to fix the country's broken water infrastructure.

Senator Paul Coughlan mentioned the statements on suicide and mental health due to take place after the Order of Business. He also mentioned the importance of the Credit Review Office and its report. The statistic that some 58% of appeals on loan applications were upheld is high. It is important, therefore, that the report be noted by everyone involved.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the beef crisis and paid tribute to the late Professor Brian Farrell and Joe Walsh.

Senator John Gilroy mentioned a sporting matter. I will have a conversation with him after the match on Friday.

Senator David Cullinane asked about the criteria to be met by technological universities and referred to the need for clarity on the part of the Department and the Higher Education Authority. I agree with him in that regard. The Government is in the process of drafting a technological universities Bill which is expected to be published early next year with a view to being progressed through the Oireachtas in the first session of 2015. Therefore, there will be ample opportunity to discuss the matter at that time.

Senator Terry Brennan referred to the remembrance of victims of road traffic accidents. It is a shocking statistic that 23,600 people have been killed on the roads since records began in 1959. It highlights the need for all of us to take more care on the roads, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames supported the adoption Bill. I understand the Bill will be introduced by Senator Averil Power next Wednesday. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames also made a number of points about the beef crisis.

Senator Michael Mullins again highlighted the futility of war. We all agree with him.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the quality of water.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to the bail laws, a matter which was raised last week. I will certainly ask the relevant Minister to come to the House for a debate on the matter. The numbers of burglaries and other crimes committed by people on bail are shocking. It is an issue that will have to be addressed by the Government.

Senator Paul Bradford raised agricultural matters and mentioned the possibility that the newly appointed Irish Commissioner, Mr. Phil Hogan, might have to intervene. He also noted the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, remembering all those who had died while seeking their freedom. I note the Senator's comments on those who supported states that advocated support for maintaining the status quo at the time.

Senator John Crown mentioned the discrepancies in cancer treatment and called for a debate on the reform of the health system. The Minister for Health was in the House last week, but I will certainly try to have him come here again. The case of the person mentioned is shocking. It is an issue that will have to be addressed. Perhaps it might be tabled for discussion as an Adjournment matter and addressed in that manner.

Senator Averil Power has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 14 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.