Senators Hildegarde Naughton and Michael Comiskey welcomed the increased funding for festival and event programmes announced yesterday by the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring. It is very positive news for those involved in tourism.

Senator David Cullinane also welcomed the announcement on Waterford Crystal, an issue on which I have commented. With Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, the Senator also spoke about the people of Detroit, a city which has a poor record in managing its affairs. I am not sure what those travelling to Ireland from Detroit intend to do.

Senator Catherine Noone raised the issue of obesity and referred to the need for mandatory calorie labelling. Like Senator Paul Coghlan, I stay away from Indian takeaways. There is a need for all of us to choose healthy options, something we do not do on many occasions.

I wish to correct a point made by Senator Terry Leyden. The working group does include former Senator Joe O'Toole.

Senator Paul Coghlan also referred to the report on media merger guidelines and asked about the possibility of having a debate on it in the House. I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Katherine Zappone spoke about the recent marriage equality poll findings. I will get back to her with an update on the date of the referendum and when the Bill will be brought before the House.

Senator Colm Burke proposed an amendment to the Order of Business on the publication of his Bill. I have no problem in accepting that amendment.

Senators Colm Burke and Michael Mullins also spoke about HIQA's report on the National Ambulance Service and the appointment to the service of persons who did not have the necessary skills for the job. I am glad to hear that the Joint Committee on Health and Children will revisit that important matter in early January.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about English language colleges and the issue of Q mark registration. He undertook to forward to me details of that matter which I will pass on to the Minister for Education and Skills. I also note the Senator's points about the abolition of 1 cent and 2 cent coins, something which was first mooted in Wexford. It is a good idea. I will pass on to the Minister for Health the Senator's proposal regarding a pilot scheme to provide defibrillators in a particular town. We will see how it works out.

Senators Michael Comiskey and Paschal Mooney raised the issue of the withdrawal of mammography services from Sligo General Hospital. There is no question but that this is a vital issue in the north west. Best practice is paramount in the treatment of cancer. I have asked the Minister for Health to come to the House for a debate on the matter, but he is unavailable today as he has been scheduled to deal with a number of items in the Dáil and has a number of other appointments. The Senators might consider raising the matter by way of an Adjournment motion which could probably be taken tomorrow.

Senator Cáit Keane complimented the Tallaght students on their commentary on positivity and negativity in the media.

Senator Rónán Mullen raised the issue of the broadcasting charge, which was to replace the television licence fee. I will try to ascertain the Government's current position on the matter for the Senator.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the profits of companies operating direct provision centres. We have all read articles on the subject in the newspapers.

I can assure him that the Government will act in unison on direct provision centres. I will find out how the matter is progressing, as he requested.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson highlighted the need for donations for worldwide research on motor neurone disease. I agree with his comments and I am sure we would all like to be associated with them.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames called for a debate on the issue of tax reform. We debated the Finance Bill on Second Stage and will further debate it on Committee and Report Stages. That will provide an opportunity for her to put her points about tax reform. I am sure she took part in the debate last week and that she will do so in the coming week.

I have covered Senator Paul Bradford's comments on Seanad reform.

On a point of clarification, is the Leader offering to bring a senior Minister or the Taoiseach before the House tomorrow between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. or is he suggesting we have a little chat among ourselves?

We will come to the Senator's amendment in one minute.

I am not offering to bring a senior Minister before the House.