Senator Mooney Paschal referred to the fact that we would be taking Committee and Report Stages of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill today. There is very little remaining to be debated on Committee Stage. I discussed this matter with the Senator's party's leader in the Seanad and he was quite amenable to having a break between Committee and Report Stages. If a problem arises, we will certainly try to rectify it and take Report Stage at another time. As matters stand, however, the arrangements I announced remain in place.

The vast majority of Members referred to the refusal of representatives of the European Central Bank to attend the banking inquiry. This is regrettable and completely unacceptable. An appearance by representatives of the ECB at the inquiry is essential. As Senator Aideen Hayden indicated, the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Honohan, will give evidence to the inquiry. Professor Honohan was involved with the ECB at the time of the bank guarantee. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, indicated in very strong terms earlier this morning that the ECB should send representatives to appear before the inquiry. The Chairman of the inquiry has indicated that he will be writing again to Mr. Draghi to ask him to reconsider his position. I am sure the Government will be making strong representations in order to have Mr. Draghi attend the inquiry. Senator Cáit Keane suggested there might be ways for Irish MEPs to obtain answers from Mr. Draghi. I do not believe anything would be as appropriate as his appearing before the inquiry to answer questions posed by its members.

Senator Paschal Mooney and others referred to the Northern Ireland talks. The Government is fully engaged with the talks, in which both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, have been involved. The parties in Northern Ireland have serious responsibilities to which they must face up. They must also knuckle down when it comes to breaking the impasse. The Government is fully engaged with the Northern Ireland talks process and this will continue to be the case.

Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the massacre of children in Pakistan. It is absolutely appalling that they were killed in such a manner. What happened yesterday highlights the need to tackle terrorism worldwide. The Senator also referred to funding for Childline. The Government is involved in negotiations with the organisation and it is to be hoped the matter can be rectified in early course.

Senator Feargal Quinn lauded the President on his successful visit to China. I agree with him that the visit was successful and hope great benefits will accrue to both countries as a result of it. The President was accompanied on his visit by a number of Ministers, including the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan. The Senator also welcomed the proposed development of business opportunities for the postal service. It is extremely important that post offices nationwide remain open and viable.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton encouraged more donors, those who might donate bone marrow, etc., to come forward.

Senator Denis O'Donovan also referred to the ECB. The word "extradition" may be too strong to use in the case of Mr. Draghi. However, I agree with the general sentiments expressed by the Senator to the effect that Mr. Draghi should come before the banking inquiry.

Senator Denis Landy welcomed the granting of planning permission for the new greenway between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel and the tourism benefits to which this development would give rise. The Senator claimed that Sean Kelly was a Tipperary man, but I assure him that he is a good Waterford man from Carrickbeg. He comes from a place on the right side of the river and is very proud of this fact. We can certainly arrange a debate in the new year on tourism, particularly in the context of the strategy for the south east.

Senator Kathryn Reilly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which I do not propose to accept that No. 58, non-Government motion No. 10, which relates to the holding of a referendum on reducing the voting age to 16 years be taken today. The date of the referendum has not been set, but the Government is committed to holding it.

Senators Michael Mullins and Paul Coghlan referred to the refusal of representatives of the European Central Bank to co-operate with the banking inquiry. They also congratulated the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, on his success in the negotiations on fisheries. I understand they were very tough negotiations and that what the European Union was proposing was absolutely crazy. We now have an increase in prawn catches and a benefit in the case of whitefish, cod and haddock. The outcome of the negotiations has been welcomed in general by all those involved in fisheries.

Senator Michael Mullins also referred to the plight of an Irish citizen being held in an Egyptian prison. The Government has appealed to the Egyptian authorities and I am sure that appeal will be renewed into the future.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell referred to the forthcoming debate on the Water Services Bill 2014. I assure him the legislation will not be rushed through the House in any way. We will allocate as much time as is necessary tomorrow to complete Second Stage and will have all day and night on Friday for Committee Stage. Several Members on the other side of the House asked why we were not taking Committee and Report Stages on Friday. There is a difference of opinion on this. However, we will have ample time on Monday to deal with Report Stage. We will give the same attention to the Bill as we give to all legislation that is brought before us. The debate will not be rushed in any way and no guillotine will be applied.

Senator Aideen Hayden called for a debate on the private rental sector, as did Senator Gerard P. Craughwell. I hope to accommodate that request by arranging a debate early in the new year.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh spoke about giving voting rights to members of the diaspora and reducing the voting age to 16 years. His colleague has tabled an amendment to the Order of Business on the holding of a referendum on the second matter. I note the Senator's points in that regard.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to sexual violence against women. We will have an opportunity to debate that issue when we take Committee Stage of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014 early in the new year.

Senator David Cullinane referred to the debate on the Water Services Bill 2014. As I said, there will be ample time for all Members to contribute to the debate and there will be no rush to get the legislation through.

Senator John Kelly raised questions about a wind farm development in County Cork. I will renew my request to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House in the new year for a debate on the issue.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the input of the European Central Bank being central to the success of the banking inquiry. He also called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I will arrange that debate early in the new year.

Senator John Gilroy referred to the issue of homelessness. We had a debate on 3 December which was attended by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and might ask for a progress report on the matter after Christmas. I also note the Senator's points about the Sinn Féin Party and the questions that need to be answered on its treatment of Maíria Cahill and the family of Paul Quinn.

Senator Terry Brennan spoke about financial support for elite sports people and the need for greater participation in sport. There is no doubt that sport plays an important role in Irish society.

Senator Mary White referred to the talks on Northern Ireland. As I said, we will have a debate on the matter early in the new session.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to the collection of data from schools in the context of planning and policy. His question about what information the Department of Education and Skills will share with other Departments is valid. Perhaps an Adjournment motion might help to solicit answers from the Minister on that point.