Senators Bacik and Darragh O'Brien spoke about the dreadful tragedy in Nepal. Our sympathies go out to everybody in Nepal after the earthquake there. Senator Leyden and others have complimented the Irish aid agencies involved in Nepal. We hope the Irish people who are still missing return home safely to this country.

Senator Bacik also mentioned that the spring statement is part of a reformed budgetary framework, which is true. Senator Zappone welcomed the increased economic growth. I can assure her that the most vulnerable will be a priority for the Government. The Senator also called for a debate on disability services. I will endeavour to have the Minister responsible come to the House for a debate on that matter. On the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill, I will find out for Senator Zappone when it will come before the House.

Senator Keane spoke about the national postcode system, with specific reference to Dublin 6. I understand the postcode issue is being debated at length by the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications.

Senator Norris called on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, to address an anomaly in pension entitlements for gay people. I am sure if the Senator provides the information to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform he will consider the proposal outlined by him today.

Senator Gilroy reminded Senators on the opposite side of the House of the Government's many achievements which they said were impossible. There is no denying that is what was said. On the same theme, Senator Cullinane expressed doubt that we would have 2 million in employment by 2018. Four years ago, the Opposition dismissed the idea that we would have an additional 100,000 people in employment this year. More people will return to employment into the future.

Senator Cullinane also welcomed the good news about jobs for the south east. There is a lot more to be done in that area and for Waterford. Tomorrow, we will hear more good news on the jobs front for Waterford, with more good news to come. I can assure Senator Cullinane that this Government will deliver. There is a lot more to be done in terms of job creation in the south east and Waterford. I am sure the Senator will welcome the number of job announcements made over the last number of weeks and those to be announced over the next couple of months.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of IBRC and Siteserv. This matter will be investigated and the review will, I am sure, be debated in this House. I will try to facilitate that debate.

Senator Daly suggested that the benefits of the last budget for those on high earnings were proportionately greater than they were for those on low incomes, which is not true.

It is.

On borrowing to pay for benefits, four years ago Ireland found itself in the situation of not being able to borrow.

That is not true.

We could not borrow.

No. I am sorry, that is not true.

We could not go to the markets. We had a deficit of €22 billion.

The Government still comes up with the nonsense that it was three months from running out of money.

Senator O'Brien, please.

We are now in a position to borrow for good purposes, and we will do so.

Fine Gael and the Labour Party followed a plan-----

Allow the Leader to respond. There will be ample time next week for the debate.

Senator O'Brien needs to remember the situation we were in four years ago. We were unable to borrow.

Senator Mullins spoke about the prudent management of the economy. It is the key to having greater resources available for additional services.

Senator van Turnhout spoke about the policy on alcohol. It certainly will not be dictated by the drinks industry. It is something she has mentioned on several occasions in the House. I will find out when we intend to discuss the proposed adoption legislation and get back to the Senator.

Senator Mullen spoke about EU laws and bureaucracy with regard to the directive on the use of pesticides. I wonder why it was not picked up by the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. I agree these items and directives should be debated by the committee and the House. I do not know how it slipped from the Oireachtas committee involved. I advise the Senator that we in this House will debate the EU work programme next week. A briefing on the European work programme will be held tomorrow, about which I have sent notice, and I hope there is a good attendance at it because we will have a debate on it in the House next week. As part of the EU work programme a sub-committee which was formed in the House will deal with three specific items we intend to debate in the coming months. I hope we will have a great input from Members when we debate the matter next week and that we have a good attendance at the briefing session tomorrow.

Senator Burke reminded us that last week Comhairle na nÓg was here to discuss mental health issues. It was one of the biggest attendances I saw in the audiovisual room. Many other youth organisations made presentations last week. This is to be encouraged and we should listen to the young people, who were very articulate when making their points on a number of issues last week.

Senator Mooney spoke about Garda resources. Additional resources are required for the Garda and there is no question about it. The Government has reopened Templemore college, and 300 extra gardaí-----