I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 15 be taken before No. 1. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, met the banks this week and we have not heard from him exactly what came out of that meeting. We should have the Minister in the House very shortly to tell us the outcome in regard to variable mortgage rates. The Bank of Ireland has stated it has no intention of reducing its rate, yet the Minister has given us the impression that he convinced it or had made a case that had been accepted. We would like to have the position clarified. The only one who can answer that is the Minister. I would like to see him come to the House and I urge the Leader to encourage him to come here very shortly.

I join colleagues in expressing joy at the result of the referendum. It was a proud day to be Irish and an even more proud day to be Senator David Norris or Senator Katherine Zappone or any of those who went public with their personal stories. It was the likes of those interventions that made the difference in this campaign. I personally know someone very significant in my life who was intent on voting "No" and who is quite elderly. I did not ask her on the day but she said she had heard so many personal stories about people's circumstances throughout the campaign that when it came to it she voted "Yes". I was personally delighted about that. Obviously, a lot more than she voted "Yes". We were the talk of the world, which is important, but the effect it will have on citizens is much more important and it is definitely something to celebrate.

I briefly welcome the consumer regulations that have been proposed by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, in respect of gift vouchers and other vouchers. A great many of those who issue vouchers have overly onerous terms for them. While I await the detail I welcome the initiative. We will have an opportunity to discuss the matter when it comes before the House. I would welcome clarification from the Minister on one minor concern, perhaps through the Deputy Leader, in terms of how the regulation will impact on businesses and their balance sheets. Does the Minister propose a mechanism to ensure vouchers will not remain a permanent liability on the balance sheets of businesses, given that there is a likelihood that a percentage of gift vouchers will never be redeemed? It would seem wise to try to formalise a structure that would ensure a balance of fairness to both consumers and businesses. I very much welcome the proposals that have been outlined to date by the Minister.

I second Senator Feargal Quinn's request that No. 15 be taken before No. 1 in the Order of Business today.