I welcome the budget. One cannot please all of the people all of the time, but last night's debate was well rounded, particularly in the areas on which I am a spokesperson, namely, education and disability services. We have improved the position greatly. One of the most difficult things that occurred since I became a Member of the Seanad was the cut to the respite care grant. I have lobbied to have it restored to the full amount of €1,700 and I am delighted that this will be done on foot of the budget. I am also thrilled that €15 million in funding has been provided to facilitate full participation by children with disabilities in the child care scheme. This initiative will really improve access to education for children with disabilities. There is no doubt they should have such access. It was also good to see in the announcement yesterday that there would be a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratios in primary and post-primary schools. From speaking with school principals in my area, I know that they are delighted with the announcement and also with the confirmation that the schools minor works scheme - the summer works grant - is to be paid in the coming weeks. We realise that this will be a long process, but it is a step in the right direction. There will be an additional 2,260 teachers, including 550 posts to support improved guidance counselling, something for which we have all lobbied the Minister. I welcome the news on the additional 550 posts to improve managerial structures and guidance counselling. That is a great move. The Christmas bonus is to be restored to a figure of 75% and there will be an increase in the State pension for the first time since 2009. There is also funding for the travel scheme, which is great. While there are plenty of pluses, there are other things we would all love to have seen included. However, I think it is a well rounded budget and that it has something for everybody.

Reference was made to housing. I would welcome a debate on the matter with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and suggest he be asked to come before the House to engage in such a debate. I would particularly like to discuss a case which I have raised at meetings of my party and which I have tried to raise as a Commencement matter. I refer to the case of a family which has been struck down in the past few months. They have a young child of four years of age who will have his leg amputated because of bone cancer. His mother is expecting her fourth child. I have made representations since August for immediate consideration of a housing transfer for this family to an adapted unit that would suit its needs. I am still waiting for initial contact to be made with the family in order for someone to assess their situation. I ask the Minister to come before the House to discuss the matter.

The House engaged in a two-hour debate last night on the budget. I did not get into it last night and certainly do not intend going on and on criticising it today. I do not think others should use the opportunity to do so either. On a personal note, I welcome my mother who is in the Visitors Gallery. I take the opportunity to wish her a very happy birthday. I thank her for being a great ma and for all that she does for me.

I share Senator Eamonn Coghlan’s sentiments on the unfortunate retirement of Paul O’Connell who is a terrific Limerick man and one of the greatest and most inspirational of leaders on the rugby field. His absence will be a huge loss to Irish rugby. He was captain of Young Munster, Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. We will not see his likes again. I am reminded of calls I made at the time of Henry Shefflin’s retirement to the effect that the introduction of an honours system should be considered. Under such a system, either the Office of the President or the Oireachtas could honour people who had given great service to club and country on the sports field. I ask the Leader to bring this proposal to the attention of the relevant line Minister or the President.

Every time Senator Terry Leyden stands up in this House he brings a smile to my face. He might have lost his vocation-----

I am glad I bring a smile to the Senator's face. He will not have much to smile about next year.

The Senator might be better suited to stand-up comedy since he cannot read a newspaper and does not know what the budget has brought about for people.

That is nasty. The Senator is jealous because Senator Terry Leyden has a sense of humour.

As I campaigned on the issue, I welcome the restoration of the €350 respite care grant. I also welcome the restoration, to 75% , of the Christmas bonus, the extra year of child care and the reductions in universal social charge.

It should not have been taken away in the first instance.

It is a fantastic budget. I was the first person in the Oireachtas to call three or four years ago for the abolition of the universal social charge. At the time, we were told it was here to stay, but I am delighted that the process has taken place and that it will eventually be a thing of the past.

Is that the Senator’s election manifesto?