In the absence of the Leader, I will do my best. I am sure Members will be understanding in that regard.

Senator Mark Daly referred to the issue of Garda equipment, the bail laws, gangs roaming the country and the question of whether offenders should be tagged electronically or otherwise.

The Senator would like to have a debate on these matters and I will be very happy to take up his request with the Leader. It would be appropriate for us to have a debate on them.

Senator Aideen Hayden responded to Senator Mark Daly on the bail laws. As she knows, the matter is under consideration. She referred to the new site Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council had found for the bereaved relatives of those who suffered terribly in the tragic fire in Carrickmines. She also dealt with the need for rent certainty, an issue on which she sought a debate. I agree with her in that regard. If she also wants to have a debate on the issue of Traveller accommodation, I am sure we can put it on the list. As we know, these are matters that are being dealt with by the Government.

Senator Sean D. Barrett spoke about the acute housing shortage, his Bill and the increasing number of people who will need a housing subsidy. I have no objection to these issue being debated. He also referred to Baggot Street Hospital. I am sure the Minister for Health will take on board what he said.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about the housing crisis and the material received this morning from the Irish League of Credit Unions. That matter is certainly worthy of debate. The 500 modular units announced yesterday are most welcome. They will not fill the gap totally, but it is a first step. The Senator also welcomed the Government's building and refurbishment programme.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke about the persecution of Christians, the thousands being exterminated, the ethnic cleansing taking place, the United Nations not taking appropriate action and the fact that there was no outcry. The issue needs to be focused on immediately. I agree totally that it is very serious and worthy of debate, as it is an affront to democracy and absolutely shocking. It is an excellent idea that we come up with a joint motion.

Senator Feargal Quinn has highlighted the fact that the organ transplant rate is only 13%, whereas in other countries it ranges from 20% to 36%. We do not have enough transplant co-ordinators. Of course, the matter is worthy of consideration and can be put on the list for debate. I will take it up with the Leader. The Senator also spoke about boating in Dublin Bay. Anything we could do to encourage the creation of jobs in that regard would be meritorious.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe would like to have a debate on the detailed plans for a new technological university for the west and north west. So many debates are being sought that the agenda will be very crowded. The Senator has said there will be a technological universities Bill in the near future, but in advance of its introduction she would like to have a debate on what would be best for the institutes of technology and what they have to offer. Again, I will discuss the matter with the Leader.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh spoke about Traveller sites and the need for a dedicated Traveller agency. He suggested the ethnicity of Travellers should be recognised. I agree totally with him. He is seeking a debate on the matter.

Senator Terry Leyden referred to the passing yesterday of the Children First Bill. He acknowledged the acceptance by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, of Senator Jillian van Turnhout's amendment which was agreed to unanimously on cherishing all children equally, particularly those with special needs. He hopes the Bill will be expedited through the other House. We will have a word with the Minister in that regard.

Senator John Crown outlined health service considerations, including the fact that there had been an increase of 11,000% in the number on waiting lists. He outlined the situation at St. Vincent's University Hospital, with which naturally he is very familiar and which is jam-packed with trolleys. We were exporting doctors, but now we are importing them. However, it is a huge and festering problem and there is a need to tackle it urgently. I have no doubt that the Senator is right. He also proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 51, Seanad Electoral Reform Bill 2013, be taken before No. 2. As I understand it, there is a Government implementation body. I am afraid, therefore, that I will not be able to accept his amendment.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill supported Senator John Crown and agreed with Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú on the persecution of Christians. He referred to the ten lives lost in the fire in Carrickmines and called for a national discussion on the Traveller community. He is right and I agree totally with him.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell spoke about technological universities, an issue raised by Senator Susan O'Keeffe. He also spoke about boxing coach Mr. Billy Walsh leaving for the United States. In that regard, he praised the comments made in the House by Senator Eamonn Coghlan on the IABA. I agree with him.

Senator Jim Walsh agreed with Senator Terry Leyden on the removal from the Statute Book of the defence of the reasonable chastisement of children following the passage yesterday of the Children First Bill. I have no doubt that the videos showing abortion methods are absolutely horrific. I have not seen them, but I have no doubt that the Senator is correct in what he says. He also mentioned the address made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, to the House of Commons. Obviously, he is right; the people in question are not republicans. They are looking after themselves financially and mé féiners more than anything else. I do not think there is any argument to be made in that regard.

Senator Paschal Mooney spoke about the level of crime and the number of burglaries, in particular. He asked me to pursue the need for a debate on justice matters. I will certainly do so. He talked about the provision of resources for the Garda and, in that regard, questioned the Government's commitment, given that only five of the newly appointed gardaí were to be based in Sligo and deployed in counties Sligo and Leitrim. However, he welcomed the provision of high-speed vehicles and other additional resources. As we know, there are budgetary constraints in that regard.

Senator Paul Bradford supported the call to have the Seanad Electoral Reform Bill debated today.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson echoed what Senator Mark Daly had said about criminals on the streets and suggested those out on bail should be tagged. There is a constitutional matter of freedom of-----

Change the Constitution.

It is not a constitutional matter.

I am not a lawyer, but we know that people are innocent until proved guilty. I am not saying the Senator is wrong; I agree with him. I also want to see further steps being taken to deal with persons out on bail. As we know, the matter is under consideration by the Government. The Senator also wanted to see progress being made in the introduction of a number plate identification system. I agree with him. He welcomed the provision of 230 new high-powered vehicles, which will bring the total number to 600. I remind the Senator that the Garda Training College in Templemore has reopened and that there will be ongoing recruitment.

The lights are on, but no one is at home.