Senator Marc MacSharry referred to the closure of Garda stations, particularly the fact that the OPW had sold Easky Garda station in County Sligo for €60,000. He complained that these Garda stations should be available for community use. I believe it was the intention that if communities showed such an interest, serious consideration would be given to making the Garda stations available for community use, but I do not know what happened in the case of the particular Garda station mentioned.

Senator Marc MacSharry proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 81, non-Government motion No. 15, be taken before No. 1. The motion relates to a cystic fibrosis drug, a matter raised by a number of Senators. The facts of the matter are that the drug has not yet been approved by the HSE for usage and the Minister is on record as saying that if it is approved for usage, he will go to the Government to seek more funding to make it available. As that is what the Minister would say if he were here, there is no need to bring him to the House today. Therefore, I do not propose to accede to the amendment proposed to the Order of Business. I assure Senator Marc MacSharry that, as soon as the drug is approved, the Minister will make the necessary funding available.

Senator Aideen Hayden welcomed the allocation of an additional €8 million for local authorities to clean up after the flooding. All local authorities in the various areas affected will appreciate this funding.

The Senator also referred to unfinished housing estates, a matter which has been addressed on many occasions in the House. It is welcome that the number of unfinished housing estates has been reduced by 75%. Tremendous progress has been made in that regard and I hope we will see an end to them completely within the coming year.

Senators Aideen Hayden and Sean D. Barrett raised the issue of inequality of access to third level education. Senator Sean D. Barrett stated the inequality started when children were four years of age or so. I am sure we will discuss this matter with the Minister for Education and Skills early in the new year.

Senator Aideen Hayden outlined the need for further student accommodation, particularly in Dublin, given its exorbitant cost. She had a lot to say this morning because she also referred to the commemorative stamp for Francis Ledwidge which was also mentioned by Senators Paschal Mooney and Thomas Byrne. It is to be welcomed. Like Senator Paschal Mooney, I had the pleasure of visiting Francis Ledwidge's grave last year when members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly visited a number of war graves.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout welcomed the appointment of Dr. Geoffrey Shannon to the District Court. On the question of judges, Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed Mr. Justice Peter Kelly's appointment as President of the High Court. We wish both judges well.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout also referred to the special helpline for homeless children, expressing the hope we would not need it next year. That is the hope of every Senator.

Senators David Norris and Fidelma Healy Eames discussed the sexual offences Bill. It will not be before the House again this year. We took but did not finish Committee Stage last week. There was no prospect of finishing Committee and Report Stages by the end of the session, but we hope the Bill will be passed by the Houses early in the new year.

Among other Senators, Senator David Norris commented on an article in yesterday's edition of the Irish Independent which contained some glaring errors and which certainly was not factual. One error that stood out was the statement that 54 Members of the Seanad would continue to be elected by Deputies, Senators and local councillors. Any child entering the House knows that 43 Senators are elected in that way, not 54.

That is a reflection on the quality of the journalism involved.

Boycott the Irish Independent.

Journalists were always known for examining and researching the facts before publishing anything, but obviously there is a need for------

Traditionally, but there is a new generation of journalists who obviously do not need to conduct any research. They just pick things off the top of their heads.

Senator Michael Comiskey complimented the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, on fishing quotas. The Minister has done well in that regard in recent years. The Senator welcomed the increased quotas for whitefish and prawns, in particular, and the abolition of the policy on discards. He also outlined the difficulties for businesses and farmers as a result of the floods and discussed the need for an agency to deal with the question of drainage of the River Shannon, a suggestion that was addressed yesterday.

Senator Terry Leyden complimented the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, on the Bill dealing with the reasonable chastisement of children. I appreciate the Senator's comments in that regard.

Senator Mary Moran complimented the usher, Ms Phil Donnelly, on being appointed as team leader. She also welcomed the passage of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill through the House yesterday.

Senators Feargal Quinn and Fidelma Healy Eames discussed the issue of jihadis returning to Ireland and what penalties they would face. The Senators mentioned the need for the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 to reflect the changes we had witnessed in recent years. I agree and I am sure the Department of Justice and Equality and the Minister are considering proposals to change the Act to reflect current circumstances.

Senator Katherine Zappone outlined the fact that she intended to publish a residential tenancies (amendment) Bill. I am sure the Bill will be debated in the new year.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh asked for more time to debate the Prisons Bill. We have allocated one hour to debate the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, but I expect the debate to conclude within a short period. As we will go straight into the Prisons Bill, I expect there to be more time available to debate it than indicated.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh was supported by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames in referring to the difficulties with the public service obligation, PSO, licence for the ferry service to the Aran Islands. I suggest the Senators table a Commencement matter in order that we might receive an answer from the Minister.

Senator Lorraine Higgins complimented the gardaí who were visiting schools to outline the dangers associated with online abuse. They are to be complimented on their efforts in this regard because it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Senator Paschal Mooney stated that last Monday was the 60th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the United Nations. He outlined the historical background to Ireland's membership.

Senators Colm Burke and Paul Bradford discussed the need for house adaptation works for people with disabilities, particularly those living in local authority housing. I cannot understand how any council could stand over people having to wait six or seven years for such grants. The Senators are seeking greater flexibility in the provision of funding. This year the local authority in Waterford allocated an extra €88,000 from its own resources for grants for disabled persons. It is unbelievable to think it has taken six or seven years for adaptation works to be carried out. Councils should examine the issue.

We all join Senator Gerard P. Craughwell in wishing Councillor Crowley from Kildare well. He was seriously injured in an accident yesterday evening.

The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women, ONE, a great organisation, is concerned about the health of one of its members in Springfield House. I suggest Senator Gerard P. Craughwell submit a Commencement matter tomorrow to receive an answer from the Minister. I join the Senator in complimenting the Defence Forces on their work, particularly in dealing with the recent floods when they did a tremendous job. They continue to do so.

Senator Sean D. Barrett mentioned the report of the ESRI. I am sure it will be examined and acted on by the Government.