I welcome Deputy Tom Barry and his daughter to the House. I also welcome my friend and former colleague on Waterford City Council, Ms Hilary Quinlan, to the Visitors Gallery. Many Members sent good wishes to everybody in the House.

Senator Paschal Mooney asked about the Bankruptcy (Amendment) Bill. As we have general agreement from everybody on the contents of that Bill, I do not think the timing will make much of a difference. We will complete the Bill within the timeframe allowed.

Senator Ivana Bacik asked about the White Paper on energy, while Senator Mary White raised the issue of climate change. I am sure we will have a debate on the matter early in the new year.

Senator Ivana Bacik also raised the case of Ibrahim Halawa, as a number of Members did yesterday. I have a note from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the case which I will read to the House. The Taoiseach has on two occasions addressed the case with the Egyptian President, while the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has met and spoken to the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Mr. Shoukry, on numerous occasions. He also met the Egyptian ambassador yesterday and efforts are being made at EU level, with contact having been made by the European Union with Egyptian officials. Ibrahim receives regular visits from Irish diplomats. He has been visited 48 times since his detention and the Irish ambassador and his colleagues attend court and monitor matters closely. This is in the context of the very challenging security situation in Egypt. It is important to note that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is experienced in dealing with complex consular cases and deals with them in a manner which it believes will serve the best interests of citizens, the welfare of whom is at all times at the centre of its approach. It has consulted widely on the case with other countries that have had citizens in similar situations and these consultations inform the view that constant measured and firm diplomacy with the Egyptian authorities, including through the European Union and other partners, offers the best chance of securing Ibrahim's release because it is ultimately a matter for the Egyptian authorities to deal with. The Minister has indicated that both he and his officials are available to brief Members on the approach being taken to the case, bearing in mind that ultimately it is very sensitive. We hope Ibrahim will be free in early course to come home and resume his studies. That is the wish of every Member of the House.

Senator David Norris asked about the Order of Business and Commencement debates. We will look at that issue. He is right that there were eight or nine Members present earlier, but, thankfully, there are a lot more now.

Senator Terry Leyden asked about the scrutiny of legislation in the House. He is right. We have had a number of Bills accepted in this House. Senator John Crown referred to one of them which was enacted today on the subject of banning smoking in cars in which children are present. This House has made a significant contribution to legislation and long may that continue.

Senator Terry Leyden also asked if a review of the trade embargo with Russia would be considered. I will certainly raise the matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, but I do not think we can remain neutral when we have one country trying to annex another. I hope we will have a debate on the matter, as requested.

Trade, not war.

We were annexed for 800 years.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about flooding in towns and said shops were open for business and should be supported. Senator Feargal Quinn referred to businesses in small towns on this side of the Border. They need to be given every support they can be given.

Senator Sean D. Barrett wished Arlene Foster well. It appears that she will be the first woman First Minister in Northern Ireland. The Senator also welcomed the raising of interest rates in the United States, saying it would be good for the economies of the world, eventually.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the guillotining of debates on Bills. A guillotine would probably have been introduced in considering a number of Bills yesterday, but they were all finished in ample time and the debate on none of them was guillotined.

I hope that will also be the case today. Guillotining is not a good practice and the House does not follow it. I try to avoid it, wherever possible.

Senator Marc MacSharry referred to the plight of the undocumented Irish and called for greater access for Irish citizens to the visa waiver scheme. If the Cathaoirleach, the House or I can do anything to improve their lot, we will not be found wanting.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to a court case. I do not wish to comment on it, as the question of sureties is one for the judge. Any Senator can request a review of Standing Orders and make recommendations at any point.

I compliment Senator John Crown on the passage of the Bill referred to on the banning of smoking in cars.

Senator Jim Walsh, in discussing the issue of public service reform, made the point that salary scales in public bodies should be published. I agree. I see no reason they should not be published.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe, rightly, referred to the plight of farmers, an issue many Senators have raised in recent days. We will discuss it early in the new year.

I welcome the teachers and pupils from Garbally College, Ballinasloe, County Galway.