I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his appointment and wish him success.

I join in the condemnation of the massacre in Orlando. This was a hate crime and I am delighted that the people of the island of Ireland have joined in sending condolences to the people of Orlando.

I look forward to the debate on homelessness. The current situation is causing major hardship for families.

A colleague of mine who came to Dublin last week had to pay €160 for a hotel room on a Wednesday night because of a concert. That is one aspect of the issue that needs to be addressed. The cost of hotel rooms is affecting the tourists who come to the country, particularly in Dublin. Tourism increased by 33% between 2010 and 2015, but the number of hotel rooms has decreased. This issue must be tackled immediately because it could damage the tourism potential of the city and country.

I take the opportunity to congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election. He was well chosen and brings experience and integrity to the role. He is a great listener and fair. I also congratulate Senator Jerry Buttimer on his appointment as Leader of the House. He has the qualities to make the Twenty-fifth Seanad which comprises an elected group of powerful people come alive internally and externally. He chaired the meetings of the Joint Committee on Health and Children when it was discussing end-of-life issues and did so with exceptional ability, determination and compassion. He will bring the same talent to the House.

Everybody is talking about reform of the Seanad which we need internally and externally in terms of how people get here and what they do afterwards. I would like to make a suggestion to the Cathaoirleach. Perhaps we might have more control of electronic equipment in order that Senators who come to the House would listen to arguments and argue against each other without having their heads in phones or tablets, especially when some of the subjects about which we are arguing are quite profound, if not life-changing. It is very disconcerting to be sitting beside somebody who might be ordering shoes or talking to relations all over the world. I am not against electronic media, but we should show a certain discretion, especially when the national and international world is now watching us on screens. My grandmother used to say that if one wanted to change things, one had better start in one's kitchen as opposed to going up town. Perhaps we should start with a few mannerly changes in the House, one of which could involve the discretionary use of electronic media.

Unless a Senator clearly indicates to me that he or she wishes to speak and I can see the Senator concerned, I will skip him or her. I skipped Fianna Fáil because I did not see anyone indicate. I will allow Senator Colette Kelleher to speak. I skipped her by accident. I will try to keep to the groups; otherwise, there will be confusion. For example, as nobody from Fianna Fáil had indicated, I skipped those Senators. There are eight on the list from Fine Gael and I will skip anyone who does not indicate otherwise. I will not invite everyone to speak.