I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election and the Leader of the House, Senator Jerry Buttimer, on his appointment.

Reference was made to Seanad reform. I think Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh spoke about how this Chamber was very diverse in terms of Members' array of talents. Seanad reform is key, but the items the House deals with are more fundamental than this.

This is National Carers' Week. Senator Colette Kelleher spoke about people being cared for in their homes. We need to look at the fair deal scheme to see how it could be adapted in terms of providing care in a home setting. Putting someone in a nursing home is seen as a last resort by most people, regardless of whether they have a disabled spouse, disabled children or elderly parents. It should be seen as a last resort. We need to look at providing proper day-care services.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to come to the House? Ireland is recovering but, in the area of public procurement, I have come across a number of small family-owned businesses which had public contracts for the past 20 years but which have been unable to tender for them because they do not meet the size requirements for public tendering. As we need to consider this issue, I ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to come before the House to ensure that if a family business is doing a good job, it will not be at a disadvantage because of its size.

I share all of the sentiments expressed about the tragedy in Orlando. I compliment Senator Billy Lawless because he brings a perspective on the holding of guns in the United States. I hope this will be a watershed, that common sense will prevail in the United States and that we can learn from what happens outside the country which has had issues with gun crime. We should learn from it and look at the legislation.

The role of this House is to question legislation and decisions being made and for Members to operate collectively as a group. This Seanad has an opportunity to do things in a slightly different way. I look forward to it being a debating Chamber. I take Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell's point. I was not aware that someone could order shoes on the Internet, but her basic point is relevant - that this is a debating Chamber and that we should have robust debate. We do not have to agree on everything, but it is important that everything be discussed to the proper degree.