I thank all 39 Senators who spoke on the Order of Business. In response to Senator Diarmuid Wilson, the time limits in dealing with Private Members' business are ten minutes for the proposer of the motion and six minutes for the seconder. Other speakers will have six minutes each and the Minister will have 15 minutes in which to respond. The time limits have been fixed by the House. Today, like many Senators, I have my "L" plates on and tá mé an-neirbhíseach.

I thank all 20 Senators who spoke about what had happened in Orlando. As a member of the LGBT community, I was left numb on waking up on Sunday morning to and watch and listen to the television and news coverage of the depraved killing of 49 people. I say this as somebody who uses and sees night clubs, gay pubs and community venues as havens and a place of refuge where men and women of all ages can feel safe and secure without fear of being attacked, verbally or physically, let alone being gunned down, and where those within that community have a sense of belonging and acceptance. I join all other Senators in sending our sympathy to the husbands and wives, partners and families of those killed and ask the Cathaoirleach to send our deep condolences to the US ambassador. This is an act that took place during Pride month and to those who ask why Gay Pride continues, the events in Orlando and others across the world where people kill others in the name of religion show why it is needed. It comes 12 months after the referendum in this country when we acted as a beacon across the world. This week, across the country in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and other cities, a vigil is being organised through GLEN, LINC and the Gay Men's Health Service. It is an example of why we must continue our work and ensure no person who is born this way will be afraid to come out and live the life he or she can.

I know that it is not a day for political statements, but I agree with Senator Billy Lawless that the issues of gun control and the right to bear arms in the United States of America are ones we must collectively try to change. I hope that, through his good offices, the Senator will be able to help in bringing about that change, irrespective of political ideology. That a person under surveillance can walk into a gun shop and buy two types of weapon and a couple of days later do what he did begs a serious question. It is a lesson we must all consider. I hope that following the events in Orlando we can send a message to our sons, daughters and friends that it is okay to come out as gay and live a normal life. If we do not do this, we will go back to the days when they were suppressed. I appeal to those of other religions not to see this as western values versus those in the Far East or wherever else. Those of us who are gay are men and women of value, principle and integrity. We must all work to ensure our society and world will be better and kinder places.

Seven Members mentioned that this was carers' week. Last Monday morning I was fortunate to be with Senator Alice-Mary Higgins in University College Cork where she made a fine speech on carers at the launch of a new study conducted by people at the university. It is important that we collaborate to ensure the national carers strategy is implemented. There are parts of it that can be put in place without cost. It is important that we, in this House, with Deputies, set up a cross-party group, as we did to deal with the issue of mental health. We should not just pay lip service to the national carers strategy; we must ensure it is put on a footing, with implementable action plans. I look forward to working with Members on the issue.

I am happy on behalf of the Government to accept Senator Michael McDowell's proposal on Seanad reform. To the eight Members who spoke about the issue, we on this side of the House will not stand in the way of reform. It is important, if we are serious about the issue, that the legacy of the Twenty-fifth Seanad be bringing about change. We may have different views on how to achieve the end result, but as part of the process, it is important that we begin a discussion on how we can implement the Manning report which is central to the programme for Government. I have already spoken to the Taoiseach about this and he will make his views known in a couple of weeks. It is incumbent on us, in a cross-party manner, to bring about reform of the Seanad which encompasses all views.

Senator Catherine Ardagh raised a number of questions. It is important for us to consider the issue of waiting times. The Minister for Health will be in the House next week to discuss health issues.

Senator David Norris, in a very fine address, and Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the eighth amendment of the Constitution. The Taoiseach has proposed the establishment of a citizens' assembly. I share Senator Ivana Bacik's view that it is important we have Members of both Houses of the Oireachtas as part of that assembly. I say this as someone who served on the Constitutional Convention which brought about profound change in the country. Those who decried the convention should read some of the scholarly articles written by Professor David Farrell and others in which it was described as mould-breaking. It allowed citizens and elected public representatives to come together to discuss matters of sensitivity and political policy and reform. A citizens' assembly is the way to go in dealing with the eighth amendment. For those who propose abolition, there is a hiatus and, for those who seek retention, the answer is not kept for those who want to get rid of the eighth amendment. It is important that we take the issue away from the body politic and the heat of the political process. As a former Chairman of the health committee that dealt with the protection of health during pregnancy legislation, I see it as important that we handle this issue in a sensitive and careful manner. It is about the lives of people and there are different views. It is important, therefore, that we hear from all sides, not just the extremes, whatever our own views or ideology may be.

Senators David Norris and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, a former Minister of State, raised the issue of direct provision. I commend the former Minister of State for the work he did on it. I have already spoken to the relevant Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, about it, as, despite Senator Gerard P. Craughwell's view of politics and constituencies, it transcends such constituencies. In my city of Cork there are a number of centres-----

It is a national problem.

It is important that we hear the views of people who have rights and entitlements and deserve our respect; we have a duty of care towards them. The Minister of State is visiting direct provision centres and I hope he will, in time, come to the House to discuss the issue.

I agree fully with Senator David Norris on the Living City initiative. In a number of budgets the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, referred to the scheme for those living over shops, if one likes to use such a term. It is an issue that should be considered by the Government in order that we can not only preserve the buildings mentioned but also attract people to inner city areas in cities such as Cork and Waterford. When Senator Paudie Coffey was a Minister of State, he worked very closely with the Department, councils and the construction sector to ensure we had people moving to cities. In my city of Cork there is a lot of space over shops and businesses where there could be apartment dwellings, as there are elsewhere in Europe. I hope we can also have a debate on that issue.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh spoke about waiting times in the health service. I am pleased to point out that the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive are working on a dedicated waiting time initiative. The Minister for Health will be in the House next week when we can discuss the issue further.

With respect to the Moore Street monuments, I will ask the Minister responsible, Deputy Heather Humphreys, to come to the House for a debate on the issue. I do not have the exact answer right now, but I will revert to the Senator with it.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins referred to the need for us to get ready for full employment. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will be in the House tomorrow when we can debate the issue further. I hope we will be able to have a series of discussions about employment. If Members are on the list to speak when we reach the end of the time allocated, as Leader, I will be happy to ensure the debate will roll over as it is a very important issue. In the course of the last Dáil we saw the unemployment rate fall from 15.9% to 8%, which was a tremendous record, given the economic decline we had experienced. It is an issue we need to address and, as Senators, we have a role to play.

The report on domestic violence is shocking and significant action must be taken to deal with the issue. The Istanbul Convention should be examined. I will certainly take up the matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality on behalf of Members. The report presented this morning was very upsetting.

Senator Ivana Bacik raised the issues of gun control, a matter I have already addressed, domestic violence and the eighth amendment, on which I hope we will see movement with the establishment of the citizens' assembly.

Senator Michelle Mulherin raised the very important issue of flood defences, with particular reference to the minor works schemes. I agree that the Office of Public Works and local councils should prioritise the provision of flood defence mechanisms. To be fair to the previous Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, there has been work done. He worked with councils in many parts of the country in developing policy and the catchment flood risk assessment and management programme.

Senator Billy Lawless spoke convincingly about the issue of gun control and the events in Orlando. I welcome him to the House. His is an important voice, not only for the diaspora but also for Irish-Americans in general, as he will play a key role in articulating our views. I agree with Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh as we have all benefited from friends in America giving us jobs. I spent a summer there on a J1 visa when my cousin found me a job; I would not have found it without him. Every summer we receive requests from many people looking for jobs in America. In that regard, some of the commentary is unfair to Senator Billy Lawless. He will bring an important dimension to the House and I look forward to working with him in building a cross-party approach to illegal immigrants and Irish America. It is important that we continue the link with America where many of us have family members and friends. Although there has been a change, I know of people who left Ireland because they were gay. They are living open and happy lives in America.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan referred to the marketing of life insurance policies. I will be happy to have the Minister responsible come to the House to discuss this important issue. The Senator has indicated that the companies involved have a duty of care to those who buy their products. Sometimes the small print is not read or pointed to.

I agree with Senator Michael McDowell's comments on the issue of Seanad reform. The Government will not challenge the amendment proposed to the Order of Business.

It is important, however, that we take our time and get it right rather than rushing to be the first to provide for Seanad reform. It is important, as Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell said, that we speak with one voice and work together. It is also important that we cast aside our political differences on various issues because new politics is not about opposition the whole time but working together. As Leader of the Seanad, I hope we will have a business committee to run the business of the House. I met some of the leaders yesterday and will be meeting the leaders and the Whips together again in order that we can order the business of the House in a collaborative way. On a personal level, it does not serve us well in the House when we have divisions every day on the Order of Business to bring a Minister here to discuss A, B or C. If we can operate in a mature manner, work together to ensure we run the business of the House properly and in a manner that will ensure Members will have a fair say and their voices heard, that will serve us better not just in the Chamber but also in the eyes of the public.

Bhí an Seanadóir Trevor Ó Clochartaigh ag caint mar gheall ar úsáid na Gaeilge. Níl an Ghaeilge go líofa agam ach tá mé ag foghlaim. Chleacht mé í uaireanta sa Dáil. I hope we can have debates in Irish and that we will be able to speak as Gaeilge, no matter how good or bad we are in our native tongue.

The Senator also spoke about waste, but he knows that the polluter pays principle applies: the more one uses, the more one pays. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, to come before the House to speak about the matter.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan referred to carers. I agree with her on the need to have an all-party committee and have said we should work together on the matter, as there is a consensus within the House. As we saw in the previous Dáil and Seanad, where there were cross-party working groups on many issues, from symphysiotomy to mental health, we can bring about change and affect how the Government and the world sees us.

The former Minister of State, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, spoke about health and criminal justice matters. I agree with him. We need to take a twin approach to the problem of drugs. It is about justice, health, education and employment and it is important that we speak with one voice. I agree with the Senator that the McMahon report marks the beginning and that it is important that we bring about reform because, as I said, there are young children, in particular, who are very badly affected. We meet them every day in our constituency offices and constituencies as we walk about. Their parents cannot work and they are being treated like second-class citizens in terms of their ability to live their lives. It is important that we see reform.

My colleague, friend and former Minister of State, Senator Paudie Coffey, spoke about the skills deficit. He is right; there is a deficit in many areas. When we see the tourism figures increasing and advertisements for chefs abroad, it poses the question as to why the training of chefs was stopped in the country. I agree that we need to discuss the skills shortage, not just in the construction sector but also across the entire economy. The Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, in his previous life, launched a national skills strategy. It was an important beginning, but the strategy cannot be left to gather dust on a shelf. We must see its active implementation. I agree with Senator Paudie Coffey. I remember that he raised the issue in a previous Seanad and it is one to which we need to return.

Senator Terry Leyden, with Senators Neale Richmond and Niall Ó Donnghaile, raised the issue of Brexit. It was my hope to have a debate on it this week, but both the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy, and the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, are away. I hope we will have it next week because it is a very important discussion that we need to have. We need to urge Irish voters in the United Kingdom, including the North, to vote to remain. From an economic point of view, the United Kingdom is of critical importance to us. I urge all Members, if they will have an opportunity to do so, to travel in person to the North to canvass at the weekend or use social media to advocate a vote to remain. It is not about us interfering, rather it is about us, as Irish citizens and citizens of Europe, asking our fellow countrymen and women to vote to remain.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell spoke about getting off on a bad foot. I look forward to working with every Member to ensure this will be a productive, meaningful Seanad. We cannot produce legislation just like that; there was a hiatus in the other House. I have, therefore, asked that some legislation be initiated in this House. It is important that we try to achieve some measure of balance in this regard. I do not agree with the Senator regarding constituencies. We all represent the people and it is our duty to advocate on their behalf. The issue he raised about medals for the men and women who served the country should be looked at and I will take it up with the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Deputy Paul Kehoe.

Senator Máire Devine referred to Cloverhill Remand Prison. I do not have the answer to her question, but I will take up the matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality. She might also want to raise it in the Commencement debate to give her an opportunity to articulate her viewpoint. I agree with her about the men and women who are midwives and nurses. They do great work every day in hospitals. When I was in college, I had the pleasure to work as a porter in Cork University Hospital when I saw at first hand the work they did every day. The Senator might write to the health committee to ask it to take up what is an important issue. I do not have the answer to her question, but I will take up the matter on her behalf with the Minister.

Senator Frank Feighan raised the issue of hotel rooms and prices. He is right. As one of its first acts, the last Government cut the VAT rate on the basis that we would see an increase in tourist figures and that is what happened, but now we are seeing greed or profiteering in hotels starting to raise their prices. The Senators who stay in hotels in Dublin will have seen the increase in prices over a five-year period. It is not just about that however; it is also about the tourism product we are selling and ensuring the country remains viable and attractive from a tourist perspective to encourage people to come here. If they see escalating costs, I am afraid of what will happen. We will take up the matter with the Minister of State with responsibility for tourism and sport, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, who has strong views about bedroom prices in Dublin and across the country.

I thank Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell for her kind remarks and compliment her on pursuing the issue of end-of-life care. It is an important topic, to which I hope we will again see a cross-party approach which she has been spearheading and which we, as a society, have not addressed. It is one on which we need to continue to work. In the last Dáil I was Chairman of the health committee and the pleasure of being involved in the work we undertook on the issue. I am glad that the Senator has taken it up. It is important that, as a collective, in both Houses, we work to ensure we devise a strategy to deal with it.

Senator Colette Kelleher also referred to carers, with particular reference to the fair deal scheme. I fully agree with her. It is important that we see a change. The Senator brings to the House the benefit not just of her work with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland but also of her work with the Cork Simon Community and the Cope Foundation in Cork and in the disability sector.

Senator Martin Conway spoke eloquently about how we could eliminate bullying or peer pressure. Thankfully, in the previous Dáil two former Ministers, Ruairí Quinn and Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, introduced major changes to the curriculum to tackle homophobic bullying and bullying in general, from which I hope we will see much better results. It is important that we continue to see the education system and the curriculum reflecting a more modern society.

Senator Keith Swanick referred to the old district hospitals. I remind him that the last Government had a capital investment programme for district hospitals which I hope we will see continue. He is right that they are a resource we can use to provide step-down facilities before allowing people back to their homes. I pay tribute to the former Minister, now Senator James Reilly, who was instrumental in bringing about change. The Minister for Health will be in the House next week. I hope to arrange debates on health issues, including mental health services.

Senator Victor Boyhan referred to the infrastructure fund. I hope the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, will come before us. The Government has prioritised housing provision, in which a significant investment has been signalled. A stand-alone Department for housing has been created and it is a crisis we need to see resolved. My colleague, Senator Paudie Coffey, when Minister of State, was very strong and pivotal in relaunching the housing policy.

It is important that this work continue. I will certainly ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of Brexit. He also referred to the European Championships and sport in general. We can work together on the proposal made and I would happy to be meet the Senator to discuss it. Sport unites people. I am very happy that Lee McLaughlin has been found and join the Senator in sympathising with the family of Darren Rodgers. I thank and compliment the Irish supporters who paid tribute to him during the championships.

Hear, hear.

I wish our team every success in the remainder of the championships in France. I think we all saw them play on Monday night - I know that I am digressing a little, but Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin raised the point - and there was a great uplift among people, perhaps not at the end of the game which ended in a draw, but the team certainly got off to a reasonably good start. There is now confidence that we can feel and it is important that we support each other. I would be happy to talk to Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile about the matter in question.

Senator John Dolan's remarks were clear and strong about people with a disability and carers. The Senator has huge background experience. I worked with him in the past and look forward to working with him again in the future. It is good that we have individuals such as Senators John Freeman, Collette Kelleher and John Dolan in the House in the interests of people - I will not say sectoral interests - because they come with first-hand knowledge. I know that Senator John Dolan is very persistent and I look forward to working with him.

Senator Catherine Noone raised the very important issue of obesity and stated that unless we, as a nation, tackled this problem, particularly as it related to juveniles, we would be in serious trouble. I commend the Senator for her tremendous work in the previous Seanad, for I which pay tribute to her. I also acknowledge former Senator Eamonn Coghlan whose Steps for Life programme is one I hope will come to fruition. We have the Healthy Ireland umbrella and I hope that, as part of Seanad's programme of work, the Minister of State with responsibility for health promotion, Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, will come before the House to discuss this very important issue.

Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor referred to carers. She also referred to the Tír na nÓg respite care services in Carlow. I do not have an answer to her question, but I will certainly be happy to speak to the Minister responsible on her behalf about the matter. As I know the town of Carlow quite well, I will be very happy to ensure whatever the Senator requires is pursued. Deputy Pat Deering has also raised the issue with me. It is one that requires work and if the Senator gives me the details, I will be happy to take them to the Minister.

Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh raised an issue similar to that raised by Senator Paudie Coffey about the importance of education. There is a concern about third level dropout rates, particularly in the first year of college, either as a result of lack of information or students choosing the wrong course. It is about providing proper information and guidance. It is important to look at how students can be kept in suitable courses. Equally, if a student drops out of a course, he or she and his or her family should not necessarily be penalised all of the time. The Senator is correct on the level of stress among students at second level. I look forward to bringing the new Minister for Education and Skills to the House to discuss the second level curriculum and the level of stress among students.

Senator Neale Richmond raised the issue of Brexit. He also raised the issue of European funding for the Erasmus+ programme. I will be happy to take up the matter with the Minister for Education and Skills. I compliment the Senator on the role he plays in the pro-European movement. It is important - I repeat what I said earlier - that all Members become active in promoting a vote to remain in the Brexit referendum.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson's suggestion in respect of the Passport Office is a good one. If he was to go by what happens in my office, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade would be aware that there was an issue with people submitting their applications late or forgetting about the expiration date on their passports. The Senator is right that people receive reminders about the late payment of different bills. This is a matter in which they might benefit from receiving reminders. What the Senator said made common sense. Sometimes the common-sense approach is the best one to take because it means that people can avoid a great deal of hassle, fear and panic. All of us in the House have received requests for assistance in having passports issued.

Senator Paul Gavan raised the issue of child care and funding. It is fair to request the establishment of a committee on children, but it is important to recognise that the previous Government established Tusla, provided child care services for an extra year and changed the child care landscape. However, it is also important that we work with the child care sector to ensure remuneration levels and conditions of service are improved. The zero-to-three or even the zero-to-five year age group is important. It is vital, therefore, that we invest adequately in child care services because if we do not, the cost will be paid later in life. We look forward to receiving any proposal the Senator wishes to make. It is important to prioritise the early years sector. The Senator will find no issue with me in that regard.

I compliment Senator Frances Black on her very personal and important contribution. She is correct to highlight the issues of alcohol abuse and gambling. Concerns about online gambling need to be addressed. I had the pleasure of working on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill which is on the Government list for publication. It is an important Bill because, as a nation, we have an issue with alcohol consumption, not just in terms of the volume consumed but also in terms of binge drinking. In recent weeks we have heard many sports people speak about their gambling addiction. It is easy for someone to pick up his or her mobile phone and use a gambling app. With the press of a button, he or she can spend X amount of money, perhaps without even realising it. That might be a simplistic view, but it is an issue on which we need to be very vigilant. I look forward to working with the Senator on it.

The issue of health care was raised by Senator Colm Burke. He is right that the talks between the Department, the HSE and the two doctors' groups - the IMO and the NAGP - need to come to fruition because the primary care system is dependent on doctors playing a pivotal role. I hope to see that change happen. On hospital attendances, I hope the hospital groups will see a change such that there will be a better and improved system by which the issue of waiting times can be tackled.

Senator Paul Daly referred to national guidelines for wind energy projects. I will be happy to invite the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, who is responsible for the planning element for the energy sector and the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Deputy Denis Naughten, who is involved in the other element to come to the House to discuss this important matter.

Senator Paul Daly also raised the issue of thoroughbreds, a topic on which I have also received representations and to which consideration should be given.

Senator Denis Landy spoke about councillors who are not just responsible for electing many of us to this House but who also play a very important role in local government. The Senator is correct that the role of councillors has changed considerably. We need to reflect on how training and resources can be provided to improve how they do their business. I was very pleased when Senator Paddy Burke tabled a Commencement matter on the topic earlier. I know that the Fine Gael group had a meeting yesterday on it to see how the cause of conscience could be advanced. It is important that all Members work collaboratively on the issue. I know that Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Victor Boyhan have a motion on the Order Paper and that Senator Aidan Davitt has also raised the matter. If Members speak with one voice, rather than being half-cocked, a better return might be achieved for councillors who are, in many cases, working full-time in their positions, with little or no remuneration or few resources. It is important that this be acknowledged.

Senator Joe O'Reilly referred to Bailieborough Garda station. From speaking to him, I am aware that this is a very important matter about which he is extremely concerned. I will ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW to communicate with him on it. If he requires a debate on it in the House, we will be happy to facilitate him.

As I mentioned, Senator Aidan Davitt raised the matter of local government and councillors. I fully agree with what he said and hope we will work together on the issue.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell spoke about public expenditure reform and procurement. This is a concern for many small and medium-sized enterprises that are locked out of the procurement process because of the tendering procedures that apply. It is important that we debate the matter with the Minister responsible. I will try to organise such a debate as early as possible.

Senator Robbie Gallagher joined Senator Frances Black and others in commenting on the role of councillors and referring to concerns about online gambling. It is important that we also debate these issues.

Senator Michael McDowell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 11 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is it agreed to? Agreed.