In the context of the Order of Business, I am making the point that new politics means one thing one day and something slightly different on another. Former Senator Joe O'Toole is a very astute, good public servant who has done a lot of work for the State on many issues and in many roles. I understand he has resigned.

Senators Rose Conway-Walsh, Collette Kelleher and Joe O'Reilly referred to family carers. I agree with them that implementation of the national strategy for carers needs to be a priority in the Department of Social Protection. I hope we will have the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Leo Varadkar, in the House to discuss the matter in the coming weeks. He has agreed to come to discuss social protection issues ahead of the budget. If we can do it next week, I will be happy to do so because the issue of carers is important and one that we need to see addressed. Carers do a huge amount of work that the State could never do. These are our family members and friends in our communities. Therefore, I fully concur with the Senators on the issue.

Senator Collette Kelleher also referred to the situation in John's Lane hostel. I understand from the agencies involved that alternative accommodation has been provided. It is, however, an important matter that should be addressed. I hope this will happen in dealing with the issues of housing and homelessness. I know that the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, is working on his strategy which he intends to bring forward before the summer recess.

Senator Kevin Humphreys referred to the eighth amendment of the Constitution and the matter of collective Cabinet responsibility. The Cabinet is not taking a position on the Bill. However, I agree with the Deputy that the eighth amendment is a very sensitive issue and one we need to see addressed. The Taoiseach has proposed the establishment of a citizens' assembly. I am told that the Bill will be brought before the Oireachtas before the summer recess, which will provide an opportunity to have the debate the Senator has sought. To be fair, the Taoiseach has never misled the House about his opinions on the issue.

I share his view that establishing the citizens' assembly is the way forward in handling the issue because it will allow space to have that discussion. Cabinet members have collective responsibility; there is no halfway house in that regard. The problem we have, however, is that there is no Cabinet undertaking or no collective Cabinet decision on the Bill in question.