I thank the 21 Members who made contributions on the Order of Business.

Senator Catherine Ardagh referred to the movement towards having staffless public libraries. As someone who served as chairperson of Cork City Council's library sub-committee, I am aware that it is a matter for local authorities to fund their own services. The staff certainly play an integral and strong part in our experience of libraries. I might have the Minister responsible come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Michael McDowell spoke about the water pipeline between the River Shannon and Dublin. I will be very happy to invite the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, to come to the House to discuss the issue. There have been problems with the water supply and particularly water pressure in Dublin. Those of us who stay in hotels when we are in Dublin will have seen water conservation notices in lifts and the public areas of hotels. It is important that we have a debate about how to ensure continuity and safety of supply in the Dublin area. The Senator mentioned that he had received a paper from Ms Emma Kennedy on the issue. Perhaps he might circulate it to Members as a reference paper as it is important that we learn and broaden our horizons. To that end, I will get the Minister to come to the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh also referred to libraries. I join him in recognising the excellent work of the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Kyne, in bridging a solution to the ferry problem last weekend. I thank him for intervening, thereby showing his power and ability to bring people together, but the Senator is right when he says a long-term solution is needed. We have been given a reprieve until 4 January, but we cannot have a sense of déjà vu or Groundhog Day on that date. The point the Senator made about bin charges is to be welcomed. I will come back to that issue.

The fundamental point made by the Senator is that all Members of the House should play a part in helping to eradicate the mistreatment of the men and women who work in the entertainment and hospitality sector, including bar staff, waiters, waitresses, glass collectors, doormen and doorwomen, taxi drivers, nightclub DJs and band members. We enter their workplaces when we go to restaurants and public houses and they deserve to be treated properly and with respect and decorum. I hope that, as public officials, we lead the way by ensuring those in our parties and groups treat them with respect and courtesy as they do their day's or night's work. Senator Billy Lawless plays a strong role in the hospitality sector in Chicago. It is important for us to stand up for and with those who work in the sector.

Senator Frances Black referred to mental health services. Everyone in the House has a role to play in promoting positive mental health, wellness and well-being, to which the Government has committed funding. It has become a popular cant to blame the Government or public bodies for difficulties in the mental health sector. Like her predecessors, former Deputies Kathleen Lynch and John Moloney, the Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, has demonstrated her willingness to prioritise mental health services, in which an additional €115 million has been invested this year, which represents an increase of 20% since 2012. There has also been a recruitment and advertising campaign. I was in Cork City Hall yesterday when the Lord Mayor, Councillor Des Cahill, held an informative and important briefing on the issue of mental health and suicide in the city of Cork. We all have a role to play in that regard. It behoves all of us, therefore, to ensure mental health services are prioritised. I join the Minister of State in trying to do so.

I am happy to accept the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Gerald Nash. Many Members of the House, including Senator David Norris who has left the Chamber, are playing a role in making our society more equal and progressive. While it might not be as simple as Senator Gerald Nash thinks to achieve the aims of the Bill to which his amendment relates, we should collectively sign up to support it as a means of ensuring we can send a message to those who were persecuted and treated badly by the State and their families.

I join him in condemning the treatment of workers in Drogheda who have been locked out, in some cases without recompense or by-the-by, after 20 or 30 years of service. Certainly, the Duffy Cahill review is one to which we can come back if we happen to have the Minister responsible in the House.

Senator Neale Richmond referred to the European Council meeting on the future of Europe. He is right. There is a need for dialogue on the future of the European Union, not least in the context of Brexit, the outcome of the vote in Italy at the weekend and the implications for the European Union, particularly in terms of fiscal stability. The growth of certain populist trends throughout the European Union is also an important issue.

Senator Keith Swanick proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 29, non-Government motion No. 9 re the National Treasury Management Agency, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accept the amendment and commend the Senator for his strong words on and actions against the tobacco industry. I also commend Senator James Reilly for the role he played in that regard when Minister for Health. All Members of the House can send a collective message to the effect that we do not want to see people dying from smoking-related diseases. If we can progress measures to protect the health and well-being of the nation, any stepping stone in that direction should be approached by everyone with acclamation.

Senator Máire Devine referred to the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise. It is an important matter on which we should not play politics. I chaired the previous Joint Committee on Health and Children which dealt with the HIQA report. Some of the families affected appeared before it. It is important to recognise that steps have been taken on foot of events at the hospital. It should also be noted that it was the bravery of women and their families that allowed us to reach this day when we have another report on services at the hospital. I must have listened to a different radio programme this morning because I thought the chairperson of the group was clear and strong on the need for a strategic plan. The plan is with the Minister for Health to be implemented. He has emphasised that we need to protect and ensure the safety of women and their babies and that this concern is paramount at all times. I agree fully with the Senator that we must see a strategic plan being put in place as we must safeguard the lives of women and their children and also protect staff. That is why there has been an increase of 18% in Government funding for the hospital, something to which the Senator did not refer. It is also why there are an additional 16 midwifery posts, as well as two additional midwifery management posts, and why an arrangement is being put in place with the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital.

It has not worked.

It is important to state the Minister has asked the HSE to address the issues identified as a priority and to ensure the hospital is supported appropriately. No one wants to see anyone being treated badly or dying in hospital. It is important to record our thanks to the women and their families who have come forward and acknowledge their bravery. However, we must also give recognition to the Minister and the Government, as well as the previous one, for the increases in staffing and funding, something to which the Senator did not refer.

Senator James Reilly reinforced the messages of Senators Kieth Swanick and Michael McDowell.

Senator Terry Leyden raised the contentious issue of the Athlone boundaries. I join him in hoping Senators Frank Feighan, Maura Hopkins and Gabrielle McFadden will be in the next Dáil. I hope he will join me in supporting their election to the next Dáil because they are three fine public representatives from the area.