I thank the eight Senators who contributed on the Order of Business. I join those who have acknowledged that today is the centenary of the birth of T. K. Whitaker. I wish him a happy 100th birthday. It is important to acknowledge and pay tribute to him as a former Member of this House. He was appointed by both Jack Lynch and Dr. Garret FitzGerald, which was a sign of his ability to override political divides. He was, rightly, described as the Irishman of the last century and his contribution is one we should underline in the new modern Ireland. We can differ on ideology and politics, but T. K. Whitaker put in place the structure, economic and otherwise, that is now Ireland.

I acknowledge his contribution.

If Mr. Whitaker keeps going as he is - I wish him the best because I had the privilege to meet him once or twice - he may also become the Irishman of this century.

True. That is a fair point. It is important - this is something we do not do enough in this country - to pay tribute and recognise greatness, no matter who the person is. T. K. Whitaker is certainly a person we all looked up to when we were growing up. He was the architect of modern Ireland. I thank him for his service. He is the epitome of what good public service should be about. On behalf of all Members, I wish him well and a happy 100th birthday.

Senator Catherine Ardagh referred to the use of firearms and sentencing policy. She is right to raise the matter in the context of the right to bear arms and the way in which people are using them. It is a tragedy. It is an awful indictment that people with guns are masquerading on the streets of Dublin, in particular, and killing and injuring others. There was an incident in my native city of Cork last night. I will be happy to have the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality come to the House to discuss the use and licensing of firearms.

Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn referred to the sale of the Pádraig Pearse surrender letter. He made a valid point in highlighting its importance. Having read the exchange in the Dáil between the leader of Sinn Féin and the Taoiseach, I note that the Taoiseach has stated the Government is not in a position to buy it. Having talked to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, I know that her departmental officials have spoken to Adam's auctioneers. They have also spoken to other stakeholders in the cultural institutions about the price of the letter. As for it having a value of between €1 million and €1.5 million, it has been withdrawn from auction. Perhaps one cannot put a value on it, but it is my information that such expenditure would not represent value for money, although I am not trying in any way to put a value on it. It is important, however, that we preserve a lot of letters, paraphernalia and artifacts. We have some very valuable pieces, including letters and clothing, while the Government has bought 14 to 17 Moore Street. A sum of €5 million has been invested in Kilmainham Courthouse and another €5 million in the Military Archives. I hope we will not allow the letter in question to be taken overseas. In an ideal world it would be kept here as part of an exhibition. On behalf of the House, I will communicate to the Minister that the matter has been raised here.

Like Senator Grace O'Sullivan, I congratulate the President of Austria on his re-election and wish him well.

I am happy to accept the amendment proposed by Senator Ivana Bacik to the Order of Business. I commend her for the work she has done on the Pensions (Equal Pension Treatment in Occupational Benefit Scheme) (Amendment) Bill 2016.

We had a discussion yesterday on the Order of Business on judicial appointments. I will be happy to have the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality come to the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Keith Swanick mentioned the Irish Coast Guard and the lack of primary legislation in that regard. Senator Tim Lombard raised the issue in the House two weeks ago. It is one for the relevant Department to work out, but Senator Keith Swanick is correct that the men and women who serve in the Irish Coast Guard are first responders. They provide a significant service for the State in saving lives and rescuing people, putting their own lives at risk in the process. We can revisit the matter in the new year when we will have the Minister responsible come to the House to discuss it.

Senator Máire Devine highlighted the important connection between cancer and alcohol. I will be happy to work with her on the issue. It is important that the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 be brought back to the House in the new year in order that we can reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol. The Cathaoirleach has rightly said that in the previous Seanad the Seanad Public Consultation Committee did a powerful piece of work on the issue. It is one we can revisit because it will not go away. There is a need for cross-party support, as well as support from Independent Members, in maintaining the message. The Senator is correct to highlight the link with the incidence of breast cancer in women, something about which we need to be vigilant. The issue transcends the political divide. I will be happy to talk to the Senator about it to try to move matters along in the new year.

Senator David Norris referred to the Parris case. He also seconded Senator Ivana Bacik's amendment to the Order of Business and spoke about T. K. Whitaker. I do not quite get what he said about the former dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

He is an old friend. Even though he is very ill and 93 years old, he contacted me because he wanted to write a note of congratulations. That is what first alerted me to the fact that today is T. K. Whitaker's 100th birthday.

Okay; I missed that.

That is probably the quickest reply the Cathaoirleach will get to contributions made on the Order of Business.

Senator Ivana Bacik has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is it agreed to? Agreed.