I thank the 19 Senators who spoke for their contributions on the Order of Business. The opening contribution was from Senator Catherine Ardagh on the INM defined pension scheme. We are all united on the need to take a common approach to the issue and the events that have occurred which have left many of us aghast. The reality is that it is a private pension scheme, in which the Minister has no direct role, but he has asked the Attorney General for advice on the matter. He has also met the chairperson of the Pensions Authority to discuss defined benefit schemes. What is disappointing is that even if action can be taken, it cannot have retrospective effect, which is a worry.

The standard model about which some have been speaking does not necessarily do what one wants it to do. Having spoken to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Leo Varadkar, and his departmental officials, I know that they are anxious to try to do something. It is a matter of whether it can be done.

I am sorry that Senator Alice-Mary Higgins is no longer present. I am disappointed that she has left the Chamber. To be fair, she should be here, like other Senators who raised matters on the Order of Business. The amendment to which she referred was not ruled out of order by the Leader. It was ruled out of order because it was not in order and the Senator was given the reason. It was not a decision taken by the Leader.

It was fairly specious.

There are higher beings than us who make decisions.

There are no higher beings than Members of Seanad Éireann.

Absolutely.

They are positively angelic.

Seraphims and Senators. It is in the Bible.

Le do thoil.

It would be better if we left it in the hands of others. However, the amendment was not ruled out of order by me, although that impression was given. It was ruled out of order by others in authority. I respect and accept their decision. We should all work together to ensure we find a solution to the vexing issue, with which we are all unhappy and uncomfortable.