I thank the 20 Members who contributed on the Order of Business. The majority of Members referred to the tragic events at the Christmas market in Berlin last night. I join them in sending sympathy to the families of those killed and condemning this barbaric and savage attack. Two of my friends were there last weekend and I can only imagine the carnage that would have been caused if the attack had occurred on a weekend night. Nonetheless, it is the loss of life that matters. It is about hatred and evil. As Senator Frank Feighan said, it is also about radicalisation. We must all stand firm for democracy and uphold the law of the land and people's rights.

Equally, the killing in Ankara of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, represents an attack on democracy. Irrespective of one's political views, he was an ambassador and representative of the people of Russia and should have been allowed to carry on his business without fear of being attacked and killed.

The events at the mosque in Zürich are disturbing and send a strong message at this time of goodwill and peace. The world must stand together to ensure the men and women of violence do not gain a foothold. It is important to respect, value and cherish life and democracy.

Senator Catherine Ardagh raised the important issue of the banks denying tracker mortgages. It is important that we all ensure the banks do not charge customers incorrectly. Today the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Philip Lane, is before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach. He needs to be questioned about the events that led to this revelation. It is important that the banks treat their customers fairly and with respect and I hope they do.

Senator Victor Boyhan referred to the national housing crisis and Rebuilding Ireland. The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, will be in the House tomorrow. To be fair to him, he has always been willing to make himself available to this House. It was an unfortunate clash that resulted in him not being able to attend the housing committee. When I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, I took my role seriously in being independent of the Government. That committee held quarterly meetings with the then Minister for Health and Children. It was an opportunity for members to engage with the Minister and should always be stood up for. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, will be happy to discuss the matter both here and at the committee.

I am not accepting Senator Rose Conway-Walsh's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. We agreed to the work schedule at the meeting of group leaders and Whips last week. The meetings afford them the opportunity to bring forward business. Equally, in the House last week I gave a commitment on the matter raised by the Senator this morning. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Leo Varadkar, is examining it and committed to bringing about a resolution in the new year. I acknowledge that the community employment scheme brings significant benefits to communities. I will be happy for the Minister to come to the House in the new year to discuss the issue.

Senators Niall Ó Donnghaile and Rose Conway-Walsh referred to the institutions in the North. Yesterday was difficult for many at Stormont, but I am sure the matters being discussed will be resolved. I have every confidence in the institution that is Stormont to bring about a resolution. Anything we say here is only superfluous to what is happening there.

I am sure the Senator's party will also be good at standing up for the institutions of the State down here and that he is looking forward to working with all of us to ensure we will have a good Parliament. It is important that we allow space for events in the North to unfold in the coming weeks and months.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh referred to the decision in the Apple case. Let us make it quite clear. I again invite members of the Sinn Féin Party to come and visit Cork, meet the men and women employed by Apple and see the benefits it brings to the city and county of Cork, including the jobs and investment in the local economy.