I thank the 27 Members who contributed. I did my best to listen to everybody and capture everything they said. I apologise to Senator Devine, whom I missed out on yesterday in respect of the issues she raised regarding An Bord Altranais and the accreditation of nurses from the US. She raised an important point, which I hope the Minister will address when he comes to the House in the autumn.

Senator Ardagh raised the issue of the second runway at Dublin Airport. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Attorney General are not procrastinating on this. It is a matter of a statutory instrument and competency in the area of noise management for which the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, is the lead agency. We must ensure we get this right. If there is a failure to do so, Senator Ardagh and her colleagues will be first to jump up and roar about it.

To be fair to the Minister, due process is being undertaken in connection with the proposed runway. Second, I ask the Senator to read the Department's strategy, which contains a commitment to a parallel runway by 2020. I would like to refresh the memories of all Members. The DAA has made an application to Fingal County Council for a five-year extension of the planning permission in order that the runway permission will not become outdated. Noise management is an important issue for the residents of the area and it comes under the competence of the IAA. I assure Senator Ardagh that the Minister is very much committed to building a new runway. If it takes more time, let us make sure we get it right.

The Senator also made reference to yesterday's report from the Committee of Public Accounts. In welcoming the report, it is about ensuring whatever the investigations, that we continue to shine a light on the culture and practices within An Garda Síochána as part of the ongoing process of reform initiated by the previous Government and continued by the current Government. Investigations are being undertaken by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission on foot of referral by the Commissioner of suspected fraudulent activity in respect of certain EU training funds.

There is also a need, as I said yesterday, to expedite the civilianisation of An Garda Síochána to provide for a new perspective on management of gardaí. Senators Davitt and Ó Domhnaill have in one way encapsulated that we need to reaffirm and work with an gnáth garda, the man and woman on the street, and with the inspector or superintendent who is working flat out in community policing in a variety of ways. They deserve not just our support and respect, but our affirmation. They do a job in difficult times, often at unsocial hours, and we must support them.

There is an obligation to transform the culture within the force and the only way to do that is to ensure we get to the bottom of the cancer that exists within it in order that we can have a force that we can be even more proud of. As a Government, we have invested in the Garda. Pay restoration is happening and there has been investment in different sections of the force. I would be happy to invite the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House in the autumn. The interim audit report into the Garda Training College published in March 2017 made 19 recommendations. Five have been fully implemented, five are partially completed and nine are in progress. Complex legal issues arise from the report and we were all disappointed to read some of the outcomes in it. Senator Craughwell referred to the use of words and language. Our party founded the Garda and all those who have supported the force since the foundation of the State will stand by it but we must also ensure there is cultural reform.

Senators McDowell, Higgins, Bacik and O'Donnell referred to the need to continue the process of Seanad reform. All of us are very much committed to reforming the House. There has been strong cross-party co-operation in this Seanad and, as Leader, I have been clear that I will work with all Members regarding the internal workings of the House, the passage of legislation and how we do our business. Seanad reform is not as black and white as the populist manifesto included in Senator McDowell's election literature. It invites a variety of views and opinions.

I am very much looking forward to working with all Senators to ensure that at the end of this Seanad we will have a reformed Seanad that can be passed on to the next Seanad Éireann.

I accept the intention of Senator McDowell's motion on the Order of Business to give, and to imbue in all of us, the spirit of co-operation rather than to have a divided House. I will work with everyone but it is a two-way street. As the Leader of the House it sometimes feels as though I am on a cul-de-sac or on a revolving roundabout that seems to only go in one direction. I will persevere. I know the Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, and the Government are committed to bringing about reform. The question that needs to be posed by all Members of the House is "What do you want to see in a reformed Seanad and what does it actually mean?" Many Members of the House will go on the national airwaves, will write articles and will come in to debate here, but they do not stand for anything-----

It is a badge of honour for them.

-----in terms of their proposals because some of them are as daft as the day is long. We need to have a proper debate about what Seanad reform means and what can be delivered. Then we must decide if we want to go back to the people by way of other referenda to bring about Seanad reform. Those are the real questions. There are differing viewpoints on how we can get there. One size does not fit all and one person does not have the capacity of knowledge. We are not speaking ex cathedra here. It is about how we can bring it all together.

The Leader is correct in that we need another referendum.

Please allow the Leader to finish as we are running behind on time. When we are here tonight at 9 p.m. and people are missing-----

I can tell Senator Coghlan that within the six Senators from the NUI and Trinity College Dublin there are diverging viewpoints. Senator Norris is diametrically opposed to the views that some of the others have.

There is no one here from DCU.

There is no one here from DCU. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins made a reference to the 1979 referendum. I am confident we will get there.

I want to go back to the comments made about the issue of decorum and listening. Senator O'Donnell makes a very good point because at the risk of sounding pompous - which I am not - there are Senators who come in here to the Order of Business and they then skidaddle before they get a reply. To be fair some of them apologise for leaving. If we are to be honest some of the Members of the House do not want to listen at all. Senator Marie Louise O'Donnell is correct in that regard. I appeal to all Senators to take a reflective pause in some of the contributions. There are some very fine contributions made from across the House by Senators who deserve to be listened to.

In the past the Cathaoirleach has spoken about the use of mobile phones and other devices in the Chamber. I use mine to get information so I can reply to the Order of Business, but it is a good point and may be a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Senator McDowell spoke of the situation in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a huge crisis and a humanitarian issue. I am very proud of the men and women of the Naval Service who have saved thousands of lives in the region. There is a moral duty on all governments to act collectively in trying to end this nightmare in the Mediterranean Sea. If one speaks with members of the Naval Service who have come home they will speak of the horror of the nightmare they have endured and of the terror they have seen. I commend these men and women for the work they do. The point was made by Senator McDowell that we need to have a real debate on it and I would hope this could happen in the new Seanad term.

Senator Conway-Walsh spoke of the issues around group water schemes and the work of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Future Funding of Domestic Water Services. It is an example of how a Senator in this House, Senator Ó Céidigh in this case, can be praised for chairing this committee. Just in case the Sinn Féin Senators did not know, the Government invests millions of euro on a multi-annual basis in group water schemes. Last year it was nearly €15 million, which was an increase of 30% on 2015. Of course we do not hear about this from Sinn Féin because it is good news and they do not want to hear that. There is a philosophical question around investment in water. In his contribution, Senator Lombard said that in parts of Cork there is a 90% decrease and in some parts of Carrigaline there may be no water in ten days' time. We must invest in our water infrastructure. The Sinn Féin Party does not recognise that this money does not fall off the trees. It must come from somewhere. This Government and the last government made a decision to invest in water.

I would ask the Sinn Féin Senators to reflect on the role their colleagues played in the Assembly in Northern Ireland in this regard, how they pay for water in the North and how they allocated money for that. We have seen investment in group water schemes and the former Minister, Phil Hogan brought in the grant for the inspection of sewerage systems to ensure the water table is of pristine quality. I commend the men and women who work in and administer group water schemes. For a generation they have, on a voluntary basis in many cases, done Trojan work in rural Ireland providing water. We must ensure that the multi-annual funding by Government of group water schemes continues. The expert group that was set up by then Minister, Deputy Coveney, allows for places such as Galway and Mayo, and other parts of the State, to have group water schemes set up and we must see this continue. The Government must prioritise this issue because we cannot-----

Compromise.

Yes, I thank Senator Feighan. We cannot compromise on water quality. The Expert Commission on the Future Funding of Domestic Public Water Services speaks about equality. We want to see equality. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, chaired by Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh, recommended there would be an enhanced budget for small group water schemes. This is a priority for the Government and is happening as we speak with a process under way. Underpinning this is the presence by Irish Water of investment plans in the improvement of water quality and in the infrastructure. In my city of Cork we are pumping raw sewage into Cork Harbour. We cannot allow this to continue to happen. We must take action but this will cost money. The philosophical question that has not been addressed by some people is "Where does the money come from?" Do they want to increase taxation on the ordinary citizen? Senators must face this question themselves.

Senators Lynn Ruane, Grace O'Sullivan, Ivana Bacik and Michelle Mulherin raised the issues of climate change, the national mitigation plan and licensing. I have not got the information on revoking the licences but I can tell the Senators that the Cabinet is meeting today to discuss climate change. The Government is committed to implementing 100 actions around climate change, decarbonisation and ensuring Ireland has a reduction in carbon emissions. The Minister, Deputy Naughten will be in the House today to discuss the Minerals Development Bill 2015. Maybe the Senators could have a conversation with the Minister as part of that debate. If it is not relevant to that Bill I would be happy to have that debate in the autumn.

Senators McFadden and Craughwell raised the issue of bullying. I commend the founder of the I'm A Friend organisation, Charlie Wynne, whom I have met. It is important we continue the work being done by a former Minister, Ruairí Quinn and now by the Minister, Deputy Bruton around the issue of bullying and its inclusion on the curriculum in schools. It is an important issue that has not gone away.

Senators Bacik, Ó Ríordáin and Black raised the issue of the report on children in direct provision. The report makes for a very disappointing and upsetting read. As Senator Ó Ríordáin has rightly said, it is important that the actions from the McMahon report are implemented in full. If one visits a direct provision centre one comes away with an absolute need to see action continue and, in this case, to be concluded. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan and the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton are working on the matter. I would ask that all Members would read the report of the consultation we are debating here because it is a very honest reflection, especially of the young people involved, and is one we need to see. The report should not gather dust on a shelf or just receive a headline in a newspaper; there needs to be direct action by the Government. Action is being taken. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan and the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton are committed to implementing the recommendations of the McMahon report and, as Senator Ó Ríordáin has alluded to, we have had debates in this House. We will continue to do so. To be fair, as the former Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality and now as the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton has committed to the implementation, as has the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan. I would be happy to have that debate in the House in the autumn. It is about ensuring that there is an end to direct provision.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of body cameras for members of An Garda Síochána. It is an operational matter but I would certainly be happy to see the report referred to by the Senator introduced.

Labhair an Seanadóir Ó Céidigh mar gheall ar ár dteanga dúchais. Bhí díospóireacht againn faoin Ghaeilge san earrach agus beidh díospóireacht eile againn faoi san fhómhar. Tá mé cinnte go dtiocfaidh an tAire Stáit, an Teachta McHugh, isteach. Is mór an phribhléid é go bhfuil an Seanadóir Ó Céidigh, mar dhuine ón nGaeltacht, in ann cúrsaí a bhaineann leis an nGaeltacht agus lenár dteanga dúchais a phlé sa Teach seo as a very good ambassador for the Gaeltacht and Irish language in this House. We have had debates in the past. The Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, is very much looking forward to resuming duty as Minister of State responsible for the Gaeltacht. We will have that debate. We will see an extension of the Senator's Commencement matter of yesterday because it is important that there is a 20-year plan for the Irish language as a living language. Today and this weekend in the city of Cork the Munster Fleadh Ceol will take place, which ensures our language and culture are promoted and that we all use them. I welcome the Senator's remarks and look forward to that debate.

Senators O'Reilly and Lawless referred to the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2017, which is before the House today and I am happy to take it to its conclusion today. I gave a commitment on behalf of the Government to Senators McDowell and Lawless on that. The issue is a matter of opinion. I will be happy to let the debate unfurl and to have that discussion.

I am not aware of the issue about family resource centres in An Tusla raised by Senator Gavan. This Government and its predecessor have increased and restored the minimum wage and terms and conditions of those on low pay. I am not aware of the pay and conditions of those in the family resource centres but if Senator Gavan sends me an email about that I will be happy to bring it to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

In response to Senator Lombard, it is important to have infrastructure for the provision of clean drinking water.

Senators Leyden, Coghlan and Feighan referred to Brexit and the British Irish Parliamentary Association, BIPA, and North-South relations. This arises in the context of the report from the House of Lords today which is particularly worrying given that there is no devolved Government yet in the North of our country but I hope there will be. It is important, as Senator Feighan said, that the normalisation of politics continues and that we continue to draw on the friendships, expertise, benefits and experience we gain from these interparliamentary groups.

Senator Leyden referred to Guy Verhofstadt. I think there will be a motion before the House tomorrow on that and I will be happy to deal with it then.

Senator Hopkins referred to the tourism strategy for the midlands, Roscommon and east Galway. That needs to be addressed because it does fall between Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way. Senator Marie-Louise O’Donnell who does snippets on the "Today with Sean O’Rourke" programme would be a very good ambassador for Roscommon and east Galway.

I am not the Minister for tourism, that is Deputy Ross.

The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Griffin, is responsible for tourism. We are fixated on Deputy Ross for some reason. It is extraordinary that he has become the bogey man-----

He is fixating.

I am happy that the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, will come to the House and work with all Senators on tourism. I would also be happy for Deputy Ross to come back to the House.

Senator Craughwell referred to the Oireachtas and irresponsible comments. I am tempted to have a political row but I will not. He is right. There is a need for all of us to be careful of what we say and do.

Including himself.

I will not refer to anybody but will say it of us all collectively. What we say and how we say it is heard, does implicate us and has an import. It is important we choose our words carefully. Sometimes we do not do that but we should.

Senator Colm Burke referred to health and I welcome the good news he gave of the reduction in numbers of those who have taken their own lives. The problems for men need to be addressed. There was a good item on "Morning Ireland" this morning about men's sheds in Mullingar and the need for men to look after themselves. There are many organisations providing supports and services for those with mental health problems. No person should feel alone, isolated or vulnerable. It is important to talk, seek advice and help. I appeal to all people but particularly men, as Senator Colm Burke said, to reach out, talk and engage. He also referred to the 64% reduction in teenage pregnancies in 15 years. It is an extraordinary decrease. He also referred to orphan drugs and people with rare diseases trying to access medication, an issue that has raised its head in recent weeks. The Health Service Executive, HSE, must address this and I would be happy to work with him on that.

Senator Davitt's remarks were among the most sensible contributions in the House for a long time about An Garda Síochána. It is important to reaffirm the work done by our rank and file.

I mentioned Senators Lawless and Black, and yesterday the national alcohol strategy was discussed on the Order of Business.

In response to Senator Mulherin's comments on climate change and the national mitigation plan, it is important to have a realistic, reasonable and rational debate on renewable energy, farming and business, and the costs, notwithstanding that we have commitments to live up to.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell mentioned Airbnb and the Canadian model. The former Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs and data protection, Deputy Dara Murphy, following a request from Senator Humphreys, was considering Airbnb but we should consider it again. I would be happy to have a debate in the House on that issue.

I am happy to accept Senator Ó Ríordáin's amendment to the Order of Business. In the interests of co-operation and the spirit of bipartisanship we should all address the issue of Seanad reform but not as if it was the first fence in the Grand National, as a race to see who can get what. It is a question of how we can do so in a manner that can progress the need for reform. I accept both amendments and thank the Senators for them.

Senator McDowell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 47, item 23, be taken before No. 1." Is that agreed? Agreed.

Senator Ó Ríordáin has proposed and amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 21 be taken before No. 1." Is that agreed? Agreed.