I thank the 18 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. I will begin with the remarks of Senator Ardagh. I am hopeful that the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection will be coming before the House soon.

As the Senator knows, the Minister is very committed to eradicating poverty from our society. From the perspective of the Minister and the Government, the most important way to eradicate poverty is to create jobs and to give people an income, be they single parents, lone parents or families. This is why it is important to recognise that under the current Government and its predecessor, the number of people in work has increased. It is also about breaking down barriers that are preventing people from getting a fair chance. This is what the Government is about; creating a just and fair republic of opportunity for all our citizens. Senator Ardagh is aware that the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, has previously stated that tackling child poverty is a key goal of her tenure in the Department. We all accept that a disproportionate number of people are affected by poverty. The Senator made reference to child poverty today and it is an area where we need to see a continuation of the work of the Government. A whole-of-government approach is required. As Senator Ardagh knows, 2015 was the first year since 2008 that Ireland saw a reduction in the number of children who are in consistent poverty. When compared with 2014, in 2015 there was a 13,000 or approximately 9% decrease in the number of children in consistent poverty. We all accept the figure is still too high. When the figures for 2016-17 are published, they will show that there has been a significant movement of people out of poverty. It is important that we invest in all children, whatever part of society they come from. This is why the previous Government created a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs at Cabinet level. It is why we are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty as per the European Commission report. I very much look forward to working with all Members of the House in tackling the issue of poverty, and especially childhood poverty.

Many Senators, yesterday and today, raised issues in respect of Storm Ophelia. I join Senator Ardagh in commending the crews of the ESB who, in very rough, difficult terrain and in very difficult circumstances, have reconnected many places that lost power during the storm. I believe that as of 8 a.m. this morning, approximately 70% of those who lost power had their electricity supply restored. Some people remain without power and it will take time. I appeal to people's patience with regard to the restoration of power to homes and premises.

Senators Ardagh and Kieran O'Donnell made reference to insurance companies. It is important that the insurance companies work with people to ensure they are not ripped off. They are, and they should not be allowed to rip off people who are at their most vulnerable following the storm. I join with the Senators' sentiments in that regard.

I would be very happy to have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, come to the House to discuss the issues of fisheries. As Senators have rightly said, many of the fishermen who fish off our coasts have been affected most severely by Storm Ophelia. I would be happy to have that debate after the storm review by the Government. I also mentioned a review yesterday with regard to Senator Craughwell and the Minister of State with responsibility for Defence, Deputy Kehoe. I would be happy to have that debate.

Senator McDowell paid tribute to the Leas-Chathaoirleach in his role as Chairman of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, and to Senator Freeman, on the publication of the report of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on children's' mental health services. I was pleased to be part of the committee and to be at the launch today. In his contribution Senator McDowell spoke of the importance of cross-party consensus and about not being just political. We should not be political in the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. We should work together to benefit the young children, in this case. In his speech at the launch this morning the Leas-Chathaoirleach's remarks were apt, especially when he spoke about the humbling experience of listening to the testimony of the parents involved. It was a very harrowing but important part of the work done by the committee. I compliment the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his steering of the committee and for his Chairmanship. It is about achieving consensus and Senator McDowell was right to reference a previous Minister, Tim O'Malley. If we consider A Vision for Change, in one sense it still stands as the bible or the blueprint for how we can go forward. This requires, as the report states and to which the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, is committed, investment in community facilities and community outreach in order that we can have people living in the community among us as part of their families. It is also about changing the mindset and breaking down the barriers around mental health. The report has many fine recommendations but it requires a whole-of-Government approach and a whole-of-agency approach with joined-up thinking, which perhaps we have not seen. This is why the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, Oireachtas committees or Senator Marie-Louise McDonnell's very fine piece of work on end-of-life care challenge the norm and challenge the perceptions of officialdom. We must continue to push the mindsets to bring change that can benefit all our citizens. I commend Senator Freeman and the Leas-Chathaoirleach on the work that was done on the report launched today. I very much look forward to that all-party approach continuing in the area of mental health. It is through consensus that we can achieve better results and outcomes.

Senator Conway-Walsh spoke about how good it was to see the Taoiseach attending engagements in Derry. Senators Conway-Walsh and Feighan made reference to the Border poll. As a co-guarantor, the Government is committed to the Good Friday Agreement. We must all take cognisance of Senator Feighan's remarks. Those of us who want to see a united Ireland must recognise that it cannot happen in one dimension, it has to take time. Perhaps this will require a change of mindsets by everybody. I was disappointed to see in the newspapers this morning and in the news last night that it would appear the DUP and Sinn Féin are not close to agreement on going back into government in the North of our country, where I believe we should have a government especially when we are entering into a very critical phase of the Brexit negotiations. The citizens of our country, North and South, require a government to be a party to these negotiations and to advocate on their behalf. These are the people who elected Sinn Féin to go into Stormont to work on their behalf. Senator Feighan's words this morning were important as they related to the outcome. None of us want to have a rushed outcome or the wrong result - if I can use that phrase. Others have a different viewpoint from me; I am only giving a personal viewpoint. It needs to be done by consensus and by working with people. The best way to demonstrate the ability to do that is for the parties to go back into government in the North. Senator Conway-Walsh may take that back to her party leadership, if they are serious about going into government in the North.

Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin made reference to special needs assistants. I spoke about this issue yesterday as it was raised in the Order of Business. In the budget allocation the Government has announced 1,090 new special needs assistant posts. This brings to nearly 3,000 the number of positions that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, has created. It is a source of worry and discontent that the vote was taken last weekend. As a teacher myself, I am aware that the model of distribution of special needs assistants is based upon the needs of students and the whole school cohort. I accept that perhaps there could be a more timely resolution to the outcome with regard to the allocations of SNAs for the school year ahead. It is important that a model of delivery for SNA allocations to schools could be done earlier rather than later. I accept the frustration that many special needs assistants face but the Minister, Deputy Bruton is ensuring that we have a model that delivers for the pupil who needs the special needs assistant.

I join Senator Ó Ríordáin in welcoming the fundraising event to be held next Sunday for marriage equality in the North. An important game of football will be held. I will not be able to go unfortunately as I will be at the opening of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. I wish all those involved in the fundraiser well. The Senator spoke of Australia. It is wonderful that we have an Irishman, Mr. Tiernan Brady, leading the Australian marriage equality campaign and working with the Australian people on that.

A Fianna Fáil candidate.

That is the cross he has to carry in life.

And he is from our constituency.

It is, however, important that he does bring that vote home. It is a pity the Fianna Fáil Party did not join with him in the marriage equality referendum when it happened in Ireland-----

That is the lie that Senator Buttimer likes to make.

Order please Senators.

-----because there was only a few-----

We all did plenty-----

Only a few of them went out campaigning.

Our leader was actually to the forefront of the marriage equality campaign. I do not believe that the then Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, was anywhere to be seen on that campaign.

Order please. Allow the Leader to respond please.

I congratulate Senator Clifford-Lee on her performance last Saturday night. It was good to see her up on the stage, but she can come off that stage now. The reality was that the Fianna Fáil Party-----

We are in this House now Leader.

-----did not do a lot in the marriage equality referendum. I can tell her that.

We will come off the stage and get the seats Jerry, do not worry about that.

Senator O'Mahony raised some very important issues in sport. On the matter of ticketing and the Olympic Council of Ireland, OCI, I join with the Senator in welcoming the severing of that link. I praise the new president of the OCI for the stellar work that is being done on behalf of the OCI.

On the Senator's other point, we once again witnessed the age-old chestnut of price-gouging by airline companies in respect of flights immediately after the announcement of the date of the Denmark match. That is deplorable and unacceptable. I call on all the airlines to ensure extra flights are put on. They are discommoding Irish people who want to travel and who will support them in other ventures and in other ways. It is unfair that they are making more profit on the backs of people who want to support our national team. Senator O'Mahony's point is well made.

Senator Swanick referred to issues relating to Irish prisons and the anniversary of the release of the Guildford Four. We all remember the days when people were wrongly incarcerated and we welcome their acquittal. On the point the Senator made in terms of investment in the Irish Prison Service, I remind him that the previous Government, when there was no money in the country, opened a new prison in Cork. In the context of the recent budget, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, was able to secure additional funds of €157 million for capital investment in the Prison Service. Of this, €120 million will be used to modernise Limerick Prison. Capital funding allowing for the improvement of facilities in Portlaoise Prison, Shelton Abbey, Loughan House, the Dóchas Centre, Cloverhill Prison and Wheatfield Prison will also be provided. In tandem with that, this funding will ensure that the master plan for Mountjoy Prison will be brought to fruition.

We all agree with the Senator on the need for education in prisons in order that people who are incarcerated have the opportunity to educate themselves or to be educated. As a former director of adult education, I worked with the Prison Service to bring certain courses to Cork Prison. Education is of benefit to the prisoner. We all welcome that. We equally welcome the fact that there has been capital investment to end the practice of slopping out, which we all agree is inhumane and should not be allowed to continue.

On Senator Boyhan's point, I would be happy to have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, come to the House. The Senator spoke on a Commencement matter this morning in respect of the situation regarding driving tests. This is a very serious issue which is having a profound impact on many young people in particular. The Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Griffin, gave the Senator a comprehensive reply earlier. I will not go back through it but this is a matter which requires urgent attention and I will be happy to have the Minister come the House in that regard.

Senator Noone raised the issue of diabetes. She has been very strong in her advocacy regarding obesity and the sugar tax. What she did last week was of huge importance in the promotion of the need for healthy lifestyles. I will try to have the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Catherine Byrne, come to the House in the coming weeks.

Senator Warfield raised the issue of the deaf community. It was a very profound day yesterday when the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016 was passed by the Seanad. As Leader of the House and on behalf of the Fine Gael group, I was very pleased that the Government of which we are members played its role in ensuring that the Bill passed through the House. I commend all Members of the House for their work in support of the Bill. It was a very important day. The remarks the Senator made are really a matter for the broadcasting section, but I would be happy to raise it at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on the Senator's behalf. We might have a conversation about that before next week's meeting. It is an important issue. Members of the deaf community should be able to access all services across the Houses. That is important.

Senators Marie-Louise O'Donnell, McDowell, Craughwell and Norris all mentioned the independence of Independent Members. All I can say to those on the Independent benches who are feeling very aggrieved is that I have membership cards for the Fine Gael Party. Senator McDowell can come home, he is more than welcome and we would love to have him back. Senator Craughwell was also a member of the party at one time. He can also come back and is more than welcome. Senators Mullen and Boyhan are welcome.

Can we have a saucer of milk for the Leader?

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell is in the party.

I am not sure if Senator Lawless is still a card-carrying member but he is welcome back.

Were they trustworthy?

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell is in the party.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell knows that she is welcome. There is a special place for her here.

She is a card-carrying member.

Did the Leader trust them?

Would Fine Gael allow free votes?

Senator Ó Ríordáin is really a Fine Gaeler at heart.

That is one thing I am not. I am only a Blueshirt when it comes to the Dubs.

Senator Ó Ríordáin could be a Fine Gaeler of the "just society" persuasion.

It is important to recognise the Loreto girl who did her school proud this morning in rallying the cause, whether she had Jesuit training or not. The issue of post offices is one to which we need to return because it is very pressing in nature. I would be happy to have the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring, come before the House to discuss that matter. Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell raised the issue previously. I will defer to the Leas-Chathaoirleach in respect of the ruling about the independence of Independent Members.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell referred to insurance. Senator Humphreys raised the issue of tracker mortgages. He is absolutely correct. I would be very interested to hear of the outcome of the meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Reform and Taoiseach this week. The banks have ripped people off in this regard and the Senator is absolutely correct in that it is about profitability. The Taoiseach has made the point repeatedly, as has the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, that the banks must allow people to be given redress and compensation. It is important that we have that debate again. I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House but the matter is before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Reform and Taoiseach, so I might let it finish its work before I invite the Minister to the House.

Senator Murnane-O'Connor spoke about the national planning framework, Ireland 2040 - Our Plan. It is a very important plan and the Senator is correct that all members of society should engage with it before the closing date for submissions.

Senator Byrne referenced two issues relating to third-level institutions in Limerick. I join her in welcoming the 11 projects announced this week by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister of State at his Department, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor. The investment of more than €200 million in capital projects in our institutes of technology is to be welcomed.

I also mentioned the swimming pool.

In terms of the swimming pool issue, the Senator might get a reply more quickly by means of a Commencement matter. It might be better for her to table such a matter but I will also take it up with the Minister on the Senator's behalf.

On Senator Feighan's point, I commend the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly on its work. I know the Leas-Chathaoirleach is a member. It is a very important committee. On the remarks of the Senator and of Senator Conway-Walsh, we had a debate last week on Northern Ireland with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, but it is an issue which we may need to debate further and I will be happy to try to facilitate that.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of restricting travel for those known to be sex offenders. That is an issue on which we should listen to the voice of Fr. Shay Cullen, who has been a champion of the rights of victims. We must take note of anything he says. There is merit in his suggestion, which the Senator put forward this morning, and I would be happy to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, come to the House in that regard. I am not sure what is the Government's response to the Senator's point. I have not seen anything on the issue in terms of communication from the Government, but it is a debate which we need to have, while having regard to the constitutionality of any proposed measures. Anything which can be done to prevent offences being perpetrated on vulnerable young people should be considered. There can be no place in society for evil. We should certainly take note of what Fr. Cullen has suggested.