I wish all of the staff and everybody a very happy Christmas.

I want to highlight the homelessness issue. It is a disgrace that there are 4,000 homeless children. I cannot even imagine what it is like for those families this Christmas. We all know that Christmas is a festive and happy time but it is especially a time for children. There are 4,000 children this year waking up God only knows where and not in their own homes. I know that the Minister is a good man. I know that probably all of those in Government have good hearts and souls. I ask them to open their hearts and souls and really look at this issue and make it a priority in the new year. We are a wealthy country and it should not be happening in this day and age. This is not the Dark Ages.

I second Senator Ruane's amendment in respect of her Bill.