I thank the 13 Members of the House for their contributions to the Order of Business.

I join Senator Ardagh in remembering and paying tribute to the families of the late David Hearne and John McCallion, who passed away tragically over the weekend. As the Cathaoirleach and Senator Ardagh said, Garda Hearne was involved in the National Bravery Awards. We sympathise most sincerely with the families of both members of An Garda Síochána.

Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

On behalf of the Government side, I join in Senators' congratulation of the candidates of all parties and none who contested and were successful or unsuccessful in the local and European elections. I wish those who were elected every success as they take up the mantle of elected office in representing their communities and local electoral areas, LEAs. Senator Craughwell can prepare to reply, but I remind those Senators who did not mention it in their contributions that this was the first time a Government increased its share of the vote in a mid-term election. The number of seats increased from 235 to 253.

Congratulations.

In Cork city and county, we are the biggest party in local government. In Dublin, the Fine Gael Party is the biggest party in local government.

I am sorry that the Leader did not get a directly elected mayor in Cork.

If people like the Senator and Deputy Micheál Martin had not played politics with the future of Cork, it would have been successful. That is my main regret. Some people who were in favour of directly elected mayors and lord mayors chose to play narrow party political politics with the city of Cork instead of supporting its future. As Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Micheál Martin should hang his head in shame for the way he abdicated responsibility by not campaigning or asking the people of Cork to vote for the proposal, even though it was Fianna Fáil policy. That is the reality.

He had a great election, too.

He lost seats in Cork city. The Senator should remind him of that.

Do not be so sour.

I am not sour at all. Facts are facts and people should engage on-----

The Leader is anxious to move on.

I commend the candidates' families on their commitment and support during the election.

Senator Ardagh discussed the issue of Brexit and SMEs around the country. I agree with her.

Senators Marshall, McDowell, Conway-Walsh and Devine referred to the European elections in the North of our country. We congratulate the three people who were elected and wish them well. As Senator McDowell mentioned, it is time that the binary terms be disposed of. Senator Marshall stated that the positive we must take is that the majority in the North were for Remain. This is about positivity, and if there is one thing that we can learn from the local and European elections, it is that people want positivity. They want solutions, as Sinn Féin found out. They want to hear proposals, not protests or divisive condemnation. I commend Senator Marshall on his excellent contribution. The election of Ms Naomi Long sends a very positive message to the rest of the world. It was her historic election that the Taoiseach referred to in his tweet in congratulatory tones. We will have another debate on the future of our country and the North. Senator Marshall's point was about positivity and being solutions based.

An issue was raised by Senators Paddy Burke and Conway-Walsh and, inadvertently, the Cathaoirleach regarding barriers to voting. We should examine those, particularly where registration is concerned. We must also make voting easier for those who are abroad for work or holidays or who are incapacitated at home. There are early voting systems across the world, and I do not see why we cannot have the same. We should be able to make it easier to vote and I would be happy to have such a debate as part of the discussion that I hope to have soon on the electoral commission.