I thank the 16 Members who contributed to the Order of Business. Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell might have believed we were not listening to her but I was actually reading the IMO document submitted by those I met this morning so I could give her a response.

I advise Senator Horkan, the acting leader of Fianna Fáil, that Minister of State, Deputy English, will be here tomorrow to discuss housing. I would certainly be happy to allow for the debate on rents. It is an important issue.

Both Senators Horkan and McFadden raised the view of the National Council for Curriculum Assessment on history. It recommended no change to its optional status. As with the two Senators, I hope the Minister will keep history as a core subject. It is important, notwithstanding the 24 outcomes of learning attached to the junior cycle reform programme, four of which relate history, to acknowledge the importance of history to our curriculum. Obviously there has been a movement towards science, technology, engineering and maths, STEM, subjects in recent years but, having been a teacher, I am very much of the view that history is a critical and pivotal subject on our curriculum. It is about reflecting on, recognising and remembering our past but also about understanding our future and moving forward. Are we seriously to say to young people that, at the ages of ten, 12, 13 or 14, their sense of belonging and place has ended and that they are no longer to be inquisitive about the world? I hope the Minister will retain history as a core subject.

Senators Horkan and Marie-Louise O’Donnell raised the issue of the IMO briefing. I was struck this morning by the presentation we received on the issue of public health. I was reading the report we received because consultant status in community and public health needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. As said to me this morning, it is about the critical voice being heard on status within the health profession. The Senator is correct that people would not be able to answer the question as to what public health is. It is a matter we could have a discussion on. I have asked the Minister for Health to come to the House. The IMO briefing this morning, not only on vacancies but also on progression, public health and the two-tier pay scale, is important.

I will be happy to bring the Minister to the House in the coming weeks to have that debate.

Senator Horkan also referred to political donations. In keeping with my good humour since my return, I will not engage in a political row with the Senator or Sinn Féin over who got what from where and how. We have SIPO, an independent body, and it is important that it should do its business and that everybody should comply with the rules and regulations regarding political donations. I will be happy to arrange a debate on that as part of political reform.

That is a very good point. Well said.

I thank the Senator.

That is what I was seeking.

Senator Lawless raised an important issue, which was also raised by Senator Ó Donnghaile yesterday, regarding the Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019. There is merit in his suggestion of a postponement or delay in the referendum. There is a need to have an in-depth, detailed discussion on the matter so we can have an informed campaign. Senator Lawless is absent because he had to attend another briefing, but I wish to pay tribute to him. I was in Chicago during the summer and met many people from the political world in the United States. The esteem in which he is held for the work he is doing is to be commended. I saw it at first hand so I pay tribute to him this morning as well.

Senator Conway-Walsh referred to the drug, sodium valproate. As Members will be aware, the European Medicines Agency has restricted its use in recent years. The Senator said it is a serious issue and I agree with her. The HSE held a conference earlier this year and has put in place a patient communication and support structure. Epilepsy Ireland is working with the HSE and a specialist paediatrician consultant has been appointed in Crumlin hospital to deal with medical diagnosis of foetal valproate syndrome, but the matter has to be addressed further. I suggest that Senator Conway-Walsh table a Commencement matter on the issue as well.

The issue raised by Senator Norris is a matter for the CPP. I will let the Cathaoirleach reply to it if he so wishes.

Senator Boyhan outlined the rationale for tabling the motion, which is understandable. I accept it and will not be opposing it.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of trolleys in University Hospital Limerick. She has been a champion in the House of the trolley situation in UHL. The Government is investing in Limerick but I would welcome a debate on why people are on trolleys. To be honest, I believe a political game is taking place at one level with regard to people on trolleys. Patients are being used in some cases so I would like to have a real debate about waiting times on trolleys in hospitals. The Senator also raised the issue of Lyric FM, which we discussed yesterday.

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the very sensitive matter relating to Donegal. While it is an operational matter, and I appreciate the Cathaoirleach's comments, I understand the Senator's frustration and the exasperation of the residents. The joint policing committee in Donegal could be used as a means of highlighting the matter. In addition, the community safety fora, which are in Cork and I presume they are in Donegal, can be used. Residents who have legitimate concerns about anti-social behaviour, thuggery and criminality can have their voices heard and I defend the Senator's right to come to the House to lead that. However, it is an operational matter and I am not familiar with the case.

Senator Lawlor referred to the HSE's capital plan. I will be happy to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the €2 billion to be spent over three years which will provide 480 new beds and see 30 new primary care centres and 58 community nursing units built.

Senators McDowell and Black raised the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, has articulated his views on the Bill in this House and the Lower House. Both Members expressed their views on the money message. I refer them to Articles 17 and 28.4 of the Constitution. I will be happy to have that debate at any time. Senator McDowell as a former Cabinet Minister and Attorney General knows well that some Members of the Houses, and I am not saying it is so in this case, put forward Private Members' Bills that impose inordinate spending on the Exchequer. It is the prerogative of the Government to expend money.

Not this Bill.

I did not say it about that Bill.

In response to Senator Devine, I have not read the EPA report on climate change, but I will be happy to arrange a debate on it. Regarding Greta Thunberg, it is a matter for the CPP to make that decision. It is not my decision.

I ask the Leader to put it on the agenda.

I will be happy to have a discussion on the matter at the CPP.

I thank the Leader.

I share the sentiments expressed by Senator Ó Ríordáin on the issues in Oughterard and the language people use. Ours is an island nation of welcome. Many of our people have travelled across the world and we accept and welcome people here as a safe harbour. Direct provision has been in place for more than 20 years and all of us understand the frustrations with it and the need to change the system. As politicians, however, we have a duty of care in how we represent and what we say. Inflammatory language must be condemned out of hand. Equally, there is a job to be done by the Government and State agencies to engage with people in any planning, be it for direct provision, health or whatever. There is a need for proper consultation. However, the language used in Oughterard is unhelpful. We should all be mindful of what we say. We all live in the community and are of the community. People are coming to this country for a variety of reasons, be it fear of persecution or for reasons to do with race, religion and political opinion. I welcome people to my offices every day, regardless of where they are from or who they are.

I will not accept the amendment proposed by Senator Higgins. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 has been before the House for a long time and it must be progressed.

I am happy to accept Senator Feighan's proposed amendment to the Order of Business.