Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the change to the number of Adjournment debates proposed to the House today by the Leader. It is important that there would be four Adjournment matters allowed every day as it would allow more Senators to raise issues that are of concern.

On the agreed motion on Bahrain, it is a well-worded motion that has been agreed by the House today. I thank Senator Crown for his work in that regard. If it is possible, will the Leader seek an update from the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on his dealings with the Bahraini authorities in that regard?

Earlier in the week this House condemned a brutal murder in Donabate in north County Dublin. It saddens me to hear of another murder in Clondalkin last night. That is two murders in one week in the city of Dublin. We all realise this is something that cannot be stamped out immediately but I am sure the Government and the Garda authorities are doing everything they can in this regard. The murder of two fathers, who have been taken from the families prematurely shows the absolute disregard for the value of human life. I roundly condemn these brutal killings and I wish the Garda well in their investigations. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group and me I extend deepest sympathy to the families.

It has come to our attention that under the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, 2011 the universal social charge is included as a deduction when a means test is being done for a family income supplement. In other areas and for other allowances related to social welfare, the Bill, as published, does not permit the deduction of the universal social charge for the purpose of a means tests. The Minister for Social Protection, was extremely vocal as a Deputy when the universal social charge was introduced and prior to the election promised to have it reversed. That has not been done, which is fair enough; that is life. I urge the Minister to ensure that the amendments tabled by the Fianna Fáil Party in the Lower House on making the universal social charge deductible for the purpose of means tests for all social welfare allowances is accepted by the Government. Are there plans for the Minister for Social Protection to come before the Seanad in the coming weeks?