Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach and the Leader of the House, Senator Buttimer, on his appointment.

Reference was made to Seanad reform. I think Senator Ó Céidigh spoke about how this Chamber is very diverse in terms of Members' array of talents. Seanad reform is key but the items the House deals with are more fundamental than that. This week is national carers' week. Senator Kelleher spoke about people being cared for in their homes. We need to look at the fair deal scheme and see how it can be adapted in terms of a home setting. Putting someone into a nursing home is the last resort for most people, regardless of whether they have a disabled spouse, disabled children or elderly parents. It should be the last resort. We need to look at proper day-care services.

Could the Leader ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to come to the House? Ireland is recovering but, in the area of public procurement, I have come across a number of small family-owned businesses which had public contracts for the past 20 years but which have been unable to tender for those contracts because they do not meet the size requirements for public tendering. We need to consider this issue so I ask that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to come before the House to ensure that if a family business is doing a good job, it will not be at a disadvantage because of its size.

I agree with all the sentiments about the tragedy in Orlando. I compliment Senator Lawless because he brings a perspective on guns and the holding of guns in the US. I hope that this will be a watershed, that common sense will prevail in the US and that we can learn from what happens outside this country, which has had issues with gun crime. We should learn from it and look at the legislation.

The role of this House is to question legislation and decisions that are being made and for Members to operate collectively as a group. This Seanad has an opportunity to do things in a slightly different way. I look forward to this Seanad being a debating Chamber. I take Senator Marie Louise O'Donnell's point. I was not aware that someone could order shoes on the Internet but her basic point is a relevant one - that this is a debating Chamber and that we should have robust debate. We do not have to agree on everything but it is important that everything is discussed to its proper degree.