Senator McDowell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 8 be taken before No. 26, motion 6." The Deputy Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed. Senator O'Loughlin has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 7 be taken before No. 26, motion 6." The Deputy Leader has indicated she is willing to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Is there a seconder?

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

The Senator's point is well made. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Is there a seconder?

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

On the motion regarding biodiversity, there is a postponed division. I have to deal with that division relating to amendment No. 1, in the name of Senator Boylan. The debate took place yesterday, Thursday, 5 November. On the question that the amendment be made a division was claimed and that must be taken now.

Will the Senators claiming a division rise?

As fewer than five Members have risen I declare the question carried. In accordance with Standing Order 61 the names of the Senators dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Seanad.

I have received notice from Senators Róisín Garvey and Malcolm Byrne that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, they propose to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the roll-out of improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure in Ireland. I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the…

I welcome the Minister of State to the House to deal with the issue of water and wastewater infrastructure as raised by Senators Byrne and Garvey. The Senators are sharing time and have four minutes in total. Should I toss a coin to determine who goes first?

He is a gentleman to his fingertips.

I thank the Minister of State for taking those Commencement matters and I thank the Senators for putting forward their questions.

I have received notice in writing from Senator Elisha McCallion of her resignation as a Member of Seanad Éireann. Consequently, a casual vacancy has arisen in the membership of Seanad Éireann.

I point out to Members that I did not call on the Leader at the beginning of proceedings - she is more than welcome to contribute - because this is not the Order of Business. This is Matters on the Business of the Seanad and, as such, there are no questions regarding the day's Order of Business. This is a new innovation to allow for questions to the Leader. She has agreed to this new process and has been very much part of making sure that Senators have an opportunity to raise issues on days when the Order of Busine…

The Senator is always promoted in my eyes.

I rang the bell because the Senator is over time.

Not on the issue she is raising.

Under Standing Orders, Matters on the Business of the Seanad is scheduled to take one hour and the Leader has ten minutes to respond. We have gone slightly over time so I beg the Leader's indulgence. This business was brought in because Members wanted it and Members and all groups should be here for the Leader's response, out of respect for the House. I acknowledge that not everyone can be here but every group should be represented for the Leader's response.