The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, raised the question of Bank of Ireland and the Minister's reason for not voting at the AGM against the proposed remuneration. As the Senator well knows, the review of bank executives' pay was conducted by Mercer consultants. The Minister wrote to the banks seeking remuneration cuts of between 6% and 10%. As this process has not yet concluded, it would not be appropriate for the Minister to express an opinion at the institution's AGM. However, it is a serious matter and I hope we can revert to it soon.

In the past 12 months the House has held three debates on adult mental health services, but we can arrange a further debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who has spent a good deal of time in the House discussing that and other matters in her portfolio.

Senator Ivana Bacik and others who were present referred to today's excellent session with young people who made bright, constructive, articulate and thought-provoking presentations. It is incumbent on us to listen at every opportunity to young people's concerns. I compliment everyone involved, including the young people involved, their parents and teachers and the Ministers, Deputies Ruairí Quinn and Frances Fitzgerald, who also gave of their time to respond in the House. I thank the organisers. It was time well spent for the House and I congratulate all involved.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout referred to the scouting association's concerns about access to forests. I assure her that access will be protected. The Minister is on record in that regard. I noted the Senator's comments on the serious issue of websites being blocked and child abuse.

A debate on direct provision accommodation was requested. We will try to arrange one.

Most Senators requested Ministers' attendance, but we are in the middle of the Irish Presidency of the European Union and it is difficult to arrange their attendance in the House for business other than legislation. I assure Senators, however, that I will endeavour to do the best I can to have as many Ministers as possible to attend to discuss the issues raised by them.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to the maternal protection Bill.

I understand it is the intention of the Government to bring the Bill before the House during this session, with the heads being published soon. The health committee will debate the Bill and both Houses will have ample time to debate the issue before the summer recess.

Senator Terry Brennan spoke about improved bookings in the bed and breakfast and guesthouse sector. It is good news for tourism and the economy and augurs well for the success of The Gathering. We welcome these figures and hope they will translate to other sections of the tourism industry to the end of the year.

I note Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú's remarks about the banks, to which I referred in my reply to Senator Darragh O'Brien. Senator Jimmy Harte mentioned that very little was said when bankers were getting over €1 million each in salary when the previous Government was in power. I suppose people tend to forget such things.

Senator Sean D. Barrett mentioned that heads of universities had been making disparaging remarks about young people leaving secondary schools. I noted the Minister's comments on the issue and share the Senator's views on it.

Senator Jim D'Arcy commented on the view that an €18 million bridge project was being delayed by politics, arguing that politics was not causing the delay. He called on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to provide a timescale and ensure the project remained on schedule. I will try to ascertain the current position on the project, for which there has been great political support from both sides of the House and the Border. The sooner it goes ahead, the better for all concerned.

Senators David Cullinane, Paul Bradford, Colm Burke and others spoke about housing. A Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, was in the House on 6 February to discuss housing projects and we will endeavour to bring her back. It is disheartening to hear, as Senator Colm Burke noted, that 500 council houses are vacant in Cork, as it seems to be a very high number. Some schemes should be put in place to repair and bring houses up to standard in order that they can be let to deserving applicants.

I note Senator David Norris's comments on a maternal protection Bill and freedom of information. He also noted the wonderful young people we had in the House earlier today.

Senator Catherine Noone spoke about the regulation of online retailers in the United States and how we should monitor the impact on Ireland and the European Union. I also note her comments on mental health.

I should clarify the position of the Deputy Leader for Senator Fidelma Healy Eames. She was the acting Leader last week when she was responding to questions from the other side of the House on the Order of Business. She responded to questions, as was her right as Deputy Leader, on the maternity protection Bill, in particular.

She went on a frolic of her own.

We will raise the matter of inviting the President with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Senator Paschal Mooney called on the Minister for Finance or the Minister of State at that Department, Deputy Brian Hayes, to come to the House to discuss the issue of high debt and low growth. The Senator would agree that these two Ministers, in particular, have been very generous with their time in coming to the House, especially at a time when the country holds the Presidency of the European Union. We will invite them nonetheless. The Minister made comments on property tax and water charges, to which the previous Government signed up.

Do not play dirty. That is not correct.

With regard to an economic stimulus, the Minister has stated only today that if there is money available, it will go towards providing an economic stimulus.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about the young people who were here today. They wanted the truth from politicians and everybody else in society. They want things to be told as they are. I note the Senator's points on the plan for manufacturing jobs and will ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to address the matter. He might perhaps even address the costs to small business, an issue raised by the Senator.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about the delay in taxing costs in the courts, an issue he had mentioned before, and suggested the appointment of a third taxing master. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister and urge the Senator to do the same.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about Bank of Ireland, emphasising that the Government only had a 15% holding in it and that the institution had repaid quite an amount of the money that had been paid into it.

Senator Michael D'Arcy also spoke about housing and mentioned that 420 units had been put up for sale. It is incumbent on the city council or a Department to get involved in the purchase of these units.

I note Senator Marie Moloney's point on the very important OECD report on pensions. I will ask the Minister for Social Protection to come to the House at the earliest opportunity.

Looking at the seven or eight Members present, I think I will revert to replying only to those Members present at the time.