Senator Marc MacSharry raised a question in respect of the national children's hospital, in regard to which Senator Deirdre Clune made some valid points. The decision to build the national children's hospital at St James's Hospital has been made in the best interests of children, with clinical considerations being of paramount importance also. The building of the hospital is a Government priority and capital funding has been set aside for its delivery. No effort will be spared in expediting its completion. The Minister for Health has restructured the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to enable it to focus on a single core function, the building of the new hospital. In identifying the site the Government carefully considered the report of the Dolphin group, as well as detailed supplementary information on costs, time and planning, which was sought subsequently from those members of the group with the relevant technical expertise. The decision was made in the best interests of children, with clinical considerations being of paramount importance. Co-location and, ultimately, tri-location with a maternity hospital on the St James's Hospital campus will support the provision of excellence in clinical care that children deserve. The new national children's hospital is a key commitment in the programme for Government and the largest project within the current capital plan. The Government regards the building of the hospital as a priority and no effort will be spared in expediting its completion. If it is necessary to bring the Minister for Health to the House to reiterate what I have stated, I will certainly ask him to do so. It is a good news story. It is long before time that we had a commitment to build a national children's hospital and money has been set aside for it. The aim is to proceed at the best possible time to build the hospital, which is what everyone wants. Certainly, I will ask the Minister to come to the House. However, as Senator Ivana Bacik said, it would be unreasonable to ask him to come today since he has several commitments.

Senator Ivana Bacik also raised the matter of the Irish human rights and equality commission Bill. I will find out for her when it will be introduced to the House and notify her.

Senator David Norris raised a procedural item in respect of No. 1. As the Cathaoirleach pointed out, that matter is being referred to a joint committee and, if requested, we will certainly allow a debate on it when it comes back from the committee.

Senators Diarmuid Wilson, Michael Mullins, Aideen Hayden and others referred to local authority houses and the fact that 3,500 local authority houses were vacant, which is an absolute disgrace. Funding has been provided for the renovation of local authority houses. However, a considerable number still need significant renovation. The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, was in the House only last month to discuss the Residential Tenancies Bill. We will certainly ask her to come to the House again to address the problem.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson, among others, referred to the summer works scheme and the minor works grant scheme announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. Over €28 million is being made available to provide once-off minor works grants for primary schools. The grant will be paid to primary schools in the coming weeks and will enable them to undertake small-scale repair works without the need to interact with the Department. All schools will welcome this. A total of €40 million has been allocated for the purposes of the summer works scheme in schools in 2014. The scheme will be open to primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme which have permanent recognition and are in non-rented accommodation. The funding will allow schools to carry out small and medium-scale building works such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof and window upgrades and structural improvements. These works can be carried out during the summer months or at other times to avoid disrupting the operation of schools. This will be welcomed by everyone involved in the education sector.

Senator Aideen Hayden referred to the turnaround for vacant local authority houses and called for a debate on the future of social housing. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House to discuss that matter.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to food waste and made some valid points in that regard. It is something that should be considered by everyone involved, including consumers and retailers. It is disgraceful that we have so much food waste when we have so many people hungry in the world.

I have outlined the position on the schools minor works scheme, a matter raised by Senator Michael Mullins. I note his points on tenants in local authority houses who leave them in a deplorable condition. He reiterated the point made by Senator Diarmuid Wilson, that penalties should be in place for the people concerned.

Senator Mark Daly referred to a child abuse case dating from 2007 and called for accountability within the HSE. We all agree that there should be accountability in every aspect of the State and certainly within the HSE in that instance.

The Senator also raised a question about the exemption of certain individuals from tax on lump sums. It is probably a matter we can discuss under the Finance (No. 2) Bill and the Bill which was before the House yesterday which was taken by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. We will take Committee Stage of that Bill next week and it may be appropriate for the Senator to put these questions to the Minister at that point.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe referred to the proposals to create 44,000 jobs in the information technology sector and has pointed out that next week is Science Week. I have invited the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Sean Sherlock, to the House next week to debate the matter of Science Week, something for which Senator Feargal Quinn has asked previously. The Minister of State will be in the House next week to discuss it.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe also scored a last minute goal in congratulating Sligo Rovers.

It was in extra time.

It was not needed.