I join in the expressions of sympathy to the family of John Corrie. The vast majority of Members have spoken about the issue of homelessness. Like all Members, I am very concerned about the recent rise in the number sleeping rough in Dublin city. Any loss of life on the streets is a tragedy. We all agree that a recovering economy needs to translate into better living standards for all people.

As the Deputy Leader mentioned, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will convene a special forum on homelessness on Thursday to meet elected mayors, the CEOs of local authorities and representatives of the voluntary organisations to address the serious challenges posed by homelessness in the Dublin region, in particular. Arrangements are under way to expand the number of emergency bed spaces. A total of 164 beds are being sourced by Dublin City Council - 38 have already been put in place, with another 30 due to be put in place by 8 December, a further 76 by 15 December and a further 20 by 5 January. At the last count approximately 160 people were sleeping rough in Dublin. There are 655 vacant units in the hands of Dublin City Council which are being refurbished and returned to use. Work has started on 245 of them and will start on the remaining 410 in the next four to six months. The Housing First service for people sleeping rough in Dublin is under way. It is a wrap-around programme undertaken by Focus Ireland and the Fr. Peter McVerry Trust which supports people sleeping rough to find and sustain tenancies.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has written to all local authorities urging them to give priority to homeless households in their allocations. He has allocated €10.5 million in additional funding in 2015 for the provision of homeless accommodation and related services, bringing the total to €55.5 million next year. This goes well beyond the Government's existing commitment to maintain expenditure at the 2013 level of €45 million. The Minister also provided an additional supplementary allocation of €4 million for Dublin City Council in November to assist with the cost of providing emergency accommodation arising from the increasing number of families being accommodated in commercial hotels.

I will not continue further on the issue. I am sure we will have a very good debate tomorrow. I thank the Minister for agreeing to come to the House to have a comprehensive debate on the subject tomorrow night.

Senator Marc MacSharry spoke about the opening of the live cattle trade with Russia. I will certainly raise the matter with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney. In the past year or so he has been very active in opening beef markets in many countries which have proved to be very productive. I will certainly raise with him the question of exports to the Russian market.

Senator Ivana Bacik said very little social housing had been built during the boom years. We are certainly reaping the reward in that regard. She also spoke about the teachers' strike, as did many other Members, including Senators Marie-Louise O'Donnell, Gerard P. Craughwell and Fidelma Healy Eames. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, come to the House to discuss the issue. After the Order of Business I will ask her if she can come this week. I am in her hands, but I will certainly make representations to see whether she can come this week.

Senator Katherine Zappone spoke about the need for multifaceted solutions to the problem of homelessness. We can all agree with her in that regard.

Senator Sean D. Barrett welcomed the recall of the United Arab Emirates ambassador. He also commented on the death of Jack Kyle, an extraordinary sportsman in his time.

Senator Pat O'Neill stated milk production is 7.1% over quota and referred to the fact that Ireland would face a superlevy bill of €113 million as a result. He asked that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, make representations to the effect that this money might be paid on a phased basis. I will certainly communicate his views on the matter to the Minister.

Senator Terry Leyden also referred to the teachers' strike. I reject his comment to the effect that the Minister for Education and Skills has been in any way intransigent in the matter. She has moved a great deal from her original position, but we will leave debating the issue until she can come before the House.

Senator John Kelly requested a debate on the ambulance service. I will try to facilitate his request by asking the Minister for Health to come before the House.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton welcomed the fact that Galway had been designated UNESCO city of film. Obviously, this development is a major boost to the city's image.

I note Senator Feargal Quinn's points about defibrillators and the fact that VAT should not be charged on them. The Senator raised this matter previously, particularly in the context of the provision of grants to encourage businesses to install defibrillators on their premises.

Senators Mary Moran and Mary Ann O'Brien referred to the disturbing reports on a care home, Áras Attracta, in County Mayo. The reports in question are shocking. Senator Mary Moran has referred to the care of people with intellectual disabilities on several occasions. We will endeavour to have a debate on the matter.

Senator Martin Conway welcomed Ryanair's announcement on an increase in the number of flights into and out of Shannon Airport and the fact that an additional 1.6 million people were using the airport as a result of the abolition of the travel tax, in particular.

Senator Paschal Mooney was among those who referred to homelessness. He also highlighted the need to resolve the issue in respect of a housing complex in Dublin's inner city. I share the sentiments expressed by him in that regard. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, has made representations with a view to breaking the impasse.

The Senator also referred to the debate in which we were due to engage with the Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Joe McHugh. I am sure the Senator is aware that when the boom was at its height in 2006, the value of the geoscience sector was estimated to be €4.2 billion or 3% of GDP. The sector contributes significantly to the building, energy, mining and environmental services sectors. More recent independent studies estimate that mining and related activities alone which give rise to 1,400 jobs are worth €800 million per annum. These issues will be discussed later with the Minister of State. The Senator often refers to Ireland's natural resources and the development of and support for rural areas by the Government. I am sure he will play a very important part in the debate with the Minister of State which is due to follow the Order of Business.

I thank the Leader for the translation.