Senators Darragh O'Brien, Sean D. Barrett, Gerard P. Craughwell and Colm Burke spoke about the ambulance service and HIQA's report. We can certainly try to have a debate on the issue. There was a comprehensive debate on the subject at the joint Oireachtas committee yesterday and we do not want duplication both at the committee and in the House. However, the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, has agreed to come to the House in early January for statements on the health service plan, as requested; therefore, there may be an opportunity to discuss the matter with him during that debate.

Senator Ivana Bacik raised a number of items. She especially welcomed the decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Government on the hooded men case, a matter that was also referred to by Senators Terry Leyden, Michael Mullins and Labhrás Ó Murchú. It was also raised yesterday when Senator Mark Daly castigated the Government for not taking action. I am sure he will be in the House next week to welcome the Government's stance on the issue.

Senator Sean D. Barrett also spoke about the National Ambulance Service, a matter to which I have referred.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton spoke about the teachers' dispute and called for Dr. Pauric Travers to reconvene the talks at the earliest opportunity. We all hope the talks will be reconvened, before Christmas if possible, to resolve the dispute. It is in nobody's interests to have such disputes and the only way they can be resolved is through negotiation. I hope Dr. Travers will reconvene the talks as a matter of urgency and that all sides to the dispute will respond favourably.

Senators Denis O'Donovan and Paul Bradford spoke about the difficulties that might accrue in the milk sector next year. Teagasc and the farming organisations are looking for an increase in the intervention price. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, will be in the House next week to speak about the issue of sustainability and I have asked him to also address the crisis that may occur in the milk sector. I hope we will have an opportunity, therefore, to discuss the matter with him next week.

Senator John Kelly discussed the difficulties with carer's allowance. He might table an Adjournment matter on the subject to receive a specific answer.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh spoke about the rural development programme. As he stated, only two weeks ago we debated the CEDRA report, but he is calling for a further debate on the rural development programme. We will try to get the Minister to come to the House to discuss that matter.

Senator Michael Comiskey also discussed the concerns of Teagasc, a matter to which I have referred.

Senators Michael Mullins and Brian Ó Domhnaill called for a debate on Irish Aid and the recent OECD report in which Ireland was complimented on its support for many worthwhile projects. Obviously, there is a difference of opinion between the two Senators on this issue, but I agree that we should have a debate on Irish Aid soon. We will probably have it in the new year.

Senator Thomas Byrne welcomed the announcement of new jobs in the Gaeltacht area of County Meath. This news should be welcomed by all Members.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the Exchequer returns. He also welcomed the proposal from NAMA on the redevelopment of the Boland's Mill site. He complimented Dublin City Council on its work for homeless persons.

Senator Feargal Quinn stressed the importance of competitiveness in the economy. I note that figures released this morning show that the unemployment rate has fallen to 10.7%. This is another very good indicator for the economy.

Hear, hear.

The Senator also referred to housing density. This is a matter we should discuss with the Minister of State with responsibility for housing. I will try to arrange a debate on the overall housing sector which could contemplate the issue of rent controls, to which Senator Gerard P. Craughwell referred. Such a debate is overdue.

Senator Terry Brennan welcomed the allocation of funding under the minor works scheme to tackle problems at some accident black spots and other road safety issues.

Senator John Gilroy referred to the record of various parties represented on councils on the issue of homelessness.

Senator James Heffernan questioned the role of the Environmental Protection Agency in the case of a site in Askeaton. I suggest he table an Adjournment matter to obtain a reply to his specific query.

Senator Paschal Mooney referred to the Government's marketing plans to attract visitors to the houses of Seán Mac Diarmada and Thomas MacDonagh. I will raise this matter with the relevant Minister. I am sure Fáilte Ireland also has a role to play in it.

Senator Mary White referred to the issue of rent supplement. It is one of the only issues on which I would disagree with Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy who stated the problem of homelessness would be solved if rent supplement was increased. If it were to be increased, landlords would raise rents again.

Senator John Crown proposed an amendment to the Order of Business on obstetric care and the need to employ more obstetricians. As the Senator is aware, advertisements have appeared in the newspapers to fill vacant obstetrician posts in many hospitals. As stated, the Minister for Health was before the House only a couple of weeks ago when we engaged with him in a comprehensive debate on the health service. I do not know if the issue about which the Senator is concerned was raised at that point.

Senator Michael Mullins referred to the provision of information technology services within HSE hospital groups and the suggestion that the tendering process in this regard might have been flawed in some way. As the Cathaoirleach mentioned, I suggest the Senator raise the matter on the Adjournment to obtain a reply from the Minister to his specific query.