Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to the gambling control Bill. We will await the Minister's comments on same.

We were initially told that the Bill would be introduced last year, but I now understand it will not be published before the summer. I agree with the Senator that it was initially intended that the Betting (Amendment) Bill and the gambling control Bill would be run fairly closely together. Unfortunately, however, that is not the case. We will await the Minister's pronouncement on the matter when dealing with the Betting (Amendment) Bill later today. As regards the education (admission to schools) Bill, I will try to ascertain the current position and revert to the Senator.

Senators Ivana Bacik, Denis O'Donovan and Thomas Byrne extended good wishes to the prison officers who were seriously injured yesterday by a very dangerous person. As we know, that person had been convicted of many offences in the United Kingdom. I agree with Senator Denis O'Donovan that a thorough investigation should take place. My understanding is that it is an ongoing Garda operation and, consequently, it would not be appropriate for the Minister for Justice and Equality to attend the House to discuss the matter at this stage. What occurred yesterday highlights for us the work of the Irish Prison Service which goes unnoticed by many. Prison staff do tremendous work which is very dangerous. We should be grateful to the men and women concerned who work in difficult circumstances. I agree that quite a number of questions need to be answered, including why it was decided that no armed guard would accompany this dangerous man. Such questions will form part of the ongoing Garda investigation. It is to be hoped this man will be apprehended in the coming weeks. He has many sentences yet to serve in the United Kingdom, where he also escaped from a prison. That highlights the danger he poses. I agree that, if possible, the sentences should be served in the other jurisdiction.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to proposed tax measures to encourage the use of zoned and serviced land and derelict sites. As he pointed out, there will be a public consultation process on this issue for the next 12 weeks. He also mentioned the living city initiative, which was discussed during the debate on the Finance Bill. At the time the Minister said he expected the initiative to be in place by February. They were awaiting the go-ahead from the European Union for the incentive and I hope that is still the position. The initiative would be of tremendous benefit in Dublin and other cities included in the scheme.

Senator Aideen Hayden welcomed the €300 million from the European Investment Bank and the Housing Finance Agency for the voluntary housing sector. The sector needed such an injection of cash which will go towards the cost of building 2,000 extra homes. It is good news for all concerned in the sector. Senator Paul Bradford also raised the question of housing. I have invited the Minister of State, Deputy Paudie Coffey, to attend the House to discuss the housing strategy. I hope that will happen in the next couple of weeks.

Senators Paschal Mooney and Catherine Noone referred to the perceived support of the tobacco industry by IBEC and the American Chamber of Commerce. It is Government policy that plain packaging will come into play. The Government is intent on not bowing to pressure from the American Chamber of Commerce, IBEC or anybody else. As was pointed out yesterday, this House voted unanimously in favour of the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products. We will have legal threats from the sector, but the Government intends to proceed as planned.

Senators Paschal Mooney and David Cullinane raised the question of child care workers. There is definitely a need for greater investment in this sector. As I said yesterday, quite a number of professionals have spent three or four years in college, yet the pay scales are very low for such qualified individuals. I am sure that is one of the areas the Low Pay Commission will be investigating. We might be able to get the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, to attend the House for a debate on the child care sector. Many Members would appreciate the opportunity to have such a discussion.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton referred to increased funding for the National Ambulance Service, particularly in the west. This will be welcomed by everyone living in a rural area. In addition, the Senator, with Senator Michael Mullins, sought support for small rural schools, an issue that has been raised in the House on many occasions. I am glad that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has listened to these concerns and acted on suggestions made by many Senators and Members of the other House.

Senator Sean D. Bradford raised the question of rural and regional affairs. The Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, has attended the House for a debate on the CEDRA report, but perhaps we might invite her back for a debate on rural and regional affairs. As there are many good news stories which need to be told, I will invite her back again.

Senator Catherine Noone mentioned regulations with regard to what are called charity muggers. The regulation of all such activities is necessary and will be welcomed by all concerned.

Senator Darragh O'Brien mentioned the education (admission to schools) Bill, the drafting of which is well advanced. A further provision for inclusion in the Bill was recently prepared for Cabinet approval. The Bill will be published by the end of the summer.