Senator Marc MacSharry raised the question of mortgage arrears and insolvency arrangements. No doubt the Government understands the real pressure many families are under in this regard and is doing everything possible as the recovery deepens in order that nobody is left behind. Each case is different and needs an individual solution to meet the needs of a particular family, but it is clear that there is a solution for everybody. Our primary focus as a Government is on the solutions that keep families in their homes. We are making headway, despite some of the facts Senator Marc MacSharry mentioned. The most recent figures show a significant improvement in the level of arrears, particularly on family homes.

The Central Bank's figures underline this progressive trend, with the number of families in arrears having fallen in the past five quarters. Figures from the Department of Finance for the six main banks show that the number in arrears for in excess of 90 days has fallen by 17,500 accounts compared with the number at the start of 2014. That represents significant progress. In August 2014, 2,500 split mortgages were put in place by the six main banks, whereas now there are 20,500. That is progress, but obviously there is a lot more to be done. During the same period the number of permanent restructures on family homes by the six main banks increased from around 41,000 to 91,000. However, we do not see the same progress being made in the most difficult cases in arrears for possibly more than two years. Senator Marc MacSharry mentioned one of these difficult cases. That is why the Government has examined the arrangements in place to ensure a viable route forward for anyone who wants to seek help. It has been working with the banks which have been meeting targets set for them by the Central Bank under the so-called mortgage arrears resolution targets, MART, process. However, we must consider whether the current approach will really help to move forward the most difficult cases. It is not right that people live under the extreme pressure of debts they cannot repay. Such pressure is damaging the mental health and family lives of individuals throughout the country, as Senator Marc MacSharry said. It is a source of serious concern for the Government. We have been responsible for the most radical overhaul of how debt is managed in the State. We have rewritten laws on bankruptcy to move away from the old Victorian approach which was draconian. We have also put in place a range of options for ordinary people who find they cannot pay their debts, including mortgages. The Government is doing its best and will continue to progress policies to help people in difficulties. I assure the Senator that the position is being monitored constantly by the Government.

As regards health services, the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, was in the House twice for wide-ranging debates on the health service plan, including last week. If Senator Marc MacSharry has a specific item in mind, it could be raised as a Commencement matter because we are unlikely to get the Minister into the House again in the very near future, unless it concerns legislation. He has already dealt with the vast majority of matters Members have raised.

Senator Ivana Bacik has referred to the issues of tax and pay and the proposed forum which will bring the social partners together. This time, however, it will be in an open forum, not behind closed doors. That is an important part which was emphasised by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. Senator Ivana Bacik also welcomed the proposals for two weeks paid paternity leave, an issue which has been raised by many Members.

I note Senator Sean D. Barrett's comments on rural transport. Several other Senators joined him in wishing Ronnie Delany, our Olympic gold medalist, well in celebrating his 80th birthday. I am sure we would all like to be associated with those remarks.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton stressed the importance of local festivals and welcomed the new funding for them.

Senator Averil Power referred to job cuts at Cadbury's, which were most regrettable. However, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, has emphasised that the protection and retention of jobs is a priority for the Government. His record in that regard stands up to scrutiny and he intends to keep monitoring the position. He has always emphasised the importance of retaining jobs, in addition to investment in research and development, which is of key importance in this regard.

Senator Averil Power also spoke about Dublin Fire Brigade and ambulance services, on which issue HIQA produced a report. While it must be addressed, it has been emphasised that there will be no cuts in manpower or the numbers of ambulances that will be provided by Dublin City Council. There is a long way to go in dealing that issue and there needs to be long negotiations on development of the service. Patient safety is of paramount importance and HIQA's report must be dealt with, as it will through negotiation.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan congratulated many of our sporting heroes, particularly Padraig Harrington who won again after a number of years and our rugby team who enjoyed great success over the weekend against the old enemy. I congratulate Kevin Phelan, a young golfer from Waterford, who finished second in the Joburg Open. We enjoyed tremendous success over the weekend. Senator Eamonn Coghlan also welcomed the co-operation between the North and the South in health services, particularly for sick children. Such co-operation is to be welcomed.

Senator David Norris spoke about insolvency, the fact that banks had shovelled out money during the Celtic tiger era and that many individuals had suffered as a result, about which there is no question.

Senator Michael Mullins lamented the passing of Mr. Tony Reddin who was a great goalkeeper on the team of the century. The Senator also condemned the murder of the Russian opposition leader, Mr. Boris Nemtsov, which he saw as an attack on democracy. Senator John Crown also raised this point. Mr. Nemtsov had spoken out strongly against Russia's annexation of Crimea and its involvement in Ukraine. It is regrettable that a number of ambassadors were denied access to Russia to attend the service for the late Opposition leader.

Senator Paschal Mooney spoke about the allocation of €500,000 for 187 festivals. He is right that it works out at probably about €2,500 to €3,000 per festival, but the money is in addition to the €2.3 million for festivals already announced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Therefore, one can do the calculations again.

In response to Senator Feargal Quinn, I will accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business that No. 13 be taken before No. 1. The Bill is laudable and very topical and I hope the Government will see its way to accept it.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh spoke about equality in third level education, with particular reference to NUIG, and stressed the fact that the task force should include a union or staff representative. I am very surprised that a task force set up to examine equality issues does not contain a union or staff representative. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Catherine Noone outlined the fact that since 2012, 100 children under the age of 17 years had been treated at Temple Street Children's Hospital for alcohol poisoning. That is a shocking statistic. The Senator also called for the Minister for Health to release the statistics for all other hospitals. I will bring the matter to his attention. He is very concerned about the statistics announced recently.

Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Diarmuid Wilson spoke about the circular issued by the Department of Education and Skills on ETBs.

As someone who served on a VEC, I must say staff members have contributed with distinction for many years on many VECs. Suggesting now that staff members or relatives cannot be made chairmen is regrettable. The boards have been very good at selecting chairmen and I hope that will continue to be the case. The Senator might table the matter for discussion in the Commencement debate to ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether this is coming from her or an official. I am certain she would be quite willing to explain.

Rinne Senator Terry Brennan comhghairdeas le hAogán Ó Fearghail, uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. He also commended Mr. John Giles for attaining the freedom of the city of Dublin. He pointed to the success of other sportspersons, including Carl Frampton in the boxing arena over the weekend. We enjoyed tremendous success on the sports front in recent days and long may it continue.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien asked for a debate on the subject of adaption to change and suggested all manufacturing would disappear within ten or 20 years.

Not all of it.

I hope that never comes to pass. I am sure the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will come to the House to debate the matter. He has stressed the need for competitiveness and research and development, especially in manufacturing. I am sure he will come to the House to have a debate on the issue in the near future.

Senator John Crown spoke about overcrowding in accident and emergency departments and delayed discharges. He suggested the Government but especially Fine Gael go back to what had been suggested about funding before the last general election. I will certainly take the matter on board. The Senator also spoke about the Russian Government preventing some ambassadors from attending the funeral service for the opposition leader, a matter I have mentioned.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson also congratulated his fellow County Cavan man on becoming president of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. He echoed what Senator Gerard P. Craughwell had said about ETBs and called for the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House again to debate the junior certificate programme. I do not agree with the Senator that the Minister is ignoring the practitioners. She has come a long way in negotiations and obviously there will be further negotiations on the matter. She has come to the House to discuss it on a number of occasions.