Senators Darragh O'Brien, Mullins, Paul Coghlan, Jim D'Arcy and Cullinane spoke about the situation in Greece. The euro summit statement stressed the need for the Greek authorities to rebuild trust as a prerequisite for a possible future agreement on the new European Stability Mechanism programme. In this regard, the Greek authorities have committed to legislate for a first set of measures without delay. As a precondition for the Eurogroup to agree the new European Stability Mechanism programme, Greece will also need to request continued IMF support, monitoring and financing from March 2016. A decision to mandate the institutions to negotiate a memorandum of understanding cannot be made until the implementation of the above measures, as well as their endorsement by the Greek Parliament, has been verified by the institutions and the Eurogroup. We have a little way to go yet before we get the full facts in relation to any bailout programme. I will ask the Minister to come in for a debate on the issue in due course. I feel it would be a little premature at this stage, considering the points I have made in this regard.

Hear, hear.

Senator Darragh O'Brien also raised the plight of sufferers of multiple sclerosis. There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel in that regard. I note his points in relation to the HSE, the Department and the need to come clean with information before the House when information is being imparted to Members.

I note the comments made by Senator Bacik about hate crime and the possibility of legislation in that regard. As Senator Mac Conghail mentioned, we have had a debate on this matter previously. I am sure we can arrange a further debate on it in the autumn.

I remind Senator Mac Conghail that I gave a comprehensive reply last week on the case of Ibrahim Halawa.

I assure him that the Government is doing everything possible to secure the release of this Irish citizen. The next hearing in the case is scheduled to take place on 2 August and the Irish Embassy's officials will attend. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials in Dublin and in Cairo will continue to work actively behind the scenes to do everything possible to facilitate positive progress on this case as early as circumstances permit. Embassy officials visited Mr. Halawa for the 42nd time on Wednesday, 24 June last, and the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, met the Halawa family on 4 June. There is a high level of consular visitation, which is an important and practical tool in monitoring Mr. Halawa's welfare and ensuring that the embassy in Cairo is well placed to raise any concerns directly with the prison authorities. The Department has received correspondence from a firm of solicitors regarding the Halawa case in recent days and that is currently being considered.

The Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Department are maintaining extensive contacts with the Egyptian authorities and with other international partners that have had citizens in similar circumstances. Examining other similar cases, it is clear that irrespective of any political efforts made by foreign governments, including high-level requests, the other trials were completed before any political consideration of a possible release by the Egyptian authorities took place. In Mr. Halawa's case, the trial is still ongoing. While we continue to maintain extensive contacts with the Egyptian authorities, including at very high levels, the precedents examined to date suggest that it is unrealistic to expect that a release will take place before the initial trial concludes. I assure Senator Mac Conghail that the Government is doing everything it can to secure Mr. Halawa's release.

I note the points made by Senator Norris about the Beit paintings and the suggestion that they go on loan to the Hugh Lane municipal gallery. It is a wonderful suggestion and I will bring it to the attention of the Minister. Obviously it will be a decision for the board but it is something it should certainly consider. The paintings were donated to be viewed by the Irish people and that would be an opportunity for it to happen. I compliment Senator Norris on the suggestion and I hope it will be taken up.

I thank the Leader.

Senator Mullins spoke about the major success of the IDA in attracting companies to this country and in creating so many jobs. It is very important that 59% of the jobs created by the people who are locating in Ireland are going to the regions. Many Members of the House had complained previously that most of the jobs were going to Dublin, Cork and Galway, but they are also going to the regions and the figure verifies that fact.

Senator Leyden spoke about the Islamic Republic of Iran. We all welcome the successful negotiations on its nuclear programme. With regard to the reopening of the embassy, that is a matter for the Government and will be kept under review. However, I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Barrett called for the Minister to be invited to the House for a debate on Aer Lingus. It is regrettable that representatives of Aer Lingus will not appear before the joint committee, as the Senator mentioned, but we have held several debates on the issue. I will bring the Senator's comments to the attention of the Minister but we cannot arrange for a debate on the matter in the House this week. As the Senator knows, we have a large amount of legislation to deal with.

Senators Jim D'Arcy and Cullinane spoke about the role of the Irish Government with regard to Greece. Indeed, we could ask about the role of Sinn Féin.

Its emphasis now seems to be on the Greek people rather than Syriza, which is a change in its agenda and equates to moving the goalposts. Senator Cullinane also mentioned that debt restructuring and re-profiling were what were required. That is exactly what the Irish Government did and what the Minister, Deputy Noonan, suggested that the Greek Government do, and I believe it has come around to that now.

Hear, hear.

Senator Conway raised the introduction of the Eircode system. As the Senator mentioned previously, Shannon is on move again, but I do not believe it is on the move to Limerick. He also raised the question of having minimum custodial sentences in rape cases and called for a debate on sentencing. I will try to arrange for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come into the House for such a debate early in the new session.

Senator O'Donovan raised the issue of the possible amalgamation of Cork city and county councils. Cork is the biggest county in the country. There have also been suggestions that there be an amalgamation in Galway. That follows amalgamations in Tipperary and Waterford.

And Limerick.

Yes, and Limerick. Such amalgamations have occurred, and I believe there are only three counties - Cork, Galway and Dublin - that do not have one local authority dealing with both city and county. It is a matter that is under review. I take the Senator's point regarding inequality of representation and I sympathise with him on that point. I am sure it is something that local authority members in those areas will bring to the attention of the Minister and their representative associations.

With regard to the next election, I can only surmise, the same as anybody else, when it will be. My gut feeling is that it will probably be in February or March of next year, but I am only one voice. The only voice that counts is the Taoiseach's and I am not aware of what is in his mind on that matter at the moment.

Senator Craughwell raised the issue of city and county councils. As the Senator is aware, the representative associations have been seeking for some time to meet the Minister to raise with him the points covered in the motion in question. I am pleased to advise the House that the Minister will meet the representative associations this week, and hopefully those matters will be addressed.

Hear, hear.

That is as a result of a recent meeting with the Minister, in which many parties were involved, to press him for such an action.

Senator Quinn referred to a debate on the Food Provenance Bill, and I note his point regarding the extension of country-of-origin labelling to non-prepacked meat, which is welcome. He also referred to the issue of fines and attachments to earnings, which we will be dealing with in the Civil Debt Bill (Procedures) Bill on Friday.