Senator Paschal Mooney paid tribute to the captain and crew of the LE Eithne. This is a special day for the Naval Service with the LE Eithne returning and the LE James Joyce arriving in Haulbowline at the same time. It is great to see €70 million being spent on such a wonderful new vessel.

As the Senator pointed out, our seas are almost ten times greater than the landmass of the country and it is very important that we have these vessels. I join in complimenting the captain and the crew and commend them for their humanitarian work. Senator Gerard P. Craughwell raised a related item. I was not aware that there was a claim for an overseas service allowance. I am fully aware of the sacrifices members of the Defence Forces make and I will raise the matter with the Minister for Defence, but I am surprised to hear about the claim. I had not been informed about it.

Senators Paschal Mooney, Gerard P. Craughwell, Fidelma Healy Eames and Aideen Hayden raised the issue of homelessness. We are all aware that the problem has not gone away and that there is a need for further investment. However, we did see a big improvement. There was a significant injection of capital last year which solved the problem for some time, but we still have problems, especially the dreadful position in which homeless pregnant women find themselves, a problem highlighted by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames. Senator Aideen Hayden praised the work of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. There is no doubt that those involved have done Trojan work since the organisation was set up. The issue needs to be addressed and it is a priority. I will certainly bring it to the attention of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and ask him to address the shortfall in funding for homeless services. The Minister of State with responsibility for housing will be in the House later today and I will also bring the matter to his attention.

Senators Ivana Bacik and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh commented on the direct provision system and the report published recently. A task force has been established by the Government to assist with the transition of persons from direct provision accommodation. It will be chaired by the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and report back to the Government on key aspects of the report by 30 September. It will deal with the protection process. Separately, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is writing to her Government colleagues to seek their views on aspects of the report that impact on their Departments. The immediate focus of the task force will be on the particular needs of the cohort of people who continue to reside in direct provision accommodation, despite having been granted protection status or leave to remain. The task force will bring together representatives of Departments and draw on the expertise of relevant agencies and non-governmental organisations, as appropriate, to consider the issues involved in the successful transition of the people concerned into Irish society, which I imagine will be welcomed by everyone. Perhaps we might have a further debate on the matter in the autumn session.

Senator Sean D. Barrett welcomed the return home from Berkeley of some of the survivors. We all wish them good health and happiness for the future. The Senator also recalled the resilience of the Irish race, despite our difficulties, as highlighted in the report published recently.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan welcomed the additional investment of €100 million in tourism, transport and sport. The injection of capital for remedial roadworks will be welcomed by local authorities throughout the country. It is great to see the sod being turned for the new indoor arena at the National Sports Campus, something which was mooted over 50 years ago, as the Senator mentioned.

Among other Senators, Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill raised the matter of procurement services within the HSE and hospitals. I did not see the programme mentioned, but I agree that these practices are totally unacceptable and need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. On Senator Gerard P. Craughwell's comments, I take the view that the procurement issues are employment disciplinary matters and do not think there is a suggestion of criminal activity. However, I am sure that if there is, the Garda will be actively involved.

As I mentioned, Senator Aideen Hayden, spoke about homeless services and the need to hold the line on housing standards. I agree totally with her. There can be no short-term or quick fixes in dealing with the difficulties in the provision of housing. Standards will have to be maintained.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the direct provision system, a matter I have addressed, and the Magdalen laundry sufferers, a matter raised by Senator James Heffernan on Tuesday. I hope these matters will be addressed by the Government in early course.

Senator Michael Mullins highlighted the case of a prisoner in Castlerea. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. When people are convicted of serious offences, it is important that they be incarcerated as soon as possible, but I am sure this matter will be addressed. I will certainly bring it to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Mark Daly relayed facts about judges. I point out that the facts and figures he gave were for civil law jurisdictions. As this is a common law jurisdiction, the facts to which he referred have no bearing on the position in Ireland. He should note that 33% of judges in Ireland are female, one of the highest percentages in Europe, if not the highest, in common law jurisdictions. Last year the Government appointed 21 judges, 12 of whom, or over 50%, were female. The Senator should, therefore, look at the position again. These are the facts. The Senator should acknowledge that the Government is doing everything possible to raise the number of justices who are female. Sentencing is another issue altogether. I will certainly try to arrange a debate on it in the autumn.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames remarked on the issue of homelessness, a matter I have addressed. She also asked about debates on Commencement matters. We will not deal with Commencement matters next week.

That is unfair.