I thank the 21 Members who spoke for their varied and interesting contributions. I thank Senator Catherine Ardagh for her remarks about the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, and waiting lists. The Minister and the Government are engaging with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and it is planned that, prior to the end of the year, the fund and the HSE will have a dedicated waiting list initiative. We all accept that reducing waiting times is a key issue. We are all working to eliminate them, but it is important to note that 60% of those on waiting lists have been waiting less than six months for required care, while 94% have been waiting less than the maximum waiting time of 15 months. We all accept that we have a journey to make, but improvements have taken place. The Minister and his predecessor, Deputy Leo Varadkar, have worked to eliminate waiting times. There was an interesting article in the Irish Examiner earlier this week in which the chief executive of Cork University Hospital, Mr. Tony McNamara, issued a set of figures for those who missed appointments and highlighted the implications this had for waiting times and hospitals. It is important to be able to ensure a dedicated outcome in the levels of service provided, be it in chronological scheduling of appointments and treatment or putting a plan in place under the HSE service plan for how people will be seen and assessed in order that waiting times will be reduced. We all very much want this to happen and I share the Senator's concerns in that regard. She referred to older people. We had a good debate on the Order of Business yesterday on elderly care and the national dementia strategy. I hope we can work together, as a collective, to ensure the strategy will be worked on on a cross-party basis.

Senator Victor Boyhan also referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund and then went on to refer to the housing special delivery unit. The Minister for Housing., Planning, Community and Local Government will bring his proposals to the Cabinet and then the Oireachtas. The Government is committed to recommencing a housing building programme, for which it has set aside capital funding. The Minister has said he is willing to work with everyone to ensure there will be a process to deliver housing. I look forward to it being put in place.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh raised an important mental health issue, on which we had a good debate. I agree with her that many positive measures are being taken. We should examine the Mental Health Commission's report with a view to seeing how we can work with the relevant Minister and the National Office for Suicide Prevention on it.

The position of the family carer can be addressed next week with the Minister for Social Protection when he comes to the House. I will not invite commentary or engage in the war between Sinn Féin and Fianna Fail on who did what or where. Revisionism is alive and well in the Chamber.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan referred to raised bogs and the habitats directive. I will be happy to have the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs come before the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Ivana Bacik mentioned the Private Members' Bill which will be taken later today. We will have a discussion on it and I thank her for working with all of us on it. It is important that we protect workers who do not enjoy the same rights or conditions and who are in a vulnerable position in their employment contract. I very much hope the issue can be resolved during the lifetime of this Parliament.

Senator Catherine Ardagh mentioned the atrocity in Baghdad yesterday, on which I had neglected to comment. I join her and Senator Ivana Bacik in sympathising with the families affected by huge atrocities across the world. The publication of the Chilcot report was chilling for those who had been charged with administration of key offices throughout the world. I have only perused it briefly, but the report should be read, not least because it makes a number of key points such as that Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator who had acted in violation of UN human rights obligations. It states peaceful options were not exhausted, which is a source of worry, and that flawed intelligence was presented to governments on Iraq's nuclear programme. The role of the United Nations and the authority of the Security Council were undermined. Having attended the meeting of the OSCE last weekend, we might have a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on the role of the United Nations and the Security Council.

Senator Martin Conway raised an important health and safety issue at Blake's Corner in Ennistymon. He, rightly, referenced the fact that 1.5 million people would visit the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way. I thank him for raising the issue, as Senator Maura Hopkins did yesterday, of health and safety at key visitor centres. At a time when the Government has invested heavily in the tourism industry, it is important that it be linked with transport facilities and infrastructure.

Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Rónán Mullen raised the issue of probate, a matter which must be addressed. Senator Ned O'Sullivan is correct about waiting times. Some of the delays are due to time being given to families by the relevant office. The granting of probate is a sensitive and difficult issue, but I agree with the Senator that the processing of applications should be expedited.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell mentioned the important issue of the ongoing effects of Brexit. I hope we, in this House, will be able to play a key role in discussing not just the North-South implications which are profound but also the implications for us as an island nation. As a first step, Irish MEPs should come to the House. I hope the Senator will pursue this important matter again because it needs to be addressed. The House can play a key role in shaping opinion, highlighting issues and plotting a way forward for the country.

Senators Martin Conway and Aidan Davitt referred to the remuneration of councillors, an issue which was addressed in the motion yesterday. I thank Members for their support and apologise for any miscommunication on the motion. The debate demonstrated that none was intended and I am willing to keep the issue to the fore.

Senator Paddy Burke raised the timely issue of the EU-Canada trade agreement.

To the best of my knowledge, the debate on it is an important one for the European Union, not least because the agreement gives us an opportunity to achieve further economic development. My understanding, from listening to the Senator and conducting some research, is that there are three stages to the ratification process. The European Council will meet in October and, depending on its recommendation, the agreement will be referred to the European Parliament, after which national parliaments will ratify it. I hope the Houses of the Oireachtas jointly will play a role in the ratification process. I stand with the Senator in seeking to ensure the Seanad will play a part.

Senator Paul Daly referred to St. Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone, on which an electrical report highlighted a number of risks. In the interests of patient and staff safety, there have been moves to place those affected in temporary accommodation on a phased basis. My understanding, from speaking to the Senator, Senator Gabrielle McFadden and Deputy Robert Troy, is the HSE is involved in discussions on how to address the matter and ensure the discommoding is temporary and that the people ocncerned will return to St. Vincent's Care Centre as soon as possible. The Health Information and Quality Authority is also involved.

Senator Colm Burke discussed the role of Senators in considering the ten-year health strategy. I have repeatedly stated Senators should be included in the process. This is the Upper House. The Senator was modest in his remarks about the members of the health committee in the previous Oireachtas when both he and former Senator Jillian van Turnhout played pivotal roles. I hope Senators will be part of the new committee. There is no reason for it not to be a joint committee. The ratification process can be amended to include Senators. It is a question of all voices being heard. If it the ten-year strategy is to be inclusive, it will get off to a bad start if Senators are excluded. I share Senator Colm Burke's view in that regard and will raise the matter at today's meeting of the Whips and leaders.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to a missing child and the role of the journalist Ms Gemma O'Doherty. I will raise the matter with the relevant Minister to get a response for the Senator who also raised the issue of the granting of probate.

The alcohol issue was discussed by a number of Senators. I commend the all-party group for the briefing which was co-hosted by my colleague Senator Catherine Noone. I congratulate her on her appointment as Deputy Leader, something I meant to do yesterday, and wish her well. I am blessed among women, being the only male among the group leaders. I look forward to working with all of the women leaders, if I can use that word, of the groups.

The Leader is all-embracing.

It is brilliant that there is a majority of women among the group leaders in the Seanad. It is a great start for democracy. Those who campaigned for equality will recognise that it is a diverse group of leaders.

Which includes the Leader.

Indeed.

The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill has been restored to the Order Paper. As such, there will be an opportunity to tease out its various effects. We all agree that the issue of alcohol misuse needs to be addressed. I hope we can arrive at legislation that will tackle it.

Senator Maire Devine referred to the role of the charities regulator in the context of the irregularities that had arisen. Yesterday the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality addressed the House on a Commencement matter. She will sign a statutory instrument in September. On behalf of the Seanad, I praise staff in the charity sector who do a great deal of valuable work. The service level agreements signed up to by the HSE on behalf of the State with service providers require scrutiny. We may debate the matter in the autumn and perhaps the Seanad might play a role in improving that relationship and process. We must give confidence to the families who require such services that the work will continue in a safe and proper manner.

Senator Tim Lombard raised a matter that is dear to my heart, namely, Cork Airport and Norwegian flights. When I had the opportunity to meet Vice President Biden a couple of weeks ago, I raised with him the importance of the Cork-Boston-Norway flights. For Senators who are not familiar with the issue, it is for the US Department of Transportation to sign a licence to allow Norwegian to operate transatlantic flights. The link is important from the point of view of economic development, tourism and job creation. Senator Tim Lombard asked for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, to come to the House. The Minister took my Commencement matter a couple of weeks ago, but I will ask him to return to discuss this topic.

Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee discussed the shooting yesterday in Lusk. I thank her for her co-operation in dealing with and support for the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill. It is important that we allocate extra resources and take a universal approach to stopping gangland crime. The Bill is an important first step in that regard, as will be the issuing of extra resources. The Senator mentioned Rush Garda station. I am sure the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality will be happy to engage with her on the matter.

Senator Maria Byrne referred to life-long learning in Limerick and commended Limerick City and County Council for its Summer Stars programme. It is important that we inculcate in young people a love of books and reading. If Senators do nothing else, they should combine their resources to sponsor a book for a school library in each of their individual areas. Reading is a skill that should not be lost.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile discussed North-South relations. I hope to see them being promoted in the House, given the impact of Brexit and the Senator's point about the need for an all-Ireland forum. The Taoiseach is right in that regard and it is something we should pursue. There is the North-South Ministerial Council, as well as the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and co-operation in the House on North-South issues, but it is important that we continue to build relationships that are more than just talking shops and have tangible outcomes. We are an island nation and it makes no sense not to engage in further co-operation.

Senator Michelle Mulherin referred to the fair deal scheme as it related to farmers and the owners of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Ministers for Health and Agriculture, Food and the Marine should attend the House to discuss this important issue.

Senator Paul Gavan referred to bin charges. The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has appeared before the House twice and I do not believe we will have another debate on bin charges before the summer recess. I will, however, ask the Minister to send a note to group leaders on the issues we have raised.

As for home helps, we have all seen difficulties in the health service being addressed. Despite the Senator's remarks, we all want to see an improvement in the numbers of home help hours in our communities. It is about how we can improve the living conditions of those who need home help services. I will work with any Senator who wants to promote the role of home helps and improve the living conditions of those who require their services.