I apologise to Senator Michelle Mulherin. I missed her contribution by mistake in my reply on the Order of Business yesterday. She raised the issue of food waste. As she rightly said, it is a very important social and environmental issue. She referred to the fact that 60% of the waste we produced was food waste. It is important that we have a debate on the issue. It is welcome that she she raised it yesterday.

On the point raised by Senators Mark Daly and Diarmuid Wilson on trauma networks, there might be confusion. There may be two reports. Emanating from the AGM of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the Minister for Health accepted the need for a report on trauma services to achieve the best outcomes for patients in a national strategy. Let us make it clear again in order that we will not stoke fear, as has been done since the commentary at the weekend: the Minister has committed to coming to the House for a debate on the issue when the report is published. He does not yet have a date on which the report is due, but he is not looking to close or remove trauma services in or from any hospital and there are no plans to do so. If the Senators want to have a debate on the issue of reconfiguration, we can arrange it, but those involved in the particular medical specialty believe trauma patients need to be able to access the best care service, have the right resources at the right level to match their critical needs and be seen in the shortest time possible. There is also an underlying need to develop a national policy on trauma networks. The report is aimed at putting together a national strategy in order to have a national clinical programme for trauma and orthopaedic services and for those who work in the area. I reiterate that the Minister has not received the report and does not have plans to close or remove trauma services. He is willing to come to the House to debate the issue when the report is published. He cannot be any fairer than that. I hope I have clarified the matter for the Senators.

I note the remarks made by Senators Michael McDowell, Rose Conway-Walsh, Frank Feighan and Kieran O'Donnell on the growth rate. I also note the remarks made by commentators and the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Philip Lane, but I point to the statements issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Finance that in October the Government will present to the Lower House a budget based on sensible growth figures, not the figures we saw yesterday. It is fair to point out, however, that there is growth, that the level of unemployment is decreasing and, as Senator Kieran O'Donnell rightly said, consumer spending is on the up. We will see a sensible approach being adopted in the budget. In saying that, it is imperative to understand the economy is in a much better position than it was seven years ago. It is growing and more people are back at work. We will have a discussion in the House tomorrow on the summer economic statement. While growth levels are improving, no one is taking the figures presented yesterday as indicating that we should be moving off the charts in terms of public expenditure. It is important to understand, however, that the economy is in a better place and that we have seen an improvement in the economic health of the nation.

Former Senator Mary Henry has just left the Chamber. I acknowledge her presence in the Visitors Gallery.

The soaring cost of preparing children for their return to school is of huge concern and a source of worry. The Minister for Education and Skills made reference yesterday to the increase in the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance, which is now payable at the rate of €100 for children between the ages of 4 and 11 years and €200 for children between the ages of 12 and 22. While these are small amounts in the context of the overall cost for families, it should be noted that overall €38.8 million is being made available this year for the scheme which, at its core, has been designed to help people to meet back-to-school costs. Any measure that could be put in place at a local level or otherwise to meet the cost of uniforms and textbooks must be considered. I know from a discussion I had recently with my sister-in-law that she spent €250 on copies and hardbacks alone for my nephews and nieces. It is important to record that the former Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, put in place an agreement on textbook costs with the Irish Educational Publishers Association. Those of us who have been involved in education recognise the importance of book rental schemes and the significant amounts of money that can be saved by families in that regard. The Minister is acutely conscious of the issue of back-to-school costs. While he does not have powers to regulate school uniforms, it is important that we require schools to be sensible in their demands on parents and pupils in that regard.

On the point made by Senator Ray Butler about bullying, the practice to which he referred is one we should never countenance.

On voluntary contributions, having been involved in education for almost 20 years, from my perspective, there is no compulsion to pay. I would be appalled if schools published a list of payments and indicated non-payment by parents. That should not be tolerated. There should be no publication of such lists. School principals and boards of management should provide for exemptions. There is an onus on boards of management to work with parents on how they can help to meet the needs of the school community.

Senators Rose Conway-Walsh and Frank Feighan referred to the appointment later today of Ms Theresa May as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I wish her well as she takes up her post. Mr. David Cameron is taking his final round of questions as Prime Minister in the House of Commons. It is important that we congratulate and pay tribute to him for his stewardship during his tenure as Prime Minister, in particular for the increased co-operation we have seen between the North and the South and between Ireland and the United Kingdom. I hope this will continue during the tenure of the new Prime Minister.

Senator Frances Black again referred to alcohol services and the misuse of alcohol. The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill will be brought before the House soon, at which time we can debate the issue. It is important we continue to work on it. I commend the Senator for her work in that regard.

Senator Gerald Nash referred to the problems faced by young people as highlighted in the departmental report published today. I will be happy to have the Minister responsible come to the House for a debate on the report of the Low Pay Commission when it is published.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile mentioned the 12 July events held yesterday. It is welcome that there was no major outbreak of sectarianism, other than the events about which we spoke yesterday, and that there were no major casualties or injuries. I hope we can continue to build bridges such that celebrations can be held in a dignified, tolerant and respectful manner.

On voting rights for immigrants, I will be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, come to the House for a debate on the issue.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell mentioned that he hoped Limerick would be announced as European City of Culture 2020. As I said yesterday, I wish everyone involved well.

Senator Robbie Gallagher raised the important issue of assaults on gardaí. We can never allow a situation to develop where members of An Garda Síochána are disrespected. We all condemn unreservedly any attack on members of the force. It is to be hoped everybody in a position of influence in communities in all parts of the country will work to ensure gardaí are respected.

Senator Michelle Mulherin raised the issue of water meter installation in Ballina. I suggest she take it up with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government by way of a Commencement matter.

Senator Fintan Warfield referred to the report commissioned on LGBT victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. There is an inordinate ten-year wait, which is unacceptable. I commend those involved in producing the report and thank the Senator for raising the matter. We must strive to ensure those who feel vulnerable or are victims of abuse or violence can overcome such awful events in their lives and that barriers will be removed in order that they will be more accepted within society. We must work to improve the lot of all citizens.

Senator David Norris again referred to transport services in Dublin. I am happy to work with him in arranging such a debate. Like Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, I believe the Luas and the DART are important parts of the public transport system and rather than say they are useless, we should work to ensure their increased utilisation.

Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee also spoke about the housing action plan and the important point made about the Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon. I agree with her and Dr. Muldoon that hotel rooms and bed and breakfast establishments do not provide suitable accommodation for young children or families. The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, will present his housing action plan in the coming weeks and we can discuss the points made during the debate on it.

Senator Martin Conway referred to power surges. I will be happy to take up the matter with Electric Ireland.

The Senator also referred to the Committee of Public Accounts. The Cathaoirleach is correct that the Committee of Public Accounts is not within the remit of this House, but it is important that the points made by the Senator be taken on board. Perhaps we might write to the committee in that regard.

Senators Rónán Mullen and Ned O'Sullivan rightly raised the important issue of chefs and the staff deficits in the hospitality sector. This is the by-product of a decision made by a previous Administration, during the tenure of which Senator Rónán Mullen and I were last Members of the Seanad together, which resulted in a lack of training and expertise in the sector and the recruitment of staff from abroad. Thankfully, the Ministers of State, Deputies Damien English and John Halligan, are addressing the issue via the future skill needs programme. I hope we will see an improvement in the position soon. Ireland is the island of the cead míle fáilte. The tourism sector is growing exponentially and it is critical that services be provided at an expert level and that we have trained chefs and the other staff required by the services industry. I thank the Senators for raising the issue.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to bin collection services. We will revert to him on the matter. Because of the need to have legislation passed, some of the debates requested and agreed to have had to be postponed. They have been placed on the list for the autumn session. I assure the Senators concerned that they have not been forgotten. I am not familiar with the case mentioned by the Senator. If he outlines it to me following the Order of Business, I will raise it with the relevant Minister.

Senator Paddy Burke called for a debate on the funding provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the International Development Association. I will be happy to arrange such a debate.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan referred to Humanist ceremonies. It is important that VAT be paid. It is also important that there be transparency in payment for services provided, including marriage ceremonies and burials. Everybody should pay his or her taxes. Those of us who have attended Humanist ceremonies recognise their importance. I will be happy to work with the Senator on how imbalances in that regard can be addressed.

Senator Jennifer Murnane-O'Connor referred to the funding of social protection schemes. I will be happy to have the Minister for Social Protection come to the House for a debate on the issue. I am also happy to accept the Bill, as amended.