I thank Members for their good wishes. I did not realise quite how many issues were raised when I was raising them, given that some Members actually raised four or five each, but I will do my best to answer them. They will have to bear with me and if I omit to refer to any issue raised, I will be happy to come back to it.

Senator Catherine Ardagh referred to the inflated CSO figures. To the best of my knowledge, the Minister clarified the position this morning. It is an issue that could usefully be addressed in the making of pre-budget statements. I hope we will be able to facilitate clarification of the matter in the House in September.

I agree with the Senator in her point about public procurement. We need to encourage small businesses which are the backbone of the economy and on which many jobs are obviously dependent. It is an issue that has been raised previously in the House, including by Senator Kieran O'Donnell. Having a debate with a special emphasis on small businesses might be worthwhile. I will certainly convey Senator Catherine Ardagh's concerns to the relevant Minister.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to the need for fairness in the media, particularly in RTE, in dealing with the pro-life and abortion issue. Other Senators also referred to this issue and I will deal with their comments when I come to the contributions made by them. There is a media ombudsman and anyone who believes RTE has been biased in any broadcast can make a complaint - perhaps one has already been made - to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. I agree with Senator Rónán Mullen and other speakers that having a debate on the issue would be worthwhile. Certainly, the suggestion of Senator Paul Coghlan that people be brought before the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment is a good one and could prove constructive. It is an issue I will follow up.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh raised the issue that she raised yesterday. I understand the Leader has been in communication with her on it and I hope matters will be progressd.

The Senator also raised the issue of economic forecasts. I have a similar answer for her to the one I had for Senator Catherine Ardagh, that the Department and the Minister will be more than happy to clarify their position on the issue. I hope we will be able to have a debate early in September on it, as well as other budgetary issues.

The Senator raised a particular issue about farming, in the context of which she referred to the Department of the Taoiseach. I am sure it will be quite happy to clarify the position on the anomalies or, at least, the inconsistencies.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins raised several issues related to the Canada-EU trade agreement. Having a debate on it would be worthwhile. I will be happy to convey the Senator's views to the Leader and hope a debate can be arranged in the new term.

We could spend an hour or two hours discussing the situation in Turkey which is very serious and evolving. The issues raised by the Senator were wide-ranging and included 21,000 teachers having their licences revoked and the demands universities were making. They will be discussed at length at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence. However, we could also debate them in this House, as they will continue to arise in the context of the relationship of the European Union with Turkey which had come so far but which is regressing hugely, which is a matter of huge regret. We could have done with it moving more towards our way of thinking, but it is moving further away. I agree with the Senator in that regard.

Senator Gerald Nash and others referred to the DIT, an issue I will bring to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills. Senator Gerard P. Craughwell, in particular, asked that I write to the people involved. I will be happy to do so.

Senator Gerald Nash also referred to section 38 bodies. It is an issue we are discussing and which is being covered in the media every single day of the week. Clearly, the position is not satisfactory., but I am confident that the Committee of Public Accounts will cover the issue well. It has been the subject of a good number of debates to date and there are anomalies. I will be happy to have the Minister for Health come to the House as there are always matters to discuss with him, but this is something that would be worth focusing on in early course.

Senator Martin Conway mentioned the subject of history and the GAA. I will make the same comment as the Cathaoirleach, that I think it is already on the curriculum in Kilkenny. Perhaps that is where we are going wrong in Mayo. Perhaps we should have Gaelic football on the curriculum, as it might bring us the trophy we have been long looking for. The GAA is always worthy of attention. The Senator asked that I bring the issue to the attention of the Minister and I will be happy to do so. It is hard for the GAA not to be in the Minister's focus on a regular basis as it promotes itself very well and we are all acutely aware of the benefits it brings to society at large.

I am happy to agree to Senator Mark Daly's request that we take the Irish Sign Language Bill. I cannot imagine how the issue could be in any way controversial. In the vein of new politics, if there is a method whereby we can make it easier for people who could benefit from interacting with the State, it can only be positive.

To respond to the Senator's comments on legislation, I agree with him. I do not see any point in making statements in the House day in, day out. The Leader has, however, been working very hard to have legislation brought before the House. If there is anything his office can do to have the legislation to which the Senator referred introduced, it will happen early in the new term.

As I said, Senator Gerard P. Craughwell raised the very serious issue of the DIT. I take his comments on board and have said I am happy to contact those responsible and bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills.

I agree with the Senator in his point about the registration of physical therapists and physiotherapists. Until I heard him speak about the issue this morning, it was my understanding the then Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, was very happy to clarify the position and recognise the title. I will certainly bring it to the attention of the Minister for Health as it was my understanding that this is what was happening, but the Senator has said there has been a row-back on the issue, in which I am also interested.

Senator Joe O'Reilly referred to the housing crisis and the comprehensive housing strategy announced. I believe most of us agree with his proposal that we touch base on the issue on a two-monthly basis or whatever other period we deem to be appropriate to see what progress is being made. As in the case of Brexit, to which I will come shortly, the House could play a very useful role in dealing with this crisis which, to be fair to the Government, is the top priority, as it has demonstrated to date.

Senator Paul Gavan, rightly, referred to the TASC report and highlighted the divide and deep inequality in society, which is getting worse. Of great interest to me is the gender pay gap and general difficulties in that regard. A debate on the issue would be very useful. The main point I would make is that having a job is a person's best chance of getting out of inequality. Creating jobs has been a major focus of the Government. While I appreciate the Senator raising the issue and that the statistics are very stark, some progress is being made. A debate on the issue could certainly be facilitated in due course.

Senator Frances Black spoke about the employment of people with disabilities. I will be happy to pass on her concerns to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. On the funding needs to met in the budget, no doubt we will have pre-budget discussions with the Minister in this House. That is one of many issues that could be raised. It is worth mentioning that this was the first Government to have a Minister of State with responsibility for dealing with disability issues sitting at the Cabinet table, which is very much to be welcomed.

Senator James Reilly referred to physiotherapists and raised the issue of student accommodation which was also mentioned by a few other Senators. It is a major challenge in dealing with the overall housing problem. It is my understanding there is a specific group dealing with the issue as part of the housing strategy. It is to come back with a strategy to deal with it. In the context of the Senator's suggestion, it is one to which we can come back.

The Senator also mentioned the Committee on the Future of Healthcare. It is an insult to this House that Senators are not included in its membership. The Senator highlighted the great expertise available in this House. The argument made by the Chairman of the committee is that there are already enough members on it. The more members there are on committees and the more rounded their experience, the better. As it was intended to be an Oireachtas committee, I cannot understand why it has not been agreed to. There is some resistance to it, which I find frustrating.

Senator David Norris mentioned the Taoiseach's visit to the inner city and the reopening of Fitzgibbon Street Garda station, on which I commend him for his work. He also mentioned a local charity shop in Carlow. I agree with him that local authorities need to be more nuanced and think outside the box when it comes to leaving units empty, rather than having enterprises such as the one mentioned by the Senator actively contributing to the community and business in a small way. There should be some exception made for this type of organisation.

Senator Robbie Gallagher also commented on the issue of accommodation for students. It is very positive that there is such high participation, but it presents major problems, especially in dealing with the overall housing problem. The issue is especially in focus at this time of year because in the coming months many students will be very worried about finding some accommodation that they will be able to afford.

I also join the Senator in wishing the councillor mentioned in County Donegal a happy birthday. I hope I will not be involved in politics at the age of 86 years, but it is a case of horses for courses and I wish him very well. I hope he still plays football.

Senator Ray Butler raised the issue of petrol-stretching. From what I understand, the criminals involved in this activity are moving a little ahead of the lawmakers. They are probably the same individuals who are involved in the production of green diesel. The Minister for Finance did come up with some measures to combat that activity, but there is now a new issue to be dealt with. I will bring it to his attention. It is of major concern to the public. I join in the Senator's request to the public to be vigilant when it comes to the price of diesel.

Senator Máire Devine spoke about Dolphin House. It is an exemplary development which, as she said, needs to be introduced in many other areas. She mentioned credit unions and the Central Bank, a matter I will bring to the attention of the Minister for Finance. She also discussed rehabilitation services and mentioned persons with neurological conditions. It is a very serious issue.

Senator Neale Richmond raised the matter of lobbying, particularly when it comes to developers and correspondence with them. It would definitely be worth getting an official comment from the Minister for Finance on the issue the next time he is in the House. In the meantime I will make sure we communicate with him on it.

Senator John Dolan also raised the issue of having a strategy for people with disabilities. I have covered that issue in my response. The Senator also raised the issue of housing, on which he agreed with Senator Joe O'Reilly. In addition, he mentioned the physiotherapist-physical therapist issue which I have already addressed.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill also wished the famous Mr. McGarvey a happy birthday, which I reiterate. He is obviously a very popular man in County Donegal.

The Senator wished the Olympic team well. This is a very important time for the athletes and their families. We all wish our Olympians well.

The Senator also mentioned the ten year strategy and bias in the media. I hope I have covered that issue.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell's proposed amendment to the Order of Business has been broadly welcomed by the House. It presents a significant opportunity for the House and the Oireachtas to cover the matters involved. The suggestion that key individuals come to the House is a very good one. It could prove very constructive and, depending on how it works out logistically, we could put together a report on the outcome and the comments made during that exercise.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan referred to RTE and sought a debate on the need for fairness. I will be happy to arrange or ask the Leader to arrange such a debate in the new session.

The Senator congratulated members of the Garda in Limerick. It is good to highlight the major progress they have made.

The Senator also commented on Brexit. I have covered that issue.

Senator Michelle Mulherin referred to the provision of home care packages in counties Mayo, Roscommon and Galway. On the face of it, what she has described is illogical and very frustrating for those who want to be at home. It is nonsensical that it is costing us more when there is a willingness to maintain them at home and it would cost less overall to do so. I will bring the issue to the attention of the Minister for Health. This wasting of money is frustrating when it is so difficult to find in the health budget.

Senator Frank Feighan also raised the issue of Brexit. I join the House in welcoming President Hollande to Ireland. France is going through a very tough time and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been seriously affected by recent horrible events.

The Senator also mentioned the very positive visit by the Taoiseach to the north inner city. It is well worth mentioning that it helps to break down barriers. The visit was also mentioned by Senator Paul Coghlan who also referred to the role of the national broadcaster. I have covered that issue which, as I said, would be the subject of a worthwhile debate.

Senator Paddy Burke also raised the issue of Brexit, on which he concurred with Senator Kieran O'Donnell. We are all in agreement that it would make sense to have a few days of debates in this House in the new session, whether consecutively or over a number of weeks. They could prove to be very constructive.

I wish all of my colleagues well and hope they will have some downtime and spend some time with their families duing the break. I also thank the staff. I concur with those who said they are always extremely cordial, friendly and helpful, as they always have been in my time in the House. As Senator John Dolan said, we have all been in the situation where everything is completely new and it is great to have their support.