We are working collaboratively to end the discrimination against councillors. We will all try to do this together and it is important to do so in unison rather than going off half-cocked.

Senators Maria Byrne and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of housing, in respect of which they referred to the report produced by Simon Communities of Ireland. I will be happy to have the Minister responsible for housing, Deputy Simon Coveney, come back to the House to discuss the issue.

Senators Paul Daly, Rónán Mullen and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn referred to agriculture and tillage. This matter was discussed on the Order of Business yesterday. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, is committed to coming to the House to discuss it. The Senators are correct that it is very important that it be raised, not only at Cabinet level but also at the meeting of the Council of Ministers next week. I will make this view known to the Minister. I accept that this is a matter of priority and urgency that we need to address.

Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh made a very important point about job creation in the Gaeltacht. He referred, in particular, to people having the ability to come back to the Gaeltacht to live and work. He is correct. I am not familiar with the issue he raised in respect of the Irish Association of Supported Employment, but if he gives me the information, I will give it to the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Kyne. In the past I participated in Job Shadow Day and encourage all Members to do so. It would be rewarding for them and those who come to their offices. The person who is shadowing derives a sense of joy and fulfilment from talking part, be it in the Houses or business. The initiative is important and I encourage Members to participate in it.

Senators Michelle Mulherin and Rónán Mullen referred to our commitment on climate change and the remarks of former President Mary Robinson. This is an issue to which we need to return. I do not believe the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, would disagree with the views expressed on the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and meeting our commitments, but we must reconcile this objective with the fact that we have dairy and beef industries that are important to the nation. I do not share the views of former President Mary Robinson on becoming vegetarian or vegan, although that is a personal choice people have made and make every day. This is a debate to which we need to come back, but we all agree we should be environmentally responsible.

Senator Paul Gavan made a very good point on TASC.

I commend the Senator for hosting the event in the audiovisual room today. It is important that we have a debate on equality from an economic point of view and in a host of other ways. I am committed to having such a debate.

Senator Kevin Humphreys also made reference to climate change. His point was a good one and I will be happy to take it to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to see if we can progress it, with the Cathaoirleach's co-operation. His point was that Ministers should come to the House to have that discussion and be held accountable for climate change legislation. I will certainly work with him to see if we can have the matter prioritised as part of our work programme. I do not see any reason we could not do so. I thank the Senator for raising the matter and think it is a great idea.

Senators Colm Burke, Paudie Coffey, Brian Ó Domhnaill, James Reilly and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn referred to the health service. On the media's portrayal of it, Senator Colm Burke is right that some of the commentary on it is disappointing and does not convey the amount of good work being done by staff which deserves credit and praise. The important point made by the Senator which was touched on by Senators James Reilly and Paudie Coffey concerned the model of delivery we should consider. Equally, as Senator James Reilly said, money is not the only answer. Given the creation of the health service groups, there is no reason they should not have their boards appointed. I will ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, to come to the House to explain the reasons this has not happened.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill's point, like that of Senator Kevin Humphreys, was valid. Perhaps we might consider using the Seanad Public Consultation Committee as a forum through which we could address the issue he outlined. I hope Members of this House will be part of the committee that will consider the ten-year health strategy. In saying that, however, Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill's suggestion is one at which should look as there is huge expertise in this Chamber. I will be happy to try to progress it with him.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the issue of barracks in the context of Brexit. I hope the Minister of State with responsibility for defence matters will come to the House as it is my intention to ensure we will have a role to play in the debate on Brexit. The point raised by the Senator about the Department of Defence is one on which we need to keep on top, not least because of the increase in the level of dissident republicanism but also in the context of cross-Border crime. I will ask the Minister of State to come to the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the very important issue of the M20 motorway project. It is critical that it be resubmitted for inclusion in the capital plan. It does not make good economic sense not to have two major cities outside Dublin linked by a motorway. It is important from a safety perspective and for the development of the south-west economic corridor that the project be progressed.

Senator Rónán Mullen's points about the importance of grass were well made. He requested a debate with the relevant Ministers, Deputies Michael Creed and Denis Naughten. I will seek to arrange it.

Chuir an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh ceist orm faoi ráiteas an Choimisinéara Teanga, Rónán Ó Domhnaill. Níor chuala mé an ráiteas sin, ach beidh an buiséad againn an Mháirt seo chugainn agus beidh rudaí maidir le cúrsaí Gaeltachta istigh ann. While I did not hear the remarks of Rónán Ó Domhnaill yesterday, it is to be hoped the Minister responsible will come to the House in the next couple of weeks to discuss the issue. As I said, he has committed to doing so. I hope some of the remarks made will be addressed in the budget to be announced next week.

Senator James Reilly raised the issue of sports capital grants. All of us in the House recognise the importance of the sports capital programme. In the worst of times the previous Government restored the programme which has brought benefit not only to sports organisations and community groups but has also given a huge impetus to a cross-section of society, including young people. Participation in sport is important to tackle a multiplicity of issues. It is critical, therefore, that sports capital grants be restored and unfurled as part of the commitment to encourage participation in sport. Having spoken to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, and the Minister of State, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, I know that they understand the importance of this issue. I will ask the Minister or the Minister of State to come to the House to explain the decision made.