Senator John Dolan raised the issue of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities not being ratified. I share his disappointment in that regard. As he will be aware, those of us on this side of the House are committed to dealing with the matter. However, it is important that we get it right. As Senator James Reilly said to me, other European countries sign up to the convention automatically without ensuring they fulfil the criteria. I hope that in our case we will do so in time and properly. It is important to have the convention ratified.

In response to Senator Ivana Bacik, I will be happy to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade come to the House in the new year to discuss the situation in Syria. Like Senator Gabrielle McFadden, I believe it is important that we have that debate and see the Government fulfilling its commitment to take in refugees from many parts of the world.

I join Senator Ivana Bacik in congratulating Ms Una Mullally on her appointment as chairperson of the group which will oversee the national LGBT youth strategy. It is a tremendous appointment, one that is long overdue. I hope that, in building on the result of the referendum and the Gender Recognition Act 2015, we will see the rights and entitlements of young LGBT people placed centre stage. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, deserves full praise for what she did yesterday.

On the issue of domestic violence, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has committed to coming to the House to discuss it. I will be happy to invite her to do so in the new year.

Senator James Reilly who is a member of the Council of Europe raised the important issue of international co-operation. He made a good point in that regard. There is a need for moral leadership across the world.

Senator Robbie Gallagher referred to the North-South interconnector and the impending decision of An Bord Pleanála. The best thing I can say in supporting the Senator is that it is a matter for An Bord Pleanála which is an independent body. We await its decision and look forward to hearing its opinion. We will then look at all of the options. I am sure the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, will go before the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell raised the important matter of the 2015 report of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, Mr. McCourt. I again thank the Senator for being a champion for the Defence Forces in this House. There were 132 cases under review, an increase of 15% on the figure of 115 in 2014 and a rise of 32% on the number of cases in 2013. However, it represented a reduction on the figure in 2012. I note the remarks made by the Senator. I will be happy to have the Minister of State come to the House to discuss the issue. Interestingly, half of the cases under review involved promotion. As in all spheres, there is a competitive element and, I am sure, disappointed personnel. I commend the ombudsman for the work he is doing and hope he can work with the Department in ensuring cases will be dealt with swiftly.

Senator Colm Burke raised the matter of housing vacancies. The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, will be in the House tomorrow when the Senator can discuss the matter with him or, if not, in the new year.

The Senator is correct on the issue of emergency departments. Senator Frank Feighan referenced the number of road traffic accidents at this time of the year and heading into a new year. We have seen an increase in the number of people detected drinking and driving and also in the number admitted to emergency departments. I hope people will be sensible about the amount of alcohol they consume and not clog up emergency departments.

I have referred to the issues raised by Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile about the institutions in the North.

I join Senator Maria Byrne in congratulating the HSE on its recruitment campaign. I hope it will be a success and that many of our young men and women will be attracted back from abroad.

Senator Kevin Humphreys referred to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and the figure of €25 million. The Tánaiste is committed to ensuring the allocation of the additional moneys will not have an impact on the provision of services. She is committed to Garda recruitment and increasing the Garda budget for the provision of vehicles, equipment and new technology. I will be happy for her come to the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor raised a number of issues related to housing, health and car insurance. They are all being dealt with as part of the programme for Government. I agree wholeheartedly with the Senator in hoping we will all at this time of the year check in on elderly loved ones, relations, neighbours and friends. It is important that we keep an eye on them, particularly when the weather turns a little colder.

Senator Frank Feighan remembered Shane McEntee who was both a Deputy and a Minister of State. I join the Senator in paying tribute to him. I also commend Pieta House which does significant work at this time of the year.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in the context of new regulations governing child care facilities. I will be happy to apprise the Minister again of the matter. I cannot say why she did not reply to the Senator. It is not acceptable for a Minister not to reply to a Member of the House. I will be happy to ask the Minister to speak to the Senator.

Senator Gabrielle McFadden again referred to refugees and the issue that needed to be rectified in that regard. I will be happy to have the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, come to the House to discuss it.

Senator Denis Landy raised the issue of flooding. Last week we had a good debate on the Be Ready Winter Campaign. I hope we will not see a repeat of the events of Christmas 2015 and those that occurred early in 2016. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, for the work he is doing on the issue of flood alleviation.

I share with Senator Denis Landy the view that the horse racing sector is both important and pivotal in job creation and the promotion of Ireland. For many, it is a gateway to Europe. I hope the small yard will always be able to overcome the obstacles. It is a worry at times for it, but it is in the nature of the sector that it happens.

Everyone in the House will join me in hoping the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Leo Varadkar, will bring about a resolution to improve the terms and conditions of councillors. The Minister is committed to doing so. I will be happy to convene a meeting of the all-party committee in the new year, if it does not happen before Christmas, at which we can push for it to happen unanimously. I note that it is coming from all sides of the House.

I had not heard about the issue raised by Senator Paul Coghlan concerning the Kerry-Dublin train service. I presume it is the train service to Kerry, not flights, about which he is talking.

The National Transport Authority's rail review.

I will be happy to have the Senator's good friend, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, come to the House to discuss the matter in the new year.