I thank the 19 Senators who contributed on the Order of Business.

I join Senator Ardagh in stressing the importance of the talks taking place today and tomorrow at European level. The summit is very important for us as a nation. As we all know, significant progress has been made in the Brexit negotiations but the meetings over the next two days are pivotal in terms of deciding whether sufficient progress has been made to allow us to move on to the next phase. It is important that we consider the future shape of Europe and that we recognise that as a nation we have a fundamental role to play in shaping the future of the EU. Equally, as the Government has stated, this is about ensuring that the island of Ireland is represented at the table and we must acknowledge the work done by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, the Taoiseach and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy McEntee in that regard. At its meeting on Tuesday last the Committee on Procedure and Privileges recommended that Seanad Éireann continue with the work of the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. In that context, I am very happy to arrange for further work on Brexit to take place in this Chamber in the new year. It is important that we all play a role in terms of wearing the green jersey.

Senator Ó Céidigh raised the issue of public sector pay, particularly for teachers and health care professionals. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, has begun the process of pay restoration for teachers.

What about pay restoration for Senators?

Senator Ó Céidigh was concerned about teachers.

We cannot ignore ourselves.

A €2,000 increase for new entrants has been sanctioned and those who have signed up to the Lansdowne Road agreement will see that happen. The Minister for Education and Skills is also actively considering other measures to assist in the retention and recruitment of teachers. Pay restoration is something that we all want to see happening. Pay inequality is an issue that many of us want to see addressed to the benefit of all teachers. It is important to recognise that the Minister for Education and Skills has put in place a very active campaign around recruitment of teachers, special needs assistants and other posts of responsibility.

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of Letterkenny University Hospital. I do not have answers to the specific questions posed by the Senator but I do know that the budget for Letterkenny hospital has increased from €91 million to over €121 million in the last five years. The Senator has raised issues to which I do not have answers now but I will raise them with the Minister for Health. I am sure that Senator Mac Lochlainn, Deputies McHugh and Pearse Doherty and other representatives from the area will be able to work together to ensure that there is sufficient capital investment in the hospital. I know that when Senator James Reilly was the Minister for Health and Children he-----

It might be suitable to raise as a Commencement matter.

As the Leas-Chathaoirleach has said, perhaps Senator Mac Lochlainn would consider raising it as a Commencement matter in the new year. That said, I will raise it with the Minister on the Senator's behalf.

Senators Grace O'Sullivan, Conway-Walsh and Ó Céidigh raised the issue of seaweed harvesting. Yesterday, Senator Lombard raised the same matter on the Order of Business and I gave a commitment then that I would invite the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy English, to the House to have a debate on it. I understand the concerns expressed by the Senators this morning and by Senator Lombard yesterday.

Senator Ó Céidigh also raised the issue of human rights and the role of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, in the university in Bahrain. It is a point well made by the Senator. Again, I am perturbed by the fact that we can turn a blind eye to human rights issues. To be fair, recruitment is taking place across the world and the Middle East is an important area in terms of where we recruit. In saying that, it is important that the matter be addressed and I am happy to raise it with the Minister. I also suggest that the Senator raise it as a Commencement matter.

Senator Reilly raised the capital programme and the national planning framework, two very important issues on which I am happy to facilitate a debate in the House in the new year.

I would be happy to facilitate a debate in the House on the two matters he raised. He also highlighted the importance of the east-west link. Senator O'Reilly has been a champion of the north west and the north east, to be fair to him, and he has been very strong in his promotion of Cavan.

I join Senator Boyhan in commending the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, for the initiation of the local boundary committees. All politicians recognise the importance of the impartiality of the committees and they should be allowed to do the work. The Senator asked for a time limit and I am sure the Minister of State will include a time parameter. The next local elections will be held in 2019 and I know the Cathaoirleach is keeping a very watchful eye. The local authority boundaries are very important.

Senator Byrne raised the importance of the quality of science graduates and the need to have that prioritised. She stated we are the seventh most innovative country and it is good to see our ranking in the world improve. It is a sign of the commitment of the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and the action plan that he is implementing that it is bringing a benefit. The Minister of State, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, is also involved with it.

Senator Conway-Walsh was going well until she mentioned tax. Sinn Féin seems to have an issue with foreign direct investment and multinationals coming in.