Waiting lists are increasing.

The Senator might do me the courtesy of listening.

I am listening.

I know that the Senator will be fighting a by-election, but she might do me the courtesy of listening.

This has nothing to do with the by-election.

It has.

I am deputy leader of the Opposition.

I listened to the Senator.

I am listening.

The writ has not yet been moved.

I thank the Senator. There are fewer people waiting for home help hours now than there were this time last year. All of us, in our offices, deal with people and recognise that there are challenges, but €8 million per week, giving a total in excess of €400 million per year, is being allocated to people for home care supports. I do not need the Senator to tell me what is and is not happening.

On the question about Irish Water, if the Senator has a particular matter to raise about Irish Water connections, I suggest she go to Irish Water directly if she is familiar with the matter, which is serious for the people on whose behalf she wishes to raise it. I assume she has gone to Irish Water, but, if she has not, perhaps she might put a Commencement matter before us. It is a matter of considerable importance to the people for whom she speaks. I suggest, if she has not gone to Irish Water, she table a Commencement matter about the issue.

Last week and again today, Senator Lawless raised the issue of presidential voting rights. It is a very important referendum which deserves time and space. The Senator made a considered and measured contribution last week about the delay in holding the referendum. It is important that we receive more information and that there be engagement with the wider population and beyond because there is a polarising view emerging that I hope will not lead, or form part of, the campaign.

Senator Conway raised the issue of coastal erosion. It might be best dealt with by way of a Commencement matter. We will have the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, in the House in due course.

I am not sure if Senator Leyden was giving an advertisement for "Liveline" or the dormant accounts fund, but I wish him well in his endeavours. He has the support of the House, as Senator McDowell said. We all stand with him on the matter. The point he makes is very informative. I have seen that this week a number of credit unions have written to their customers, in particular older people who have not accessed their accounts, to tell them that they have been frozen. People have been alarmed at the letters that have appeared in the post telling that them their account has been frozen because, in some cases, the customers have not used it. I am not saying that is the case in the Senator's case.

If this is about accounts that are not used, the current account has to be checked.

I am sure Senator Leyden is well able to manage his own financial affairs. With the indulgence of the Cathaoirleach, I wish the Senator a belated birthday. It was his birthday yesterday, but he did not tell us.

I wish Senator Leyden a happy birthday.

I was happy that we were able to participate in part of the celebration last night.

Senator Leyden has reached the great age of 60 years.

Is it 60 years he has been in the House?

Senator Ó Céidigh is the author of a very fine report from the Seanad Public Consultation Committee which was chaired ably by the Leas-Chathaoirleach. It is a very important report and I intend to have the Minister come before the House in the coming weeks to discuss it.

Senators Coghlan and Ó Céidigh raised the issue of aviation. The Copenhagen Economics report has today been given to the relevant Minister, Deputy Ross. The report was commissioned by a number of airports and sponsored by the Limerick Chamber of Commerce. There is an issue about the dominance of Dublin Airport in the aviation market. I will be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senators Lombard and Conway-Walsh raised the issue of targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS. The point Senator Lombard made about the impact of Storm Lorenzo on the cancellation of appointments is one to which I hope the Department will give consideration. I hope existing applicants' interviews will be rescheduled and the scheme can be kept open.

Senator Conway-Walsh also raised the issue of family resource centres. We are all aware of and appreciate the significant work being done in such centres. The Senator is well aware that this year the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, increased by €1.5 million the allocation of funding for family resource centres. The €18 million given by the Government this year is the largest allocation in a decade and will allow for an increase in core funding of 5% and the employment of 17 additional family support workers. It will also allow for the investment in young people and families. As we all know, the earlier one invests, the better the results in all outcomes. I am not familiar with the case in Erris raised by the Senator but, if she tables a Commencement matter, she may receive a more expeditious reply. It is important that we support and continue to build on and communicate the importance of family resource centres. The work they do in all parts of the country is incredible.

I have not read the article about the North-South interconnector to which Senator Gallagher referred, but I will be happy for the Minister responsible to come to the House to discuss the issue. As the Senator knows, it is an important project.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of permanent contracts being awarded to 12 nurses. As it is predominantly a HSE matter, I do not have the answer. The Senator might receive a quicker reply if she were to table a Commencement matter, but it is extraordinary that the HSE has not yet allocated permanent contracts. They must be expedited.

I am not familiar with the issue of the Naval Service being refused permission to attend the PDFORRA conference, as mentioned by Senator Craughwell. He also mentioned the matter of the misappropriation of special needs education resources in some cases. I am aware that there are over 50 cases of alleged misuse of teaching and other resources being investigated by the Department. The inappropriate use, or misuse, of special needs education resources is something none of us will stand over. The investigation is ongoing and I am sure that when it is concluded, the Minister, Deputy McHugh, can come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Paddy Burke paid tribute to RTÉ for its programme to mark the memory of Brendan Grace, "Thank You for the Memories", and the work the programme has done with the Forget-Me-Not choir in highlighting the devastating effect dementia has and also the joy and support surrounding people affected by it. I pay tribute to all those involved in the programme and the late Brendan Grace for his generosity before his death. I thank everybody involved in the programme.

The Cathaoirleach answered the issue raised by Senator Paddy Burke about flags and different paraphernalia. On my own behalf and I am sure that of the House, I join the Senator in congratulating Commissioner Hogan, first, on his reappointment and his robust and sterling performance in the European Parliament this week. We wish him well in his new, onerous position. As the Senator said, there is no better man to lead the European Commission's trade department.

I concur with Senator Ó Domhnaill that it is regrettable that RTÉ has not carried live coverage of the World Athletics Championships. I remember when Eamon Coughlan won the 5,000 m championship and racing past another athlete. It was a graphic image on our television screens. Equally, I commend and congratulate Brendan Boyce who has been well trained by Rob Heffernan in Cork. I am not sure what was the reason for RTÉ's decision to not cover the World Athletics Championship live.

I do not have the information sought on foreshore licences in County Donegal. I am not trying to give Senator Ó Domhnaill a short answer, but perhaps a Commencement matter might be a more appropriate means to deal with the matter. There are issues with foreshore licences that need to be addressed, not just in County Donegal because I am also aware of a number.