I thank all the Senators for their contributions this morning. Senators Fitzpatrick, Clonan, Noonan, Sarah O'Reilly and Martin Conway raised issues relating to storm damage and the response to it. Reference was made to the merits of engineering solutions and nature-based solutions, as referred to by Senator Noonan. I will request a debate on this matter.

Senator Fitzpatrick commended the work of the ground crews, the councils and Uisce Éireann and referred to the supports that exist. Senator Clonan spoke about preparing for major emergencies and requested a debate. Senator Noonan commented on the possibilities associated with nature-based solutions. In Scotland, there are such things as leaky dams to slow the rate of water flow. Flood-plains, which were once seen as negative in the context of the enhancement of agriculture, clearly existed for a purpose. They were nature's way of regulating water flow. There can be a combination of hard engineering, which is necessary to protect homes, and nature-based solutions to reduce the flow of water. I will request a debate on this matter. I suggested a nature-based solution for a Clifden plan but it was deemed not to be feasible or practical for the river there.

Senator Fitzpatrick also mentioned the CSO figures on housing that are due and commented on the positive views on the homes that will be available at O'Devaney Gardens.

Senator Murphy raised the issue of over-70s driving buses and what he said made a lot of sense. The issue has been brought to the House in the past and we hope there will be progress. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, initiated a review of this when she was Minister for education and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, is also dealing with it on the Department of Transport side. I am hopeful there can be a solution for this because it is crazy and daft, as the Senator said, and a matter of urgency. I will keep up the pressure on that matter and I hope we can make progress on it.

Senator Tully requested a debate on the sectoral plan for education and youth, with particular regard to the youth component, and spoke of a lack of ambition. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Naughton, on that matter.

Senator Ruane talked about the White Paper on direct provision, the campaign to abolish direct provision and three men who have been on hunger strike for 16 days seeking the right to work. The right to work is available after six months of waiting for the first decision on your application for asylum and I certainly hope the three men can come off their hunger strike and allow processes to continue. I hope they stay safe and well, especially on these nights.

Senator Andrews talked about the Cuban people, the economic blockade by the US and the possible threats. One thing about the Trump Administration is that it is upfront about what it is going to do, so I expect there will be something happening in Cuba and certainly the Secretary of State has a long-term ambition in relation to that area. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate on the matter or raise it with the foreign affairs committee through his party.

Senator Boyhan raised Bord Bia and the importance of trade missions, which we all agree on. He talked about the drop-off in the number of cattle and sheep slaughtered in the country. It is partly the drop in the numbers of calves and lambs being born but also the increase in the live trade, especially in cattle. It is obviously something that has to be monitored. However, there is a direct correlation between the supply of livestock and the prices farmers receive. Farmers, or at least cattle farmers, have been receiving good prices for the last year, partly due to the reduced supply.

Senator McCarthy talked about the general scheme of the apartment defects Bill and an amendment he has in relation to the report to ensure taxpayers will not bear the full burden and that those who were involved in the construction of defective apartments will at least bear some of the responsibility. We will have further discussion on the matter in the coming months as that Bill goes through drafting, publication and debate in these Houses.

Senator Nelson Murray talked of the town centre first plans for Enfield and has requested that the Minister, Deputy Calleary, come in. She might put down a Commencement matter on exactly where these plans are at. The Minister might be able to engage with Meath County Council to see what can be progressed and if there is something his Department can initiate.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony raised the pensions issue within An Post. It is quite a specific issue so perhaps she should put down a Commencement matter initially and see if she can get a direct response from the Minister in question on what the plan is, what the rationale is, what can be done and whether there is more the Government needs to do that would require financing.

Senator Rabbitte raised the need for a minor injuries unit in Galway to serve our large population. She might put down a Commencement debate as well on what plans there are. There are plans for an elective treatment centre in Merlin Park and the surgical hub there is nearing completion. Perhaps that can be encompassed in that process.