Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

It has been successful, therefore. I am merely responding to the matters raised by the Leader of the Opposition.

Several Senators spoke about the pathways to work programme. I hope to arrange for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to address the House on the matter in early course. The pathways to work programme involves a regular and ongoing engagement with unemployed people, greater targeting of activation placements and opportunities, incentivising the take-up of opportunities, incentivising employers to provide more jobs for unemployed people and reforming the institutions to deliver better services. The Minister, Deputy Bruton or the Minister for Social Protection will explain the programme to the House in the near future.

A number of Senators raised the issue of the national children's hospital. It is regrettable that the decision means the hospital cannot proceed at present. In regard to whether An Bord Pleanála was right or wrong, it is an independent body and for people to suggest that we should interfere with its workings-----