Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was not aware of that but, as I said, I can inform the Senator that the Taoiseach mentioned to me briefly that he intended setting up in very early course an implementation body to deal with the Seanad reform document that is published. Perhaps the meeting has something to do with that.

Senator Bacik and others welcomed the additional special needs assistants announced by the Minister for Education and Skills. We now have 11,820 special needs assistants.

Senator Bacik referred to the additional jobs in Vodafone and Senator Conway referred to additional jobs in the aviation sector. The good news on the creation of jobs is continuing. Long may it continue. We have seen the lowest unemployment rate for quite some time. It is 9.7% and decreasing as we continue to implement the action plan for jobs.

Senator Bacik welcomed the all-party group on children's future health. Senator Jillian van Turnhout outlined the proposed work of the group. We all wish it well in its efforts.

On the children referendum, the result is in law and there is no question about that. The President signed the legislation. Why the website of the Office of the Attorney General does not reflect this, I do not know. However, the referendum result is enforced and is in law.

With regard to direct provision and the report that was published only last week, we will certainly try to facilitate a debate. I do not know whether we can have it before the end of the session in a fortnight.

Senator Mary White referred to burglaries. Senator Terry Brennan also raised this matter. I compliment Senator White on her electioneering and on having a meeting on this in her new constituency. There are joint policing committees in that area and I presume they are working hard with the chief superintendent in determining where the number of burglaries can be minimised.