Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Bacik raised the issue of the gender pay gap. The Government is meeting on Friday, International Women's Day, and arising from that Cabinet meeting, I am sure there will be a series of communications around the issues the Senator raised. I hope we will have an answer in this respect sooner rather than later.

The issue of Syria is one on which we must continue to be vigilant and to highlight. I thank the Senator for doing that.

I would be happy to accept the amendment proposed by Senator Lawlor to the Order of Business.

Notwithstanding that Senator Wilson has been 30 years involved in Youthreach, I genuinely pay tribute to him and all those involved in the programme, as mentioned by Senator Swanick. As somebody who has been involved in adult education and education generally for the majority of my working life, I know that the benefit of Youthreach to communities and the young people who participate in the schemes is tangible. Without Youthreach, we would have a much different criminal justice system and much worse outcomes in term of the mental health needs of young people. On a personal level, I pay tribute to Senator Wilson for the humanity he brings to the programme and brought to it when he was working in it full-time. I had the pleasure of knowing the Senator before we both came into this House. I do not want to patronise or heap praise unnecessarily on him, but the work he and his colleagues in Youthreach have done is invaluable. It is right we recognise the scheme today. I thank the Senator for that. It is amazing how a pilot project can grab hold of and reflect a nation. At one time, some people in the education system may have viewed Youthreach in much the same way as they would view the leaving certificate applied but Youthreach is of benefit and has a place in our education system. I commend the Senator and all of those involved in Youthreach on the work they have done and are doing.

Senator Humphreys raised the issue of housing and I would be happy to arrange for a debate on the report that was published last week.

Senator Horkan, in a very thoughtful contribution, raised the issue, as Senator Burke did yesterday, of national planning and the need to have a real conversation on planning for the future, ensuring that we have the necessary services and infrastructure in place and that people area able to have a proper planning system. I would be happy to arrange to have that matter addressed in a debate in the coming weeks.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of the Western Development Commission report and the importance of ensuring that urban areas and major cities will not be choke points. It is worth noting that 58% of IDA Ireland jobs last year were located outside Dublin. The issue around regional jobs is a priority for the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys. I would happy to arrange for the Minister to come to the House to address this matter.

Senator Devine raised the Health Information and Quality Authority report on fostering services in Dublin South Central. It is mind-boggling-----