Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Finally, on the issue of trade in narcotics, which Senator Burke raised, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, is in Brussels today. She is at a meeting between EU and Latin American ministers to discuss exactly that issue. I have covered the nitrates derogation already.

Senator Clonan made an appeal for us to ratify the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. One of the things I am proud of having done in my first term as Taoiseach is the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This was very much driven by the former Ministers, Finian McGrath and Senator Regina Doherty, as part of that Government. They were big supporters of that. I do not know when we will be in a position to ratify the optional protocol, but I do want us to do that and I will check up on that.

Senator Cummins mentioned the continued investment we need in all parts of Ireland, including the Waterford North Quays and South East Technological University, SETU. We need to build up Waterford as a regional growth centre for that critical mass of population and investment. I know Senator Cummins is determined to make sure that happens.

Senator Kyne again reminded me of the long-overdue project that is needed in Galway, which is the new emergency department, as well as paediatric and maternity. I will take that issue up with Bernard Gloster, who is the new CEO of the HSE. He probably does not believe it but I am as dissatisfied as he is that progress on that particular project is so slow. It is not just for Galway; it is the regional hospital and the regional centre for all the west and it is not what it should be.

Senator Ahearn made comments on Clonmel and Irish Water. I will take that up directly with Irish Water. We have an investment programme of €1 billion in water every year and we need a timeline for that to progress. I will personally take that up, too.