Do not mind County Leitrim; we could talk about Waterford and many other areas also. Companies want to invest in places such as Dublin, Cork and Galway where we have seen a massive increase in the numbers of jobs created during the past few years. We are hopeful such investment will spread to the regions in the coming years.
Senator Ivana Bacik and several other Senators spoke about Seanad reform. There was advice by some to hasten slowly and by others to get out the whip and move a lot faster. I understand the heads of the Bill to legislate for the 1979 referendum result may be with the Cabinet next week. When they are published, we can have a debate on the issue in the House. There is movement in that regard. As I said last night, I would welcome proposals from all sides of the House and individuals on how we could improve the way we conduct our business.
Senator Ivana Bacik also referred to the dementia strategy and called for a debate on this very important issue.
On Senator Sean D. Barrett's comments, I advise that in speaking about the heads of the Bill to legislate for the referendum result, I do not believe there is any intention to abolish the university seats, but it will be more difficult with a larger electorate to organise canvassing and so on. We can debate the matter when the heads of the Bill are put to the Cabinet.
Senator Paul Coghlan mentioned the justice committee's deliberations yesterday on community courts. I understand the debate at the committee was very good and that the Minister sat through all of the discussion which continued for a number of hours. When the report of the committee is published, it will be another report we could debate in the House.
Labhair an Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú agus Seanadóirí eile mar gheall ar an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge. Tá an Rialtas i bhfábhar na straitéise. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Choimisinéir Teanga as a chuid oibre. The Government is totally in favour of implementing the 20 year strategy for the Irish language. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Dinny McGinley, will appear before the committee to discuss straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge on 6 March. He will be in attendance in the House shortly afterwards, around the time of Seachtain na Gaeigle, to discuss the matter.
Senator Aideen Hayden raised the issue of children's rights and welfare and pointed to the anomaly in the payment of rent supplement. Perhaps we might have a discussion with the Minister for Social Welfare, Deputy Joan Burton, on the matter in early course.
Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the Louise O'Keeffe case which has been discussed in the House in the past few days. I am sure the Government will give a very comprehensive response to the judgment, but, as I pointed out during the past two days, the protection of children is a priority for the Government and will continue to be. I join other Senators in welcoming the launch of the Child and Family Agency today.
Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of marking the commemoration of the death of Brian Ború and the Battle of Clontarf by having a meeting of the House in Dromoland Castle to mark the event. We will examine that suggestion, but the Committee on Procedure and Privileges has examined the possibility of the Seanad having meetings in other areas. The cost might be prohibitive, but we will look at that proposal.
Senators Averil Power and Jim Walsh referred to an RTE settlement with the Iona Institute, but there are differences of opinion between the Senators. I suggest to Senator Averil Power that, in order to get the information she requires, she might consider tabling an Adjournment matter in order that the Minister can answer the question she posed this morning.
Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the delays in bringing forward legislation after passing Second Stage in this House. The Bill dealing with smoking in cars when children are present is an example. I agree with the Senator and cannot understand the reasons for the delays. As I mentioned last night, there must be a rethink by Government agencies. There is a rush of legislation towards the end of each term and little or nothing at the beginning of a term. Departments and Government agencies must look at the issue. It is not acceptable that there are such delays after legislation has been passed on Second Stage and promises are made that it will be implemented soon afterwards.
Senator Michael D'Arcy referred to the question raised by Senator Marie Moloney yesterday about the hospitality sector and alleged profiteering, including by the drinks sector and hotels. It is regrettable if it is the case that hotels are raising prices by 200% or 300% when there are rugby matches or concerts. It is not a good reflection on the country. The sector should have a rethink because, having had some good years, it will have some poorer ones if it continues to do what was alleged by Senator Michael D'Arcy this morning and Senator Marie Moloney yesterday.
Senator Diarmuid Wilson complimented the Taoiseach on meeting the people from Ballymurphy. We will know the outcome of the meeting later.
Senator Cáit Keane referred to allergies, particularly peanut allergies, and the sad case of the death of a young girl in Dublin over Christmas. There is a need to raise public awareness of the issue. I will ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on the issue and others of a similar nature.
Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Paschal Mooney raised a matter I have already dealt with. To repond to Senator Jim Walsh, no Senator in the House stands over the comments to which he alluded.