Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Kenny on the appointment of the Committee of the Regions because the Labour Party also has considerably increased representation in local government which would justify increased representation on the Committee of the Regions. As a result of the referendum in 1999, there is now a constitutional protection of local government. I hope therefore that the Government will honour that and will respect the result of the local elections last June.

I wish to raise two matters with the Taoiseach. First, we are just 36 hours away from the second national strike involving the public services. We have all been encouraged by the fact that talks have taken place, which went on long into the night. I understand that they are to resume this afternoon. The House is sitting tonight until approximately 11.30 p.m., so will any opportunity be taken by the Government to report on progress in those talks?

Second, are any efforts being made to avert the threatened strike on Thursday? We are already hearing about hospital appointments being cancelled. In addition, parents with children at school need to know if the schools will be open on Thursday. Is any effort being made to avert that strike and is sufficient progress being made in the talks? We are getting mixed messages as to what is happening in the talks. It would be helpful if the Government were to make a report to the House later this evening on progress in the talks.

In the course of tomorrow's business will there be an opportunity to get a report by the relevant Ministers on what is happening with the flooding situation, which is still hugely serious in many parts of the country?

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