Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I mean I will come to the point made by Senator Ross.

Senator Leyden spoke about the national spatial strategy and the fact that counties Roscommon, Longford and Leitrim had been omitted from it. I noted that this point was echoed later. Members were most vociferous about it this morning.

Senator Higgins referred to Eirgrid, about which I had many a spat in the Dáil. They were only sham warnings while this appears to be a very real one about outages. We need to get the relevant Minister in here to discuss the matter, in this case, Deputy Dermot Ahern,

Senator Kett asked if I would work with him to ensure financing for areas of disability would be forthcoming. I would be very glad to do so.

Senator Norris spoke of the serious state of the fishing industry. The Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, gave no hostages to fortune when he spoke last night. He was quite plain about the sober future of the industry. While messages to him may be heartening, they are no substitute for an actual discussion. I will seek to have him attend a debate on the matter.

Senator Norris also referred to drink related problems, a matter also raised by other Members. It is a huge issue. There is no point in saying anything else. It impacts on health, education and work patterns. For many young people it is not a case of going out to have a drink and a chat, which is what used to happen. Young people now go out to get drunk. This is a very dangerous development.

Senator Kitt spoke about the national spatial strategy and the need for railways. When we put forward the notion of a study of railways in March and April, it was to include references to the spatial strategy. The report is due to appear next January. I hope that will be done. Senator O'Meara also referred to the spatial strategy and railways.