Michael McCarthy (Labour)

Yesterday morning on the Order of Business I raised the possibility that interest accruing from special savings investment accounts could affect the entitlement of social welfare recipients. I am glad the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, assured us that he would look at this issue and see if he could arrange a derogation on means assessed for social welfare recipients. It has now come to light that the same situation may pertain to medical card holders. We are all acutely aware of the limits that apply in the means test and that €10 may be enough to push someone over the limit. This scheme was encouraged at all levels but it would be regrettable if some people were to lose their medical cards as a result of it. I would appreciate if we could arrange for the Minister for Health and Children to address that issue in the same manner as the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency leaked a decision to grant a licence for the notorious incinerator at Ringaskiddy. I raise this in the context of the impartiality of the agency. Yesterday, groups travelled from Meath and Cork and the latter in particular sought an injunction in the High Court. It is no coincidence that the EPA leaked the decision to grant that licence. We need to have a debate on impartiality and the EPA. It is not good enough for such an agency to leak a decision, particularly when a High Court injunction is sought against it.

Will the Leader arrange with the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, to debate in this House the merits and demerits of providing flood relief moneys for areas damaged by floods? There was over 5 ft. of water in Cork last night and this morning and given the high tides and the rains throughout the night this has not dissipated much. Many small businesses are destroyed. One can put out as many sandbags as one wants but 4 ft. or 5 ft. of water will do serious damage. Although many of these businesses have insurance some people may have difficulty getting compensation from insurance companies. I would appreciate if the Leader could pursue this matter.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has released figures which show drivers have a 43% chance of dodging speeding fines. There is also an issue regarding spoiled cameras picking up speeding offenders. We need to have an appraisal of the penalty points system and the issues related to the figures released by the Department also need to be debated.