John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with what Senator Bradford said about flooding. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Parlon, should come to the House to discuss last week's flooding. While we are all familiar with large towns like Clonmel, Fermoy and Mallow, which were severely flooded and are continually flooded, the Office of Public Works could alleviate hardship in other areas.

I wish to raise a matter frequently mentioned by Senator Glynn regarding knife attacks. Last weekend a number of serious attacks involving knives, including one that was fatal, took place in Dublin city. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should come to the House to discuss the issue. It is now time to introduce mandatory sentencing for those found in the possession of knives, as they cannot be held for any good purpose. The Government should address this matter immediately.