Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I take that back. Senator Kitt is always in good form.

He raised the issue of water supplies and the report of the EPA in this regard. He also spoke about Irish emigrants in the UK. There was a good article in The Irish Times recently by Ms Róisín Ingle which was heart-wrenching to read. She wrote about elderly Irish people who have been in the UK for decades and for whom a return to Ireland remains an impossible dream. Their perception is that people in this country no longer understand them.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke on the water supply issue and observed that the greatest problems in this regard exist in the BMW region. He asked that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government come to the House to address this issue.

Senator Mansergh spoke about the emergency rescue services. All Members will join in his sentiments. We only think about such services when they provide vital assistance in an emergency rescue situation. In regard to the question of Turkey's accession to the EU, Senator Mansergh wonders about the attitude of France and Germany. He also spoke about our system of semi-slavery or bonded labour.

Senator Henry spoke about the water supply and the condition of septic tanks. She observed that the incidence of one-off housing has given rise to problems in this area. Septic tanks have been installed for such housing in cases where soil analysis has indicated that the soil is unsuitable. New methods of percolation are available, however, such as that involving the installation of a raft.

Senator Cox raised the issue that there is no lo-call telephone number in the Department of Education and Science. Senator Feighan spoke about metrication. The debate on this issue took place in the House during our consideration of the Road Traffic Bill 2004, as the Cathaoirleach observed. Senator Moylan asked for a debate on waste management and illegal dumping and also commented on the problems with the supply of drinking water.

Senator O'Meara asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come to the House for a debate about press freedom. She also asked about the fate of unskilled workers in the context of the Minister's proposal for a green card system for skilled workers. This matter is worthy of a debate in this House, to include a consideration of all the attendant issues.