Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Bannon on the pollution problems. In Carlow town there is a problem due to cryptosporidium in the water supply, which is directly related to the point made by Senator Bannon. That is a real problem facing people who must boil water. The Government should take this issue on board given that people have been hospitalised because of it.

Will the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come to the House to explain his policy on the proposed alcohol cafés? Such alcohol cafés may make sense in an urban area but they would have devastating consequences in a rural setting. Rural publicans in small villages are feeling the pinch because of the smoking ban and other issues and this would be the death knell. We must have some system of fairness. The Minister should explain whether such licences will be allocated in terms of population density and only in urban areas.