Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Paddy Burke said he has met many councillors — I wish him good luck on his odyssey — and that they are expressing concern about the development of water and sewerage schemes. I agree with the Senator that it is a huge issue. It was also raised by Senator Dooley. Difficulties and delays are being caused by the requirement for local authorities to make contributions for water and sewerage services. I will raise the fair point made by the Senators with the relevant Minister.

Senator Bradford supported the calls for a debate on the sugar beet industry. The Minister in question will be defending the case of this country's agricultural industry in Brussels on 14 July. The Senator also spoke about risk equalisation. Like Senator Quinn, he considered the matter in a practical manner. Many questions have to be asked about it.

I agree with Senator Bradford's comments on Zimbabwe. I would like to understand why towns are being destroyed. Perhaps the sight of them offends Robert Mugabe's eyes. The Senator called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to muster opposition at EU and UN level to Mr. Mugabe, who is a dictator.

Senator Dooley argued that there is a crisis in water and sewerage schemes throughout the country. Like Senator Paddy Burke, he must be visiting many local authority members. Both of them made the same point.

Could I make a point about the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2001-06? I have been reprimanded in a note I have received from outside. Big brother is looking in. The child care programme was a Government policy announced last Wednesday. The Minister had received extra funding from the Department of Finance to proceed with the programme. It was not a Progressive Democrats launch.