Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Norris also raised the question of water fluoridation and the way it is managed here.

Senator Ormonde said that the issue of the prison system is a societal matter and that the issue of having prisons should be examined. Senator Ulick Burke raised the issue of water charges and said that insufficient funds are allocated to local authorities, yet an increase in funding is given to local authorities every year. The Senator castigated Senators Leyden and Scanlon by name. However, the point is that they referred to the disparity in charges, they did not dispute the imposition of them — I listened carefully to what they said.

I agree with Senator Ulick Burke when he said that young prisoners tend to have dropped out of school. The Senator raised the issue of the home-school liaison co-ordinators and I would be sorry if they were withdrawn, as they fulfil a terrific function in the home-school life of young people.