Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes and others on the need for a debate on the Prison Service, in particular with regard to imprisoning people for non-payment of fines. I have discussed this issue with solicitors and lawyers and attachment to earnings or social welfare payments is the route to take. We are not living in Charles Dickens' time or dealing with Mr. Micawber. In 2006, we should not send people to debtors' prisons for a fine that could be attached to earnings or social welfare payments. All this requires is a simple policy decision. I ask that the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come to the House to discuss the report. We should have the debate in January when we return after the Christmas recess.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House to outline his policy on water charges, particularly as they affect farmers? Our 29 different councils act like 29 independent republics with semi-junior ministers, called county managers, running the show. There are different charges in each county. In Sligo farmers pay €5.14 per 1,000 gallons, in Roscommon they pay €3.54 per 1,000 gallons and in Leitrim they pay €3.36 per 1,000 gallons. This is a small country so why can the Minister not talk to the county managers and apply a single charge throughout the country? The charges are the delegated responsibility of the executives of the councils, but they are trying to blame the councillors in each area for them. That is the direction we are going at present. There is no point in people trying to walk away from this area. Meters are for businesses, such as hairdressers and publicans. Farmers are prepared to accept that, provided it is fair and equitable, and provided the private house on the farm can be detached. I understand from discussions today with Roscommon County Council——