John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Quinn's sentiments on inflation. We discussed the matter some weeks ago and were given an indication by the Government that the figures would be reduced in the future. It was the usual Government spin on the issue. Senator Quinn and I were disappointed to see the figure increase again in the results announced yesterday.

I agree with previous speakers who have raised the issue of flooding on the Shannon. I live quite a distance from the Shannon but it is important to point out that a number of occurrences have affected developments in areas that would traditionally have been flood plains for rivers all over the country, not just on the Shannon.

There also have been significant changes in agricultural practices, which have led to more water getting to rivers more quickly. In particular, there has been much deforestation in different parts of the country, where big open drains are putting more water into rivers. These issues are combining to ensure we have much more regular and severe flooding in towns and villages around the country. It would be useful to have a discussion on the matter in January in order to consider ways to alleviate flooding in future.

I was not here for the Order of Business yesterday but we should have a debate at the earliest opportunity in the new year on gun crime. I raised the matter last Tuesday on the Order of Business. We should emphasise the way society has changed, in particular the disregard many people seem to have for human life now, whether it is gangland crime or the other types of murder which have seen a large rate increase in recent years.

I have raised my next issue a number of times already. I received a pamphlet shaped like a lovely Christmas sock in the post yesterday from a leading financial institution. It stated that I could have "a lot more jingle this Christmas" if I signed the document and applied for a €9,000 personal loan in the run-up to Christmas. The listed requirements were that I be over 18, in full-time employment and have a good credit history.