Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

I beg the Cathaoirleach's indulgence as I raise an issue again on the Order of Business. I will try to do so in an orderly and calm manner. Yesterday evening, 112 people in Galway city and county were sick as a result of the water infection in the city. That affects 112 families and the number is rising. This is a national emergency because it means that if one puts an apple into a child's lunch box or makes a salad, these foods must be washed in boiled water. If one puts one's children in the bath one must tell them not to mess around, not to drink the water or get it into their mouths.

There are large employers in Galway city which make a significant contribution to the economy. Every employer is obliged under health and safety legislation to provide safe drinking water to his or her employees. Employers in Galway must now buy tonnes of bottled water to provide to their employees.

There are cancellations in the tourism industry because tourists believe it is not safe to go to Galway. We need a national plan and a national commitment to make funding available for the region. We need to concentrate for 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on finding a solution and we need to know what is to happen. We cannot afford to wait for the drip feed of information from Galway City Council and the Health Service Executive.

I am not proposing an amendment to the Order of Business but pleading with the Leader to make some provision for a five-minute debate today with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. There are a number of Members from Galway present and they will note this is a matter of national importance and an emergency. I thank the Chairman for his indulgence.