Seanad debates

Thursday, 27 September 2007

11:00 am

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

There is no excuse in the wide world for not giving funds to local authorities. This is the responsibility of local authorities and their members. We must give them the financial resources they need to appoint full-time personnel in areas with populations in excess of 50,000. The time has come and I support the calls made on the issue.

Senators O'Toole and Boyle spoke about the pressing need for the Minister for Education and Science to attend the House to discuss the issue of students with special needs. I certainly can arrange to have time allocated for the issue and will put it on the agenda for the next leaders' meeting. Senator O'Toole also called for a debate on vetting in education. I have no difficulty in allocating time for that issue.

A number of Senators called on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to attend the House regarding the new building regulations. We all welcome this morning's reminder by the Deputy Leader, Senator Boyle, that €100 million was included in the programme for Government for attic and wall insulation. Senator O'Toole will be pleased to hear that.

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