Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I understand representatives of the industry are in Dublin today. All of us in rural areas know the importance of the pig industry and I will do all I can to ensure a debate takes place at the earliest possible time. I will report back to Senators tomorrow morning.

I will convey to the Minister Senator Carty's strong views on the decision of the National Library regarding the Chief Herald. I will report any progress to the Senator later today or tomorrow morning.

Senator Prendergast asked that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources come into the House to present his plans for the postal service. I have no difficulty in facilitating such a discussion.

Senators Regan and Ormonde called for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to update and brief Senators on various issues for which he has responsibility. I will contact the Minister's office after the Order of Business to seek agreement to such a discussion. We may be able to obtain some clarification from the Minister tomorrow when he is in the Dáil. If not, we can arrange a debate. The Minister is approachable on all these issues.

Senator Glynn speaks as someone with long-standing experience in public life when he cautions us on the various practices that have become commonplace at Hallowe'en. He calls for the Minister to consider placing such activities under licence. I will pass these views on to the Minister.

Senator Glynn also mentioned another issue that will receive great support in this House. He called for assistance for local authority members on the issue of legal advice available to county managers and paid for by the county council but not available to local authority members. We may require clarification from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this and then we can consider debating the matter. It is undemocratic, as the Senator stated. We may review Senator Glynn's proposal when we receive a reply from the Minister.

Senator Norris expressed strong views on the allegations about a civil servant. The civil servants have been exemplary in our experience but there is always an exception to the rule. On this occasion there was an exception to the rule and we want clarification on it. After the Order of Business, I will pass on to the Minister the views of Senator Norris, particularly those on the confidentiality of individuals' records. The highest standards have always prevailed in the Civil Service. Everyone would abhor this happening and for it to happen once is one time too many. Senator Callely inquired whether the matter was one for the Minister or for the Health Service Executive. The matter is for the HSE.

Senator Bacik's contribution covered a range of issues. I will pass on to the relevant Minister her views on lack of protection for national monuments and other issues and will come back to her on it. Senator O'Reilly expressed horror at people, including pedestrians and cyclists, not wearing proper reflective clothing on the road to make them more visible to motorists and in traffic generally. I could not agree more with the Senator. Perhaps we could raise the matter the next time we have a debate involving the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Senator Keaveney called on the Minister for Health and Children with regard to the labelling on products containing alcohol, particularly for segments of our community such as pregnant ladies. This is sound advice which I will pass on to the Minister. The Senator also raised the issue of animal welfare and dangerous dogs. Three or four times recently we have been horrified to see on the main evening news, items showing the terrible savagery of some dogs. We are horrified by stories involving young people who treat such dogs as pets only to have them turn on them. Legislation is urgently called for if it is not already there.

Senator Doherty called for a debate on road accidents and his sentiments were echoed by Senator Ellis. I have no difficulty with this happening. There has been progress. Statistics indicate that random breath testing, introduced on 21 July 2006, as proposed by the two Oireachtas committees Senator Ellis and I chaired, saved in excess of 88 lives and many hundreds of people from being maimed for life up to 20 July 2007. I hope to have a debate on this before Christmas.

Senator Doherty also called for a debate on community child care and child care in general. I will not have any difficulty in arranging time for that. Last but by no means least, Senator Buttimer called for a debate on incineration. The Senator may be in the House tonight and I am assured all will be revealed.