Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Senator Ross spoke about Leinster Lawn and I know that the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government has expressed his unhappiness about it in the past. There have been proposals for an underground parking facility to restore the lawn to its former glory, but these have not been funded. It is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and perhaps Members of the House on that commission can express our concerns. I agree with the sentiments of Senator Ross.

Some Senators spoke about the effects of Halloween. I am not sure if this is a matter for debate or new legislation, which is already in place. It is difficult for the various agencies to enforce it. We could do with an audit of the cost of policing and the fire services at this time. A factory unit was burned down in Ballincollig, yet Cork does not even have the tradition of bonfires on Halloween night. These problems are becoming manifest all over the country.

Senator Healy Eames spoke about the continuing difficulties with water quality in the Galway area. I will bring those to the attention of the Minister, but the water services funding programme has been recently announced and it is the highest ever in the history of the State. It is hoped that we can start to tackle the problems that exist.

Senator Doherty spoke about the student support Bill, which is in section A of the legislative programme of the Oireachtas. There is a promise that the Bill will be published before the start of the next session. By the latest, it will be published by the middle of January. The Senator can keep reminding us of that if he feels there is a need to do so.

Senator White called for a debate on the care of the elderly. There was a similar request yesterday for the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, to come before the House and this debate can be easily facilitated. There are particular references in the programme for Government that would help such a debate.

Following the Order of Business on 25 October, the House divided on the ministerial order for Cockles (Fishing Management Conservation) (Waterford Estuary) Regulations 2007. On foot of the concerns expressed that day and following further investigation, I am pleased to announce that the order is to be rescinded next week.