Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

In the words of the former Senator Paudge Brennan, it is never the wrong time to do or say the right thing, so I await Senators' proposals in that regard.

Senator Quinn referred to international food policy and expressed strong views on the EU's policy on set-aside schemes. The Minister can come to the House on this matter and I intend to propose to the CPP that we invite Commissioner Charlie McCreevy to come to the House in the next session. Senator Quinn's proposals may allow us make our presence felt in this area.

Senator Carty, and Senator Glynn especially, cited declining fish stocks in the lake county of Westmeath. This is part of Senator Carty's portfolio and I will contact the office of the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy John Browne, to arrange this debate.

Senator Doherty called for a debate on education and expressed strong views on vandalism in schools in the Donegal area. The proposal regarding closed circuit television is worthy and, knowing the parish spirit in Ireland, could be adopted easily by a community. Linking it to a Garda station is the important part. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister.

The proposal made to the House on the electoral register is a serious one and I know many of us are anxious to see it adopted as accurately as possible. I will pass on the Senator's views but I am still of the opinion that postmen are the only people who can do this properly.

Regarding the need for incorporating postmen in this way, I spoke to a housing officer yesterday who told me a horrific story of a 62 year old man living in appalling conditions. No one knew of this case but the postman who mentioned it to the housing officer at a hurling match last weekend. When the matter was investigated, the officials could not believe the conditions in which the man was living in this day and age. Given the services provided by postmen and the postal service, they should be encouraged to work more closely with the agencies of local government. Involving postmen in creating the electoral register would be a great step forward in rural and urban areas.