Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I hope to respond without interruption to the matters raised by Senators. I congratulate everyone associated with the 90th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918. If the Senator believes time to acknowledge the Act is necessary, I have no difficulty with allowing time during the coming weeks.

The Minister's undertakings on pharmacies were straightforward and forthright and left my mind at ease concerning the appointment of an independent arbitrator in respect of the challenges facing the Health Service Executive and the pharmacy industry, small family pharmacies in particular. I speak on behalf of all Members of the Oireachtas when I say that it is not on for the HSE to believe for one minute that it will eliminate family pharmacies. At the same time, value for money must be the order of the day for the executive. Drug manufacturers have a significant role to play. In some destinations in the EU, services, facilities and drugs are considerably lower in price than in some Irish pharmacies.

The HSE and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union will be present when the Minister addresses the Joint Committee on Health and Children at 3 p.m. next Tuesday. All members of the committee will wish to make contributions, but anyone with time available and who knows the plight of the pharmacists should attend to assist in any way possible. Following the meeting, the leaders of the various groups in the Seanad will meet and review the situation. I am in favour of enhancing procedures so that Senators can assist everyone concerned - the Minister and the Government - in terms of the pharmacists' plight, the cost of drugs and the challenges that lie ahead.

Senator Hannigan referred to the notice in respect of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe. The family was notified before the release, but not before the publication, which is regrettable. In future, I hope everyone keeps in mind that a reasonable period of at least seven days should be given to the family of the unfortunate person who was murdered or, in this case, lost his life protecting the citizens of Ireland. I will pass Senators' opinions on to the Minister after the Order of Business.

I note Senator O'Toole's remarks about Ryanair, President Sarkozy and his latest wedding. The Senator referred to the commencement notice of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act. I made inquiries of the Minister today. She will be in attendance in the House this evening and Senators may be able to ascertain answers during the two-hour sitting commencing at 5 p.m. We all would like to see a commencement notice signed on the Bill, which has passed through the Houses and been signed by the President.

Senator Hannigan referred to gangland-----