Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

——that when one did not have a medical card and when one could not afford to go to one's doctor and pay for advice, it was the friendly pharmacist who recommended the medication one needed to take. I know that from experience. Anyone who was born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth might not understand what I am saying. The important point to remember is that the Constitution clearly states that everyone must be treated equally.

Senator Burke requested that the Minister for Transport come before the House. The Minister is visiting Athlone, which is halfway between here and the Senator's home, at midday tomorrow in order to make the announcement on funding allocations in respect of national roads. Perhaps the Senator and I might discuss the matter in order to see how progress might be made. I have no difficulty allocating time for a debate in respect of it.

Senator Mary White requested that the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Hoctor, come before the House to engage in a debate on older people. Lifestyles in rural areas are changing, particularly with the creameries and cattle marts closing down. The opportunities for elderly people to meet and have a chat have dwindled. The greatest challenge people face in their lives is coming to terms with loneliness. Those who live alone often cannot sleep at night. As the Senator stated, last year more people lost their lives as a result of suicide than died as a result of the horrific car crashes and terrible tragedies that occurred on our roads. We should do everything possible to help the Minister of State and her Department in respect of this matter and I have no difficulty making time available for a debate on it.

Senator Kelly called for a debate on workers' rights. Such a debate could take place in tandem with that which Senator Alex White requested in respect of FÁS and the challenges relating to retraining, etc. Provision is not made under the national minimum wage for people who are in training or pursuing apprenticeships. I fully support the concept of a decent wage for a decent day's work.

I will communicate the comments made by Senator McFadden on stray dogs to the relevant Minister. The Senator stated that a total of 600 dogs had to be put down in County Westmeath in the past 12 months.

Senator Glynn requested a debate on the decline of fish stocks in our rivers and lakes and on the activity of poaching. I have no difficulty making time available for such a debate.

Yesterday, Senator Glynn requested that time be made available for a debate on the abuse of children and the horrific incident he outlined to the House. Following the Order of Business yesterday, I made a request that the Minister come before the House to discuss that matter. I will inform the Senator of the up-to-date position as soon as I receive a reply.

Senator Mullen called for a debate on particular organisations, their use of money and the way they redistribute the excess of funds. I have no difficulty making time available for such a debate.

Senator Ellis, former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transport, requested a debate on defective vehicles. The Senator may raise that issue when the Minister for Transport comes before the House.

Senator Coghlan has a strong personal interest in local electoral boundaries, the closing date in respect of which is 14 March. The Senator inquired as to whether the relevant legislation will come before the Houses before 20 June. There are a total of 17 sitting weeks between now and the summer recess. I expect, therefore, that the Bill will be introduced before 20 June in order that final deliberations can be concluded before the publication of the local election boundaries. We all received copies of the guidelines relating to this matter. In light of what is happening in population terms, particularly on the east coast and in our larger towns and cities, there is no doubt that there will be changes. This matter is in the hands of the commission, which is an independent body. The Senator knows as much as I do about this matter, particularly as the commission's deliberations are confidential. I look forward to it using its common sense and taking into account the needs of communities.

Senator Healy Eames highlighted the plight of 60 people in Galway. I will raise the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, following the Order of Business.

Senator Corrigan requested a debate on people with intellectual disabilities. I previously agreed to make time available for such a debate and I hope it will take place before the Easter recess.