Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I have no difficulty in having time put aside for that. The €618 million the Minister announced in Athlone last Friday is very welcome but to correct the record in regard to what he said on the day, the average contribution from local authorities is 30%. In case what he said was misconstrued, which can easily happen, the Minister pointed out that some counties only contribute 7%, 8% and 9% and he said he will bear that in mind in his allocation 12 months from now. The Minister was putting on notice all the local authorities that did not play their part in that regard. That was to be commended. I welcome the €618 million announced by the Minister. The €57 million allocation for County Westmeath was very much appreciated.

Senator Mullen called for a debate on Ash Ireland's proposal to ban smoking in cars. I have no difficulty in having time put aside for that worthy proposal.