Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator Walsh in his proposal and suggest an all day debate on planning, An Bord Pleanála and the requirements of future generations of our country.

Senator O'Donovan called for a debate on the fishing industry, particularly in respect of the announcement made yesterday. I will endeavour to facilitate the request, either before or after Easter. Senator Healy Eames referred to the pharmacy issue. She is not quite correct although she is correct to call on me to hear the up to date position. I am endeavouring to have this debate take place next week. It is a matter of finding time in the Minister's diary. Major negotiations and discussions are taking place in various committees.

Senator Healy Eames also raised environmental difficulties in Galway. Galway County Council did not spend its money in five years. Funding was made available by the Government in 2002 and it remained unspent in 2007. The council cannot blame the Government, the Minister or parliamentarians in the Dáil or Seanad. If the money was allocated it should have been spent. In Westmeath, when there was a difficulty in Lough Ennell, we awarded the contract within seven months and the work was completed within a year and a half. That is what happens in the real world. I know the area in Galway to which the Senator refers because I frequent it often. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister.