Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

A number of Members were disappointed when the debate on special educational needs concluded last week because they did not have an opportunity to contribute. Perhaps the Leader might ask the Minister to return to the House for a further debate on this important topic in order that everyone might have their say.

I am sure Members will join with me in extending condolences to the family of the young Polish man who was horrifically murdered in Dublin at the weekend. His death raises questions regarding the number of unprovoked assaults taking place and the level of disorder on our streets. We have a national strategy on drugs but we do not have a proper national policy on alcohol. A number of task force reports have been submitted but there has been no response from the Minister in the context of outlining a comprehensive national policy on alcohol. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform referred to examining the position in respect of the number of off-licences and perhaps introducing some changes. What we need, however, is a comprehensive approach to integrate the drugs strategy with a similar strategy on alcohol.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the need to introduce a proper national policy on alcohol. We have avoided this matter for some time and there has been a great deal of strong lobbying in respect of it. Change has been avoided but this can no longer be the case. We must give serious consideration to the type of national policy we wish to introduce.

By publishing advertisements in today's newspapers, the HSE has shown that it expects the dispute involving pharmacists to continue. It appears that it will be a head-to-head affair, with no negotiation. The Minister for Health and Children will not be coming before the House this week to debate the matter because, again, it is not listed on the Order Paper. I regret the lack of political debate in the House on this topic, despite the number of requests made by Members in recent weeks. It seems there is no political accountability or responsibility in respect of this matter. The HSE has been left to do the work and has caused a crisis. I hope the Leader will be able to inform the House that discussions will take place between the pharmacists and the HSE before the 1 March deadline.

Eamon Timmons from Age Action Ireland referred last night to the representations being made to him by elderly people who are concerned that they will not be able to have their prescriptions filled. The last thing we want is rural pharmacies closing down and people becoming distressed about whether they will be in a position to obtain their medication. Perhaps the Leader will indicate whether he received a positive response from the Minister for Health and Children regarding our requests for her to come before the House to debate this matter prior to the 1 March deadline.