Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Doherty's view. However, there is no need for a joint party motion as the matter is being prioritised by Government.

On the pharmacy issue, I will endeavour to obtain an update on this matter, if possible, next week. Members must bear in mind that Ministers will be out of the country next week and as such will be unable to attend the House.

Senator Quinn, an innovative man, has made an immense contribution to Ireland during his lifetime in terms of leading by example and the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs. I will pass on his views in respect of the time gap between Ireland and America to the Minister. The introduction, three weeks earlier, of new time would give people an extra hour to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day festivities. This is important for rural areas which must hold their parades at 5 o'clock or 5.30 p.m. when the parades in bigger areas have finished. The extra hour would be crucial to the celebration of St. Patrick's Day in villages such as Granard and Castlepollard.