Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

As a former musician, a former music teacher and former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs I commend all those involved in festival activities around the country at the weekend. The level of participation by communities in terms of floats and bands is highly commended. Too often we spend our time looking at the negative side. There was a huge level of participation by communities. I draw the Leader's attention to the fact that we must continue to support the festivals and the development of the arts to ensure there are bands to play at such festivals into the future. We must support the many people who work to ensure we continue to have such big occasions. The level of tidiness which was evident immediately after the parades I witnessed was phenomenal. It is clear the festival committees were all-embracing, looking at all sides of the activity, from the beginning to the end.

Today should not go by without mentioning the young aspiring pianist on O'Connell Street who lost a finger, following an attack for no apparent reason. I lend my voice to the disgust at that incident. Perhaps there is a need for more discussion on this type of terrorism on our streets which incorporates all levels of terrorism on the island. It is terror on the street if one cannot walk down the main street of the capital city without fear of being attacked.

On a separate issue, I wish to convey to the Leader the appreciation of two related families in Donegal to the Coast Guard station emergency services and the co-ordination unit. A terrible tragedy took place at the weekend where two friends of mine, Danny and Francis McDaid, were drowned. I ask the Leader to get an update from the Minister for Transport and the Marine, Deputy Noel Dempsey, on the facility at Malin Head. The Coast Guard station played a major part in ensuring the bodies of these two men were found. It was of considerable comfort to the families to be able to have funerals. It has been a very tough weekend for many people in my area.

In regard to the alcohol issue, I ask the Leader to consider asking the Minister for Health and Children and the Cabinet to bring alcohol under the remit of one Department dealing with drugs. Currently it is under the remit of the Department of Health and Children and not under the remit of the Department that deals with other drugs. The drug of choice is not under the same remit as the drug of use.

I call for a debate on the value of human life. This relates to what I said at the outset about human life becoming much cheaper given the way in which people are being attached at present. A debate on the value of human life, which is usually geared towards the pro-life issue, is needed in the current context.