Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It will adjourn at 12.30 p.m. I am making a request for a ten minute question and answer session before the conclusion of the debate. We have commenced this process in the House and we should try to maintain it. Every Member is satisfied with it and all the group leaders are supportive of this request.

Senators Hannigan, Boyle, Glynn, Coffey and Coghlan welcomed the publication of the Green Paper on local government reform and asked that Senators be given an opportunity to speak on matters pertaining to the achievements of local government and its future development. I intend to have an all-day debate on the Green Paper because the wealth of experience of Senators in this area will assist the Minister in addressing the matters raised in the document.

Senator McFadden raised the drainage and sewerage scheme in Athlone. I will endeavour to assist the Senator in this regard. I strongly suggest that she seek an update by raising the matter on the Adjournment, possibly tomorrow.