Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

All Senators would wish that Malin and Valentia would have quality, essential services with all the equipment necessary and appropriate to the 21st century, along with the two new locations. Ireland has a huge coastline and I will convey the Senator's views on the matter to the Minister.

Senator Hannigan outlined his concerns about education and called for a debate on the issue. I intend to arrange for a debate on education after the budget, when Senators will be better informed on the allocation for education.

Senator Mary White and Senator Glynn asked for a debate on suicide. Senator Mary White, who is a champion in this area, put an alarming figure before the House when she said that up to 60,000 people harm themselves each year. This is an alarming statistic, especially now when people are under pressure for one reason or another, and particularly given the various challenges in business and employment. We must do everything we can to deal with this. I will allocate time for a debate and invite the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, to attend. It will be an opportunity for her to receive an update on the Senators' experiences and views and for her to give the up-to-date position on this issue.

Senator O'Sullivan and Senator Glynn spoke about the development plans of various counties and supporting local authority colleagues. This is most important, and I thank the Senators for bringing the matter to our attention. I have no difficulty with inviting the Minister to the House at an opportune time to debate section 31 of the Local Government Act and to examine how we can assist the members of local authorities. We are their representatives. They are obliged to meet the challenges they confront in the best possible way and they will have a difficult time over the next few years.

Some Members will recall the downturn in the economy during the 1980s and how difficult it was for members of health boards, vocational education committees and local authorities to strike the estimates. I proposed the estimates in 17 of my 18 years on Westmeath County Council. I recall that my colleagues at the time were very concerned and worried, but we had a duty to fulfil. I wish everyone well in this regard and we will assist local authority members in every way we can. I am proud and privileged to have been elected so many times. Most of my colleagues in the House are here at the behest of the local authority electorate and we will do everything we can to assist those members. I certainly will invite the Minister to the House at the earliest opportunity.

I agree with comments about the coverage of the Listowel Races on TG4 and support my colleagues in that regard. Finally, I wish to acknowledge that a distinguished former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. Sean Dublin Bay Loftus, was in the Visitors Gallery earlier today.