Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Fitzgerald referred to the experience of MRSA in Letterkenny, County Donegal. I join with the Senator's request to highlight this issue and I will pass on her strong views to the Minister after the Order of Business. I realise that there has been a substantial decrease in the incidence of MRSA in our hospitals over the past 12 months and this is welcome. However, the work is ongoing and we must keep up the pressure on the HSE to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated if at all possible.

Senator Fitzgerald also asked for a debate on the Environmental Protection Agency report as did Senator Bacik and I will endeavour to have it take place in the coming weeks. Senators O'Toole, Coghlan and many Senators on this side of the House, including Senators Daly and Keaveney, have continuously raised the subject of the Malin and Valentia Island radio stations. There is no doubt about the views of all Senators and I will ascertain the Government's position from the Minister later today to ensure that Valentia Island and Malin radio stations will fulfil their important and responsible role which covers decades. I support all the calls for their retention and for providing them with the available up to date modern technology.

Senator Hannigan called for a debate on homelessness and I have no difficulty with providing time for a debate. He is joined by Senators Norris and Bacik in congratulating the universities who are listed in the top 200 list and Trinity College which is listed in the top 50. I congratulate UCC, UCD and Trinity College. Senators Hannigan, Bacik, McCarthy and Norris called for a debate on third level education and funding for school buildings which I hope will be considered and perhaps included by the Government in the near future.

Senator Mary White, supported by Senator Bacik and many Members such as Senator Buttimer, called on the Minister of State with responsibility for children, to come to the House to discuss the child care strategy and the future of child care. Senator White quoted from statistics on the subject. She had done trojan work in this area. It shows that when a Member of the House rolls up the sleeves, much can be achieved by way of information which is of benefit to both the Department and the Government and to the Members of the House in general. I will have no difficulty in arranging this at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Hanafin outlined his proposal for the Minister and the Government to consider the removal of tobacco from the consumer price index. He also referred to a recent visit by representatives of the Irish Cancer Society. It is alarming that, as the Senator said, smoking is on the increase, from 27% to 29% of the population. It could possibly cost the Health Service Executive €1 billion a year for the treatment of smoking related diseases. I will have no difficulty in arranging for a debate on this matter also.

Senators Hannigan and Hanafin also drew my attention to the lead content in water in certain areas. A survey should be carried out by all local authorities because 50 years ago, most water schemes installed lead piping. Much work can be done in this area.

Senators Bradford, Buttimer and Reilly all made known their views on the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill. I am pleased to inform the House that this Bill is being published today.