Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

The Air Corps has been to the fore in its dealings with Members down through the years. I am thankful all ended well. Senators Keaveney and Hanafin called for a debate on alcohol consumption and abuse. Senator Keaveney also referred to the Scottish experience. It is timely this issue was raised today given a meeting of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, of which I am a member, will take place following this morning's Order of Business. I will take up this issue under any other business to see how we can improve on the proposal put forward by Senators this morning.

Senator Keaveney also called for an update in regard to the animal health and welfare Bill which seeks to consolidate and update existing legislation in respect of animal health and welfare and to consolidate responsibility for the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, within the Department. I understand the Bill is proceeding at the normal pace and that it will come to the House by the end of this year. I will update Members next week on the position in regard to legislation to ban party pills.

I will provide time for a debate on participation by women in politics and public life and how we can help in this regard. I would like to discuss with all women Members of the House what can be done to ensure we have a meaningful debate in terms of encouraging more women to participate in politics and public life. I will discuss this issue with all female Members of the House to see how we can improve on the proposal for discussion.

I will pass on Senator Norris's strongly held views on events in Darfur, which we all share, to the Minister. Senator Norris also called for a debate on the Competition Authority and an update on the groceries order. I do not think its lifting has been a success.