Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I congratulate all those involved in the arrangements last weekend for the family day in Leinster House. I am not sure who was in charge of it, but those who were involved deserve a great deal of credit. I heard many words from people who were pleased to be able to show their children and families how democracy works and it reminded me that although we see many schools in here, they do not often have the opportunity to understand how it works. It is very important. It also came to light when I met somebody last month who did not bother voting and said he never votes. I realised how sad it is that, having fought for and gained our democracy, some people do not regard it highly. Praise is due to those who organised the event.

I read that Wexford and Ennis became the cleanest towns in Ireland and Athlone and Mallow were at the bottom of the list. The point I noted was that a number of towns said they can no longer afford to employ cleaners to the same extent. We should not need cleaners. Those citizens among us who value our democracy and country will not drop litter on the ground in the first place.