Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

As Senators Cummins and Coffey know, coming from Waterford, it is unacceptable in this day and age that this could happen to any person in his or her home. I will have the Minister, Deputy Ahern, come here. I thank him because I have made many calls on this issue to him, whether in his constituency in Louth or in Brussels on Monday morning. We fully support the family and will see what we can do in the coming weeks as a matter of urgency. As Senator Cummins said, the Law Reform Commission is due to report. However, senior citizens want immediate action because it behoves us to protect them in their own homes. It is a right everyone should have. I, therefore, fully support the call made by all colleagues today. I have no problem with the report of the commission being discussed in the House. We also offer our condolences to Kathy Sinnott on what appears to be the sad loss of her son.

Senator Daly called for a debate on Gaza. I gave a commitment in the last session that a debate would take place.

I also want the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come before the House to clarify the position on mobile phone masts. He quite correctly outlined the position on the development plan of Kerry County Council and what had happened regarding An Bord Pleanála.

Senator Doherty outlined a number of issues. The proposal by an bord snip nua to close 50 Garda stations, which would save €1 million, does not represent common sense and will not happen. I remind Senators who spoke about rural transport that the proposed cutbacks in that sector would save just €11 million. Every Member of the House knows the value of rural transport. Under no circumstances will we stand by and allow rural transport services to be taken away for the sake of €11 million.