John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

Is it possible that the Leader could arrange a debate on the proposed carbon tax before the budget? I propose the debate because of the effects the carbon tax could have, particularly on the cost of exporting goods and the cost of haulage and other services. We should be supplied with the various submissions that have been sent to the Department on the carbon tax. It is relevant in the current circumstances.

There is much talk this morning on the availability of heroin. I would love to know what those involved in the war in Afghanistan are doing to prevent the growing of poppies. Some 92% of the world's heroin comes from Afghanistan. What is being done? Let nobody tell me that they cannot prevent this happening. They are well able to fly over and drop bombs but they are not able to fly over and spray crops to get rid of them and prevent the scourge that exists around the world. Rather than talking about wars against violence and wars that will prevent further atrocities, heroin is the greatest atrocity at the moment.