Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I will clarify the matter ahead of tomorrow's Order of Business.

Regarding the Army, the Minister for Defence will introduce a Bill in the House, business that I needed to defer until two weeks' time because we are taking the NAMA legislation next week. We can congratulate the Army on the excellent work that it has done for generations.

Senator O'Sullivan outlined an important issue and called for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to debate in the House the future of local government and the challenges it faces, especially in terms of town and county councils and their hard-working and dedicated members. Most of us who have been local authority members know that hard work and dedication are required. We will make the fullest amount of time available at the earliest opportunity to discuss the future of local authorities with the Minister.

Senators Twomey, Feeney, Callely and Healy Eames expressed their serious concerns regarding swine flu. As I informed the House yesterday, the Minister for Health and Children is not available this week. I want her to attend the House to update it on this matter. I spoke to her private secretary just before this morning's Order of Business and I am endeavouring to arrange the earliest possible date for that discussion. I share the Senators' concerns. When Senator Twomey speaks about health, I take his comments as sacrosanct and act upon them.

As I usually do, I will revert to Senator McFadden regarding her issue as soon as possible.