Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

Will the Deputy Leader arrange a debate on the progress of Dublin's integrated transport network, particularly about whether the metro is, if the House will excuse the pun, on line? The debate would refer to the integration of DART and bus services, any increased levels of subvention to CIE and Dublin Bus that may be required and competition.

Will the Deputy Leader clarify two policy issues regarding the Department of Health and Children? The first relates to care of the elderly at home and increased levels of support for same and the second relates to the use of generic drugs.

I might be the poacher turned gamekeeper in respect of the latter, as I started my career in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, but I commend the successful European campaign on stopping the unnecessary use of antibiotics. They are widely misused, as they are of no use against the common cold, a cough, the flu or swine flu. They are only effective against bacterial infections, a fact highlighted in the recent campaign.