Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

That is the up to date position. It is a complex Bill and I am sure the Senator agrees with that.

Senator Corrigan also called for a debate on the Vision for Change document on mental health at the earliest possible time after the Christmas recess. We can have that in the first two weeks after we return.

Senator Coffey outlined to the House the serious pressure that is on the retail trade. It is shocking to see the changes that have taken place in the last 12 months where some retail businesses are down trade by as much as 50%. I fully agree with the sentiments being expressed by the Senator. All councils in Ireland have a serious challenge on rates. There are serious costs to be borne in larger towns and cities, as these businesses are the only groups paying rates to keep the machines of local authorities moving. On the island of Ireland, we should shop local, buy local and support local, otherwise there could be a serious change in the retail sector after Christmas. We do not want to see that happening, especially with small family businesses that have been providing employment for generations. I call on the public to support everything local this Christmas more now than ever before, because they are really needed.