Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I certainly know the response is available, which is why I am making a commitment to the Senator that I will let her have it.

Senator O'Sullivan called for the Minister for Transport to address safety procedures at Dublin Airport. This is a very serious issue and I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister's office this afternoon for a reply.

Senators Cannon and Ó Brolcháin raised the need to review policy on public water supplies. Senator Cannon said only 15% of all treated water was used for drinking, while the rest was used for other activities. This is an alarming statistic and an area in which we must plan for the future. We must examine ways of harnessing rainwater for these other activities without requiring costly treatment. This is a serious challenge for local authorities.

Senator Glynn referred to the on-line availability of pharmaceutical drugs and called for a debate on the issue, with which I have no difficulty. He also called for a debate with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the misuse of knives. It has developed a whole new dimension, with young people losing their lives in the past few weeks. It is just horrific. I will have no difficulty in requesting the Minister to attend the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Mullen called for a debate on holding the media to account and ensuring taste, decency, privacy and the observing of better standards. I support the Senator's call and will endeavour to arrange such a debate. The Senator also raised the issue of the quality of care in hospitals and hospices, a debate we can also have.

Senator Ó Brolcháin called for live broadcasting of the Seanad. I am pleased to inform the House that we are well advanced in this matter at this stage. With other Seanad colleagues, Senator O'Toole and I have taken it to the Joint Administration Committee which is examining it. We have had two meetings about the matter and will update the House on progress after the next meeting of the committee, previously known as the Broadcasting Committee.