Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the announcement last night by the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy John Curran, of the Government's intention to ban the sale of certain substances in head shops. This is a welcome development. I understand they will be banned under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. It could take up to three months to do this but I urge him to do it sooner than that, if possible, because vulnerable young people are being drawn to these shops every weekend. These substances cause horrific harm and damage to them. I compliment those who protested outside head shops and, in particular, pay tribute to Members who have been calling for the past two years for these shops to be closed and the substances they sell to be banned. I also thank those who contributed to the recent debate.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and-or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House to debate the difficulties the new TETRA digital communications system which is routed through Garda station masts is causing for television reception? I raised the matter last week and ask the Leader to schedule a debate, if not before the break for St. Patrick's Day, as soon as possible afterwards, because this is causing a great deal of concern.