Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Glynn called for a debate on rural dwellings, particularly old stone houses, a matter on which I have no difficulty in arranging a debate.

Senators Quinn and Hanafin called for a debate on genetically modified foods and it would be timely to have such a debate.

I hope, with the approval of the Cathaoirleach, to invite our new Commissioner, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, to address the House at an early stage and perhaps that request might be raised at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Such an address would be extremely timely.

Senator O'Reilly raised the issue of the metering of rural water schemes. I am aware that almost 50% of water supplied by local authority schemes is wasted - that represents a massive waste of water. Senators O'Reilly, Wilson, Glynn and myself come from the lake district.