Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the two-pronged approach being taken by the Government against head shops. Overnight and today the approach taken is being welcomed up and down the country in general, and certainly in my constituency, where we were not alien to the difficulties of head shops and the menace they pose to society. There was a recent case of a schoolchild being exposed to the dangers of those products. The authorities appear to be welcoming the steps, as I do, and I hope the enactment of the required legislation will occur as quickly as possible to combat these outlets.

I acknowledge what has been said by the Opposition and many Members on what is the current economic position of the country. Ireland is turning a corner and as a young person and public representative, I believe we have an obligation as legislators to lead by example and send out the clear message that we have hope in this country. We should send out a signal of confidence.