John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I join Senator Cannon in asking for a debate on matters relating to retailing and food labelling. I spoke a number of weeks ago about the appointment by the Government of a retail strategy co-ordinator. I understand the former European Commissioner, Mr. David Byrne, was approached to take up the position but he declined, having initially indicated that he would accept it. The Minister said he would look for another appointment to be made. Will the Leader clarify the position in that regard? Are we any nearer to appointing someone to that position?

Last Tuesday many Senators spoke about issues concerning the care of the elderly in nursing homes, in other institutions and in the home. Are we going to have the debates that were requested next week and the following week? I understand the schedule was changed this week for obvious reasons.

On the proposed carbon tax, the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment received a presentation from a group of solid fuel suppliers last week. They outlined their significant reservations about the introduction of a carbon tax on their products. Much of what they supply is brought into this jurisdiction by solid fuel merchants from Northern Ireland who are not subject to the carbon tax or some of the other regulations to which suppliers in the Twenty-six Counties are subject. Will the Leader arrange a discussion on the issue?