Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Burke also called for a debate on local authority funding. This is an urgently needed debate because the challenges facing local authorities are changing. Rates for retailers are too high and they cannot afford to pay water charges. An urgent examination of the challenges facing local authority funding is required. I will have this debate take place before the summer recess.

Senator Mary White raised the report on self-harm. She is doing Trojan work in this area. She also called for a debate on control of alcohol consumption. In moderation, everything is acceptable. It is the abuse of alcohol on which we are all up in arms. I will have no difficulty in allocating time for a debate on the matter.

Senators Cannon and John Paul Phelan called for a debate on food labelling and outlined the use of the Irish flag on the Inis Vale brand which contains New Zealand lamb. The former Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business carried out an in-depth investigation into the groceries order. Deputy Edward O'Keeffe who has much expertise in this area pointed out the dangers in labelling on many occasions. The Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment must debate this as a matter of urgency. I will pass on a note to the committee's Chairman after the Order of Business to ensure such a debate takes place in the coming weeks.

Senator Glynn called for a debate on litter. This is particularly timely considering all our Tidy Towns committees are endeavouring to show off our beautiful towns and villages to their very best. I support Senator Glynn's request and will try to have it included before the summer recess.

Senator O'Reilly called for a debate on cancer treatment with the Minister for Health and Children. She will be in the House in the coming weeks and Senators can bring this matter to her attention then.

Senator Quinn introduced the Human Body Organs and Human Tissue Bill two years ago. Recently he was given a five-month timeframe concerning his Bill on subcontractors. We welcome the great work he has done in that area. I will endeavour to find out the up-to-date position on the consultation period for the Human Body Organs and Human Tissue Bill and return to the House in the next week on the matter.

Senator John Paul Phelan called for a debate on care of the elderly. I gave a commitment yesterday to arrange such a debate. He also called for a debate on the carbon tax and Irish suppliers being affected by products coming from the North of Ireland. I have no difficulty in having a debate on this matter also.