Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Keaveney's remarks on the products that are now being sold in head-shops. I do not know what the legislative position is, but anybody who sells any substance - legally or otherwise - which provokes an adverse reaction, should be held accountable. It is time we had another debate on this issue. There have been some improvements as about 60% of head shops have closed, but I want to see all of them closed.

On another matter, today is a beautiful day and there is an old saying in Ireland, "do not bid the devil good morning until you meet him". We met the devil last November when the floods came. Many people in this House could tell one that the towns they represent are flooded every year. I refer to towns like Athlone, Ballinasloe, Bandon, Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Cork, Fermoy and Carlow, to mention a few. Now is the time to take action to ensure that last year's floods, in which people suffered terribly, will not be repeated. It is time for something to be done about this problem. Appropriate action was taken to resolve the problems in Mallow. I ask the Government to address this issue now in so far as it is possible, for humanitarian reasons if nothing else. I accept that we are in tight financial times, but we have to be prepared, to use the old scouts motto.