Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

A few months ago I referred to the fact that when one moved to this jurisdiction from another, some mobile phones companies sent a message welcoming one to Ireland. We managed to get this changed and now the message simply refers to roaming charges. I indicated that I would try to have an all-Ireland mobile phone package made available. I welcome the European intervention, which maintains the downward reduction in rates for receiving and making calls and the maximum cap on downloading information while abroad. I raised on the Adjournment earlier this week the prospect of the North-South Ministerial Council taking on the issue of introducing all-Ireland packages so that if one buys 200 minutes and 200 text messages or 400 minutes and 400 text messages, it will not matter where on the island one uses them. We should pursue this issue and continue to question the Minister about progress on it.

We have focused on the diminishing role rather than the enhancing role alcohol can play in society over the years. I agree with Senator Fitzgerald on the need to maintain a focus on mental health. During the next session, we should focus on this issue. I am interested in asking the Minister of State with responsibility of mental health the progress on the professional recognition of music therapy because it not only has a role in mental health, but also in regard to autism, Alzheimer's disease and many other aspects of health.