Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Mullen referred to the decision to extend the terms of the loans and to reduce the interest rates. We all welcome the proposals that are emanating from the European Commission.

The Senator also spoke about the situation in relation to parliamentary questions. I remind him that this House continues to deal with four Adjournment matters each day. I am sure questions can be asked each day in this House in the form of Adjournment matters.

Senator O'Neill raised a number of issues for which the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is responsible, including the stockpiling of salt in advance of the winter months. We will make inquiries about the situation in that regard. The Senator also asked the Minister to clarify the role of local and voluntary groups in assisting local authorities during the winter, especially with regard to insurance. We will try to get answers to both of those questions from the Minister and provide the information to the House at a later stage.

I do not propose to accept Senator Leyden's amendment to the Order of Business. He is playing politics with people once again.