Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I second Senator Ó Domhnaill's amendment to the Order of Business. While I accept the Leader has explained the Water Services (Amendment) Bill will be before the House next Wednesday, it is important adequate time is given to debate septic tank charges, a serious issue particularly to people in rural areas who, on the face of it will face a €50 registration fee, when in reality they will face bills of up to €12,000 to rectify problems with their septic tanks. While I have no difficulty with such remedial works being carried out, they should be accompanied with a substantial grant for the works. That, however, is not part of the legislation.

I support Senator O'Sullivan's request for a debate on local government reform. I have raised this too on several occasions over the past several months. It is important the Minister responsible outlines his plans for local government reform with particular emphasis on what he intends to do in reducing the number of county councillors and his plans for town councils. Rumours are circulating he will abolish the town councils, a proposal I would strongly oppose.

I agree with Senator Mullen on the need to ban alcohol advertising. Any approach by the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, to increase the price of alcohol should be done on an all-Ireland basis. Coming from a Border county, I am only too aware of droves of people from as far away as Cork and Kerry going to the North to purchase large quantities of alcohol. Increasing drinks prices will have no effect but to damage our economy if it is not applied on an all-Ireland basis.