Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Brien needs to remember the situation we were in four years ago. We were unable to borrow. Senator Mullins spoke about the prudent management of the economy. It is the key to having greater resources available for additional services.

Senator van Turnhout spoke about the policy on alcohol. It certainly will not be dictated by the drinks industry. It is something she has mentioned on several occasions in the House. I will find out when we intend to discuss the proposed adoption legislation and get back to the Senator.

Senator Mullen spoke about EU laws and bureaucracy with regard to the directive on the use of pesticides. I wonder why it was not picked up by the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. I agree these items and directives should be debated by the committee and the House. I do not know how it slipped from the Oireachtas committee involved. I advise the Senator that we in this House will debate the EU work programme next week. A briefing on the European work programme will be held tomorrow, about which I have sent notice, and I hope there is a good attendance at it because we will have a debate on it in the House next week. As part of the EU work programme a sub-committee which was formed in the House will deal with three specific items we intend to debate in the coming months. I hope we will have a great input from Members when we debate the matter next week and that we have a good attendance at the briefing session tomorrow.

Senator Burke reminded us that last week Comhairle na nÓg was here to discuss mental health issues. It was one of the biggest attendances I saw in the audiovisual room. Many other youth organisations made presentations last week. This is to be encouraged and we should listen to the young people, who were very articulate when making their points on a number of issues last week.

Senator Mooney spoke about Garda resources. Additional resources are required for the Garda and there is no question about it. The Government has reopened Templemore college, and 300 extra gardaí-----