Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Paul Coghlan about locating fast food outlets in close proximity to schools. There must be a policy in each county council area in that regard. It should not be left solely to the discretion of planners. We are due to have a debate on physical education this afternoon and this issue is relevant to that as well.

Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an chomhaontaithe sa Tuaisceart. I welcome the new agreement in the North. I particularly welcome the establishment of the new task force and the support and commitment of the First Minister, Mr. Peter Robinson, and the Deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness, for it. This is a big step forward. People must make brave moves from time to time. I seek a debate on this. The Minister should come to the House to outline the timescale for establishing the task force and whether he has received any information from the Garda Commissioner on how it will operate.

I note that the number of intermediate bulk containers, IBCs, containing sludge - the result of diesel laundering - that are dumped has diminished considerably in the past six months. In August, there was only one IBC dumped in Louth. The total now is only a fraction of what it was previously. New licensing regulations, the new marker and, I hope, a change of attitude among some people to this activity are bearing fruit. I would welcome a report on this matter. We received a few such reports previously, in less favourable circumstances.