Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Michelle Mulherin raised the issue of slurry spreading. There are several issues linked to that such as animal welfare and environmental impact. I hope the Minister will look at giving that derogation.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan raised the issue of rural and regional town councils. A review of these is taking place. He is stretching it a small bit when he blames the abolition of town councils for the fact many of our towns have idle shops and no factories. He might look at his own party's policy when it was in government which caused the recession that forced many shops and factories to close down. I accept his point for the need for a return of some town councils. In the budget, we have seen an allocation to expand national rural development schemes, an additional €8 million allocated to town and village regeneration, along with the important maintenance of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector.

I have already answered Senator Colm Burke's point about Bills in the House.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh raised the issue of Ulster Bank and Cerberus. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House on that.

Senators Frank Feighan and Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of transport and made good points on it. It is important the Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, comes to the House. My office has put a request for him to attend the House.