I join other Members in calling for a debate on local government reform. Change is very difficult, particularly when it means certain individuals essentially are out of a position and I refer in particular to the town councils. I also agree with Senator Landy's point that there is much to be digested in the report and, I am sure, many positives that must be highlighted and consequently, I would welcome a debate on it. I also join Senators Hayden and Conway with regard to their comments on the banking sector. It is unreasonable to expect the Minister for Finance to come into this House 15 minutes after the conclusion of the Order of Business on a given day to discuss this issue and it would be unhelpful. Members must come up with real solutions for those individuals who are enduring problems with their mortgages and who are highly distressed in many ways. Before having the Minister for Finance come into the House, the first step would be for representatives of the pillar banks in particular to appear in this Chamber in order that Members can scrutinise precisely what they are up to and how they are conducting their business. To date, it appears to be very much a case of them learning as they go along. While I understand this area is evolving, Members certainly should make use of this House in this regard. In advance of any appearance here by the Minister for Finance, Members should call on leaders of Bank of Ireland and AIB in particular to come in here and present truthful data as to what precisely is occurring on a daily basis in banks and how they are trying to assist ordinary individuals in difficult financial situations.

I note that quite a lot of Members who made points on the Order of Business are not present to listen to a response. I have no intention of responding to individuals who raise points on a daily basis in this House and then run out of the Chamber after making them. It is most discourteous to the House.

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the issue of perinatal care. I certainly will try to have a debate on that subject in early course. The three health Ministers have been in the House in the past two weeks and another health Minister will be here tomorrow. I certainly will do my best to arrange for statements on this issue and, if not, perhaps the subject could be tabled in the context of a Private Members' motion to enable Members to deal with the issue. In dealing with Temple Street Hospital, Senator Darragh O'Brien certainly raised those points with the Minister. I note the Senator has written to him again and I certainly will raise the matter with the Minister myself as well.

The vast majority of Members raised the question of local government. I am afraid I am not as well informed as other Members and I have not had the opportunity of reading the proposals that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, announced today. As Members have noted, it would be proper if we held an informed debate on the subject. Many Members have raised individual items which could be raised in the context of that debate. I have been assured by the Minister that he will come well in advance of any legislation to discuss the reforms but I cannot accede to the request that he come here today to discuss them.

It was Thursday that was mentioned.

Or Thursday. The Minister has given an indication that he is quite willing to come and discuss the proposals well in advance of legislation.

Senator Bacik raised the question of food poverty. It is a matter we can raise with the Minister for Social Protection when she is in the House on Thursday. We join the Senator in wishing that young Pakistani girl a speedy and complete recovery and condemn the people responsible for that deplorable act.

Senator O'Neill called for a debate on fluoride in water. Certainly we will try to arrange that debate, which has been requested previously. The Senator also noted the birthday of Michael Collins. It is good to see that he is being commemorated properly but this was not always the case.

Senators Moran, Brennan, Paul Coghlan and Barrett commented on the North-South Interparliamentary Association and its meeting here in this House on Friday last. The Senators have welcomed the fact that An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for the bridge linking counties Louth and Down at Narrow Water. I imagine that project will be welcomed on all sides.

Senators Henry and Comiskey have commented on Stiefel Laboratories and the fact that the associated jobs will now be retained. This is to be welcomed and I note the comments of both Senators in this regard.

Senator Comiskey commented on the N4. Perhaps the matter could be tabled by the Senator as an Adjournment matter and he could get an up-to-date report.

Senator Hayden and others, including Senators Noone and Conway, commented on the conference of the Irish Banking Federation and I note their points in this regard. The issue of distressed mortgage holders is a serious matter and I imagine we will have many hours of debate on it when we deal with the Personal Insolvency Bill in the House. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Hayes, have dealt with the issue of mortgage arrears. I agree with Senator Hayden that we should continue to receive updates on the matter as regularly as possible and I will try to arrange that.

Most of the other Senators dealt with the area of local government. Senator Mullins remarked on the 170 new vehicles for the Garda Síochána. I imagine this will be welcomed by all. It is of paramount importance to the force which has made strong representations to have the number of vehicles increased because of the poor quality of some in use. The provision of the new vehicles will be welcomed by all and they will provide the Garda with the necessary resources to combat crime.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the €440 million in savings with regard to drugs announced yesterday. The new deal over the next three years will mean a significant reduction in the cost of drugs for patients, a reduction in the drugs bill for the State, greater access to new cutting edge drugs for certain conditions and an easing of financial pressure on the health service in future. All of these will be welcomed by all Members and the public.