I have just been informed of a worrying development from a person who, like me, has raised funds for good causes. Dunnes Stores has banned all animal charities from collecting in its stores nationwide. Apparently, it is not willing to discuss its new decision with anybody. It is also unwilling to talk to Joe Duffy about it and will not give any good reason for its decision.

Does the Senator have a question for the Deputy Leader?

Yes. At the same time the company sells dog food, cat food and other pet products but it is not interested in contributing to the welfare of these animals. I have been in touch with organisations like the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ISPCA, and the ASPCA. These organisations survive solely on voluntary contributions, donations and fund-raising. For them to achieve their goals, they need access to stores like Dunnes Stores. I call on the Deputy Leader to ask the Minister of State with responsibility for small business to find out why the store has taken the decision. There does not seem to be a logical reason for it.