Senator Michelle Mulherin raised the issue of slurry spreading. There are several issues linked to it, including animal welfare and the impact on the environment. I hope the relevant Minister will look at granting a derogation.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan referred to town and regional councils, of which a review is taking place. He is stretching it a little when he blames the abolition of town councils for the fact that there are idle shops and no factories in many towns. He might look at his party's policies when in government which caused the recession that forced many shops and factories to close. However, I accept his point on the need for a return of some town councils. In the budget there is an allocation to expand national rural development schemes, an additional €8 million for town and village regeneration projects, with the maintenance of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector.

I have already answered Senator Colm Burke on the initiation of Bills in the House.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh raised the issue of Ulster Bank and Cerberus. I will be happy to have the relevant Minister come to the House to discuss it.

Senators Frank Feighan and Brian Ó Domhnaill made good points on the issue of transport. It is important that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, come to the House to discuss it. My office has submitted a request in that regard.