Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Deputies will be aware that for many years it has been the tradition that many Ministers, Ministers of State and the Taoiseach visit the Irish diaspora, as the former President, Mary Robinson, referred to them, and attend various events where Irish people are proud to celebrate our national holiday. It is true that I am not travelling. I would be gone by now if I were travelling to San Francisco. As there are huge issues for the Department of Health and Children, it is my duty to be in the Department tomorrow, and on Monday and Tuesday of next week to deal with them and work with the management team to deliver change and bring about a new situation in the future. For all these reasons, I do not agree with theDeputies.

The report is before the Joint Committee on Health and Children. I am sure the committee will spend considerable time discussing and considering the Travers report. It is the appropriate forum to deal with the matter. I have no doubt there should be further debates in this House on the implications of the Travers report. It is reasonable and proper that the Dáil should adjourn next week to facilitate Government representatives honouring commitments overseas.

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