Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I agree that we have great sympathy for our colleague, the Minister, Deputy Micheál Martin, Mary and the family. They have our prayers, support and solidarity.

I also agree the incident yesterday as it affected the Minister for Health and Children was unfortunate, but I am glad to say she was at her desk very shortly afterwards making decisions and getting on with her job, leaving the consequences of it to the appropriate authorities. I am sure it will be followed up on in due course.

The matter referred to by Deputy Kenny is being examined in thorough detail by the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Barry Andrews, who will be reporting to the Government in due course. It is a matter of high priority for him. The area is very involved and, as I stated on Question Time last week, the issues arising concern constitutional amendments, for which every word and sentence must be examined, as must every foreseen and unforeseen consequence. A very long draft proposal was made by the committee and I have commended it for its work on many occasions. It is the responsibility of Government to ensure we thoroughly examine it and come back to the House for further discussion if necessary.

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