Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support what Senator Henry has said about the SARS epidemic and the fact that public health doctors are in dispute. The Minister for Finance has made it quite clear to the Minister for Health and Children that if he wants funding, it will have to come out of his own budget because the Department of Finance will not provide an extra allocation. If the dispute drags on, it will put the Special Olympics, which are only about six weeks away, in jeopardy. Clonmel is due to host a large delegation from Hong Kong. A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the travel plans of that and other Asian delegations. Public health doctors should be in place to ensure this event is a success. I, therefore, implore those responsible to take prompt action. If the dispute drags on, it will place in jeopardy all the hard work done by host committees in every community which have been planning to welcome the visiting delegations with great hospitality. The Special Olympics represent a huge event for Ireland on the international stage. I am, therefore, seeking a quick settlement of this dispute.

I also wish to support the call for a debate on crime. Last weekend the Progressive Democrats held a successful conference in Galway but the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was more concerned about the sexual implications of the Carlsberg advertisement than what occurred in Dublin when a young man from Sligo, Mr. Barry Duggan, was almost kicked to death in the street. How often have we raised in the House such matters which are an ongoing feature of society? As I said during statements on crime last week, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is remembered for Operation Hyphen last year concerning illegal immigrants. At the time, however, I described it as Operation Hype. The Minister promised to introduce over 30 pieces of legislation, yet not one has been enacted. It is time for action. It is grand for him to get his annual conference over with and have the troops re-energised but the country is calling out for leadership on his part which he should deliver.