Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support the comments of Senator Ryan and those of Senator Norris – with whom I am in agreement for the second time this week – in regard to the Railway Procurement Agency. The Minister should be commended because he took the initiative to involve the Spanish and draw a comparison with their experiences, thus giving rise to the potential savings.

I agree that the future of the Railway Procurement Agency must be in serious doubt. Unfortunately, this is symptomatic of a total disregard across the public services for any commitment to obtaining value for money. I am disappointed that we have not had a debate on value for money in terms of capital and public expenditure in the public service, particularly as I have requested such a debate on three occasions. I again appeal to the Leader to have an early debate on this subject. Such a debate would provide an ideal opportunity for the House to leave party politics aside and lead the way in respect of this matter.

I support Senator Brian Hayes's request for a debate on the Offences Against the State Act 1998 and its draconian provisions and the stark contrast between the security forces in the South, which are taking all the necessary steps, and those in Northern Ireland, which are going in the opposite direction.

Will the Leader give way to calls for a debate on the health strategy and the health reports? If we want value for money, it can be sought in a range of areas, including the health services and local government. Professor Brennan's comments about consultants' contracts and all the vested interests and professions call into question much of the public comment on the strategy to the effect the removal of councillors will, in some way, benefit the health services. If the vested interest of the professions were removed and we made the health services accountable to councillors at local level, we would be going in a better direction.