Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Brian Hayes's proposal. When the Hanly report was announced originally, at least Senator Leyden said it should be binned. It is interesting to note that the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, announced last night in reference to local hospitals that he supported the Hanly report's recommendations vis-à-vis Nenagh hospital. Therefore, Senator Leyden's comments may have been opportune and correct.

I support Senator McCarthy's point on the Irish Prison Service. In light of our discussions in the House on what has been taking place among the criminal fraternity in recent times, the statement of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on reducing the number of prisons came as a total surprise to many. It is very difficult to visualise the type of backdrop against which he made it. I know there is an ongoing battle between him and the Prison Service on overtime. The Minister is using excessive zeal in this instance – it is a case of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Given what is happening in Limerick and other locations, the sooner we have the Minister in the House to respond to specific questions, rather than having statements, the better. This would allow us to try to understand the mindset of the gentleman.