Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

Many Senators have attended the emotive and highly charged public meetings arising from the Hanly report. The European working time directive, which will have the effect of closing many hospitals around the country, is due to come into effect next summer. In view of our imminent Presidency of the EU, I particularly urge Members from the Government parties to ask the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, to seek an extension of the directive for at least two years. This would show good faith in trying to resolve some of the problems regarding the Hanly report.