Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Cummins spoke of the IRFU development of the Lansdowne Road rugby stadium and asked that the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, attend the House. The Senator also drew attention to the sad death from legionnaire's disease of a female patient in Waterford and asked that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, comment thereon.

Senator Jim Walsh raised various issues including insurance rates, bank interest and loan rates, and price controls for the medical, dental and legal professions. He made the fair point that the non-productive segments of life are overwhelming the productive segments with costs. That is a fair point. Senator Walsh also asked if the Committee on Procedure and Privileges could look into the compellability issue and he has made a formal request about this. Senator Henry noted the potential dangers for young children in care. The health boards act in loco parentis for all of us. I do not know the circumstances of the cases involving the two young girls mentioned by the Senator, or when and how they became pregnant. I will ask the relevant Minister to attend the House to provide some clarification of these sad events.

Senator Leyden spoke of the Barron report. With his colleague Senator Feighan he also took up the cudgel on behalf of Boyle's claim as a town suitable for the decentralisation programme. Senator Leyden spoke of being muzzled but I will not go into that.