Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I support the previous speaker's request for a debate on the economic aspects of cross-Border communication, especially in the north-west, which would give a new dimension to the debate. The North-South bodies are still in existence, as are the economic problems, and such a debate would be most helpful.

I also support the request for a debate on the role of victims in society. As Senator Walsh suggested, this would be better in the context of the justice committee's report rather than in the present heightened atmosphere. I do not wish to comment on any recent cases, but they do give us an opportunity to reflect on what we all owe to juries and the service people give on our behalf. They are ordinary people dealing with extremely complex and disturbing situations.

I would welcome a debate on hospital policy generally. Much nonsense is talked about what patients want when, by and large, patients want to get better. It might be helpful if some statistics from small hospitals around the country were made known in order that we can learn where patients have a greater chance of getting better.

I am grateful to the Cathaoirleach for his ruling on Senator Dardis's point in regard to Croke Park. If he had not made it, I might have been tempted to sin against the Holy Ghost too.