Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane pointed out that the Government promised to issue 200,000 medical cards during its lifetime, but that the number of medical cards has fallen. However, as Senator Glynn pointed out, this is because more people are employed and have better salaries. However, I take the point about incomes being just above the eligibility limit. Not a weekend goes by during which we do not encounter cases of individuals who are just €10 or €20 above the limit. This is such a minimal amount to warrant depriving one of a very good support. We will endeavour to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Finucane also referred to the Ombudsman and planning complaints. We all received copies of the Ombudsman's report and we hope to debate it the week after next. We cannot discuss it next week because we have to deal with Bills.

Senator O'Toole asked how the House would deal with a question of impeachment were it to arise. I feel very strongly that, irrespective of whether there is an immediate case, as parliamentarians we should know our rights and duties and how we should go about them. It is such an enormous constitutional matter and we are empowered by the Constitution to deal with it. I am glad the Cathaoirleach is meeting people, but everybody is a little in the dark because I believe the question of impeachment has never arisen. We need to know how we should carry out our duties and we require some clarity in this regard.

The Senator also said the Human Rights Commission has come out in favour of some of the points raised about the PIAB. I am glad this has happened.

Senator O'Meara referred to the need to clarify certain planning matters and also the need for more resources for compliance. County councils often tell one that they need more resources for compliance but I wonder if they could try harder. However, that is my just my view.

The Senator also referred to the failure to implement the child care recommendations. We should have a debate on the guidelines on child care. When a case arises which gives cause for much concern, people ask about the guidelines and about what was supposed to be done. We will endeavour to arrange this debate.

Senator Glynn is worried about jaywalking, a matter he raised before. I suppose pedestrians would say they are hard done by. I walk to and from the House on good days. I am afraid I am a great jaywalker if I get the chance because one must wait for traffic lights for what seems like a never-ending length of time. When I am driving I do not like people jaywalking but when I am walking, I do it myself. When in cities in the UK, Europe or elsewhere, I can never get over people's total obedience to traffic lights.