Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Paddy Burke raised the deferral by the Western Health Board of the opening of the orthopaedic unit at Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar, with the result that patients have to go elsewhere for treatment. Senator Browne raised the importance of finding an alternative to oil as a fuel source given its rising cost — I wish there was one. He also requested that the Minister for Transport or another responsible Minister come before the House to discuss the effects of drugs in terms of accidents which are occurring in the early hours of the morning. Senator Feighan raised the issue of the financial services sector and also called on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House.