Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

It has been reported that the break-up of Aer Rianta is to involve a write-down of €110 million in assets and we are learning of a rift in the Cabinet between the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan. The two reports which have been issued essentially state that there are too many unanswered questions, no objective verifiable assessments and no proper projections. When might the Leader get the Minister, Deputy Brennan, to attend the House for a proper discussion on the issue? Everyone is in the dark. I do not want to mention the hotels groups to the Leader this morning, but they are absolutely in the dark.

I support everything Senator Finucane said. With regard to what Senator O'Meara said, I raised this matter before and I believe the Leader looked on it favourably. Regarding those on the income threshold for medical cards, the truth is, as the medical organisations have pointed out, that many more medical cards should be issued to people in need.