Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I support the call for a debate on the future of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta as well as on Government policy generally on privatisation and the future of semi-State companies. Under pressure, we passed legislation on Aer Rianta before the summer which indicated a certain policy line by the Government. It appears that policy line has now completely changed. It is important for us to know what Government policy is, assuming the Government knows itself. We should also be allowed to hold a clear and wide-ranging debate on the future of our semi-State companies with particular reference to the air transport industry which forms such a critical aspect of our economic development and status. This is only one example of the lack of clarity on Government policy which exists following the Cabinet reshuffle.

Last week, I asked for a debate on health policy. Has the Leader managed to make progress on that issue? This morning we have seen implications that the Minister for Health and Children is squaring up for a stand-off with hospital consultants while we remain unclear as to the future of the Hanly report. As I stated last week, many communities around the country are very concerned about the future of their hospitals. At a minimum, they are entitled to know the thinking of the new Minister for Health and Children on the subject.

Will the Leader consider providing time for a debate on an aspect of policy on children following the publication of a report by Barnardos last week which was compiled in conjunction with the Children's Research Centre? The report studied the phenomenon of children acting as carers and registered a growing concern about its impact on them. On brief consideration of the report, the first thing that emerges is that we have no information in this country on the number of children acting as carers in their families. We should take time to discuss this very valuable and worthwhile report.