Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I support Senator McHugh's comment on the new health authority areas. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Health and Children to come back to the House following her impressive performance last night to outline to us what will be the arrangement in terms of staffing for the four new health authorities as compared to the previous 11 health boards and if there will be job losses. This is a grave concern for the staff of health boards.

In my area of Carlow-Kilkenny the community care headquarters at St. James's Green is to be downgraded, which has given rise to fears of job losses. Meaningful reform would undoubtedly bring about job losses; otherwise, staff will have to be redeployed.

Regarding a debate on sport, Members will agree that Irish people love all sports, including GAA and soccer. While Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped we should play our international games in a proper stadium and treat our own supporters and visiting ones to proper facilities such as those Irish fans availed of in the Stade de France last week.