Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Browne asked when the legislation relating to the case of elderly patients who were charged for long-stay residential care will come before the House. Senator Browne observed that the number affected, at 2,026, is significant. I suggest that leaders of the other parties meet me immediately after the Order of Business to decide what time is needed for discussion of the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2004. We need to move away from shadow-boxing and ascertain the plan for tomorrow and possibly next week.

Senator Quinn spoke about the two recent health reports and observed that few countries have stocks of the anti-viral drugs necessary in the case of an epidemic. The Senator is correct and it is an important issue. Senator McHugh spoke about volunteerism and administered a small pat to his own back.