Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach. As I read it, the Travers report made recommendations which if implemented would mean that maladministration would not be repeated. Senator Mooney called for a debate on emigrants and asked if that would be suitable when we return after the recess. Senator Norris said there was clear evidence of IRA criminality. If there was any doubt about that, the IRA laid it out, which was interesting. Due process is what the McCartney family is seeking. Senator Norris questioned, as we all do, the "100th anniversary" celebrated by Sinn Féin. What Senator Mansergh said was good. Former Deputy Seán McEntee and Eamon de Valera outlined with great clarity what they would not stand over. We need that same moral clarity now.

Senator McHugh asked why particular hospitals were singled out for the health and safety review. I do not know, but we can raise the matter with the Department of Health and Children. He also mentioned the excellent RTE programme broadcast at 9.30 a.m. about fiddle playing in Donegal. Senator Maurice Hayes noted the murderous IRA statement. He also asked in which hospitals the MRSA bug was prevalent. He referred to the huge cost of taking children into care, an issue discussed in this House yesterday. There may be more to that particular case than we know.

Senator Bannon rightly said that the IRA statement sent shock waves through the community and that we need to tighten up security in this State. He also called for a debate on housing and for clarity on the disabled person's grant. I did not hear that the grant might be means tested. I dealt with two applications last week and that issue did not arise.