David Norris (Independent)

I bow to the Cathaoirleach's wisdom. I understand. I support the call for the debate on the health service, but I do not think it is merely a question of increasing funding. I whispered to my colleague, Senator Ross, "Have there not been massive increases?" and he said, "Triple — the budget has tripled". So the answer obviously is not money alone. I would caution against the type of media event we have seen. It is a media event involving portakabins, lockers and all that type of stuff. These are attractive as public consumption for listeners but they do not go anywhere towards addressing the real problem. If these portakabins, lockers, etc., are dumped there are all the problems as regards security, medical attention supervision and everything else to be considered. It is very facile, except as theatre.

It is the same type of thing, perhaps, as driving a bomb into Windsor Castle, with a cardboard box marked "Bomb". The Sun and those types of publications do it all the time. I do not believe it is serious, while there is a need for a proper debate.

As citizens we have a responsibility too. The behaviour of some citizens in accident and emergency departments is an outright scandal. It is a comment on our society if people have to get stand-ins to guard their cushions, pillows or whatever. Who are the people stealing them? What type of values have we got in this society, if this is so? What about the fighting and the drunken brawling that goes on? These people should be arrested. I do not believe it is just a question of belabouring a Minister. We should have a serious debate and accept our responsibility.

I have noticed with interest the debate on the GAA changing its rules and so on.