Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes to ensure a driver is available to the State Pathologist at all times. A total of €45 million was spent last year on the out-of-hours doctor service, which includes the provision of drivers for every doctor and new vehicles. Given that this service is available for doctors visiting sick people, a similar service should be available for the State Pathologist who must do a difficult job in gruesome circumstances.

I welcome the Taoiseach's visit to Madrid to discuss the EU constitution and the official status of the Irish language in the Union. We discussed the issue and it has the full support of the House. Let us hope Ireland and other countries who are seeking official status for their languages can make progress. Senator Ryan should note people have the opportunity to learn Irish every day, including young children attending gaelscoils.