John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Matters relating to this were discussed earlier at a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights but I had to attend to ensure a quorum. Such issues should be debated at this forum and I hope those responsible will attend to debate them.

The Leader dealt in detail with the matter of risk equalisation yesterday. There is no proposal to privatise the VHI. There is a proposal to make it a commercial semi-State company which is a separate matter. It would also be to the benefit of patients and consumers if there is genuine competition in this market and more than one operator can operate profitably in it. The Tánaiste has spelt that out.

I would not have thought Senator Norris has any need for a telephone. He can broadcast quite capably without one. For that reason I am not surprised it has taken so long for his telephone to be repaired.

Senator Leyden overestimates the organisational powers of the Labour Party to suggest that it would orchestrate booing of the Taoiseach in Croke Park.