Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I do not agree that politicians should not have their say but this has nothing to do with the Mr. Walsh's untimely death. That should not have happened. As Senator Mansergh or some other Senator said, if one takes an oath to tend the sick or if one is at any level within the health service, one's endeavour is to save life and not wait for an order or a protocol about it. We cannot have a hospital, however, with all the necessary amenities in terms of infrastructure, both physical and human, in every small place. That is not possible and the patient is not well served if that is what comes out of this investigation.

We all endeavour to have the Hanly recommendations implemented. It would be to the good of all if these matters were clarified. We all agree that we should have centres of excellence but it is very difficult to have them if every area wants one. It is just not possible. That is not to take in any way from the sad death which has occurred; it is only a general comment. Senator O'Toole asked for information on Monaghan hospital and suggested the temporising measure of having statements tomorrow, which has been answered.

Regarding the Residential Institutions Redress Board and the Law Society, I remember a request that we have a debate after a year's activity. The legal profession has disgraced itself in this. Like everyone here, I count people in that profession among my closest personal friends. We discussed the matter informally over the weekend, and they feel as besmirched by what has happened as if they had been at it themselves, although they have not. The most dreadful aspect is that people at the end of their tether having gathered their courage to go before the board and tell their tales from long ago are being done as soon as they leave. Such disgraceful behaviour brings dishonour on all in the legal profession. I hope that crimes are investigated in this regard, since"thievery" is the proper term for taking money from someone in such a way, and I cannot understand why people should do it.

I join Senator Feeney in congratulating Joe Duffy on raising the issue. Mr. Duffy provides an extraordinary and very useful valve for people, who feel comforted that they can telephone him and hear their issue debated. The Law Society has moved swiftly. I have spoken to two such individuals who received cheques through the post to return money taken from them. We do not know if that was everything, but it has happened. Senator Feeney also expressed her sympathy for the family of Mr. Patrick Walsh.

Senator Ryan expressed his willingness to second the amendment proposed by Senator Brian Hayes. He wants a general debate on inequality, pointing out very vividly that there have now been two attacks on people in society deemed to have been treated unfairly, those dealing with the Residential Institutions Redress Board and Mr. Walsh. I do not know who would take that debate; perhaps it would be the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell.