Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I wish to express my horror and revulsion at what is disclosed in this report. I have not had time to read it in full, but it makes horrendous reading. I agree with the comments of Senators Norris and Walsh about all the good priests, brothers and nuns who do a tremendous job. This is an opportunity to separate the wheat from the chaff. The report brings into focus the vulnerability of children placed in the care of the people portrayed in the report. There can be no hiding place for them. They must be dealt with effectively in a manner that will demonstrate to all who might consider behaving that way that such conduct will not be tolerated.

We have a serious situation with regard to the shortage of general practitioners, as Senator Henry has said previously. There is a cap on the number of Irish doctors that can be admitted to training annually, approximately 300. Significant problems arise in the community care and general practice areas with regard to the availability of doctors. I ask for debate on this issue. I know a report is imminent. The sooner it is issued and adopted by Government, the better. A serious situation exists. Some patients cannot get onto a general practitioners' panel.