Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Jim Walsh, who is a parishioner in the diocese of Ferns, praised the courage of the victims and called for an examination of how the PSNI deals with cases of alleged child abuse. It might be not be wise to have a debate now when everyone is so emotional. Cooler heads might lead to a cooler debate. Senator McCarthy spoke of his horror and indignation, praised Colm O'Gorman and Bishop Eamonn Walsh and asked when an investigation into the Archdiocese of Dublin would begin.

Senator Glynn spoke of his horror and revulsion at the findings of the Ferns report and mentioned that there are good priests, nuns and brothers but that there must be no hiding place for those who abuse children. He also spoke about the shortage of general practitioners. I understand that the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, brought plans to the Cabinet to increase the intake of students in schools of medicine in the next academic and that the Cabinet has agreed to them.

Senator McHugh also mentioned the Ferns report and praised the Donegal man of the year, Fr. Sweeney. Senator Henry spoke about the abusers. I was terribly struck by the section of the report that stated that young girls thought what was happening to them was part of the preparations for their first holy communion. That shows how innocent their minds were. I will make inquiries to the Department of Education and Science today to ascertain the number of schools offering the Stay Safe programme.

Senator Browne called for a debate on the division of the country for the purposes of industrial grants. He also spoke about local health forums.

Senator Quinn spoke about people in charge of children. He has knowledge of this area from his experience of providing "play houses" in some of his stores. He spoke about the need to be careful and to check with the Garda Síochána.

Senator Feighan asked me to invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to debate nursing home subventions and the budgetary considerations in that regard. I assure the Senator that nobody will be put out on the street from a nursing home in the depths of winter.