Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The constituent will not be able to vote for Senator Bannon over there. Senator Finucane, the deputy leader of the Opposition, spoke about Operation Anvil, which was introduced to combat urban crime. He asked for a debate about criminal activity in Dublin and in urban areas generally, noting that there were four gangland deaths in 2004 and 17 so far in 2005. On the question of resources the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has said on a number of occasions that if resources are needed they will be provided, and that it is not a matter of not having them. Senator Finucane also noted that the previous Minister for Justice from his party, the former Deputy Nora Owen, was constantly criticised.

Senator Finucane also raised health issues and the HSE, and the cancelling of 10,000 operations. I understand how someone awaiting an operation and psyched up for it would feel if then told the operation was cancelled. I understand that the budget will tell a tale for elderly people and for operations. We will not have to wait too long for that.

Senator O'Toole said we have the best strike record in Europe, which is true, and noted that Irish Ferries is refusing to accept the outcome of the Labour Court process. Irish Ferries uses the term "outsourcing", which I also heard used on RTE. Displacing all the employment is not "outsourcing" and makes a nonsense of the word. The word is wrongly used, yet I have heard esteemed media labour commentators use it in that way. If one is sacking 500 people, that is some "outsourcing". It is a nonsense word in this context.

The concern over whether we will have a new programme for Government, and the long wait for it, is having a destabilising effect. There is no doubt it is affecting people.

Senator O'Toole also referred to the case of the Mayo farmer and expressed concern for all the parties involved. He questioned the wisdom of large organisations — we know the two involved — aligning themselves with the planned march in Athlone next Saturday. On balance, that alignment is not good. Everyone has sympathy for all parties involved, but the issue is very difficult. We are all bolstered by the law and the courts and we must go along with that process.

Senator McCarthy noted that the rainbow coalition Government was regularly accused with regard to crime levels, yet the crime figures now emerging are startling. He also asked if we should seek accountability in the health services from Professor Drumm or from the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and their Departments.

Senator Glynn referred to illicit drugs being traded in the foyer of St. James's Hospital, which is awful, and called for a debate. He also urged a debate on prostate cancer, men's health and diabetes. I hope we will have a general health debate next week on cancer and the oncology services because we are now seeing a roll-out of those services. I will ask for prostate cancer and diabetes to be covered.

Senator Glynn also asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law attend the House to talk of knife attacks. Tomorrow's Private Members' motion in the name of the Labour Party deals with juvenile crime, so there will be an opportunity to talk of crime in general to some extent.

Senator John Paul Phelan noted the gangland killings and called for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to attend a debate. He also called for a debate on biofuels. I am glad to tell him that the price of diesel has fallen to €1 per litre at the fuel station I called into today, which is amazing.

Senator Leyden drew attention to the levels of fear among the elderly and to the court case involving the Mayo farmer. He also addressed the non-domestic water rates issue. Senator Norris noted the rising tide of violence and the use of contract killers. One could be knifed in prison. He raised the Irish Shipping issue and that of Irish Equity, whose members earn only €7,000 per annum and are not allowed to be represented by unions.

Senator Kenneally spoke of American and British intelligence agencies vetting all telecommunications as a result of the 2000 Echelon agreement. That might be a suitable matter to raise on the Adjournment, but the Senator can decide.

Senator Cummins raised the issue of gangland killings, 17 of which have been carried out since 2004. He also called for debate on a dedicated transport system for cancer sufferers. The Tánaiste is meeting with the Northern Ireland health Minister in Belfast today to make arrangements that would permit cancer sufferers in County Donegal to travel to Belfast rather than face the journey to Dublin. I understood that a transport service for cancer patients is available. Is there not?