Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support other Senators who called for a debate on the west, particularly in light of the report launched yesterday, Rural Ireland 2025. I agree with Senator Kitt, that the west is alive and well. We acknowledge the great progress and work of this and the previous Government. It is time for a serious debate on agriculture in the west.

I congratulate the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, on creating places in midwifery and paediatric nursing. Leaving certificate students will have direct entry into both of those specialties. Those places will come on stream in September 2006. We have debated this matter in this House and those places will address the serious shortage in those specialties. I congratulate the Tánaiste on creating them.