Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Yesterday, five bombs exploded in Spain. I am pleased to note that no one was injured and that warnings were given by the Basque separatists. However, it is a reminder to us of the 30 years of similar occurrences in this country. Given that Senators Mansergh and Brian Hayes spoke today about the opportunity offered by events in the North, I believe it is time we once again had a debate on Northern Ireland. I am not sure that in the past this House was the right place at the right time to have such a debate but I believe it is now. We should place that debate high on the agenda.

Yesterday, pathologists in a Cork hospital wrote to their patients to inform them that due to a dispute between the pathologists and the VHI, the VHI would no longer pay the pathologists. Patients have invested for many years in VHI and could be caught by surprise by this development. It might only apply to one hospital and only to the pathologists but the Minister for Health and Children should investigate this to put at rest the minds of those patients who might be concerned about the lack of service that will occur if this matter is not solved immediately.