Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ormonde spoke about the Marino Institute of Education and about Naas.

Senator Norris sought an open-ended debate on the report of the Lourdes hospital inquiry. He stated that no further task force on accident and emergency was needed. I fully agree. He also asked that we take a continued interest in the rendition debate.

Senator Kitt stated that more hospital beds are necessary. I think so too and yet Professor Drumm got a riposte from the Department of Finance when he raised this matter. Senator Kitt said there was no more need for theory. I agree, particularly in the case of the lady who was pushing it last night.

Senator Feighan feels strongly about crime and about what will happen if there is not a response to this issue soon with the way young men in housing estates are fuelled with and high on alcohol, cocaine and other drugs,. There must be a personal response too. It is a matter for society. It is a family matter and an educational matter. It affects us all within the community. I do not know whether armed response units are the answer. It might be too easy to say that. An armed response could be deadly in every sense of the word and other mayhem may arise.

Senator Moylan asked for the Tánaiste to come here. He spoke of the abuse of accident and emergency and wished to debate the report on sudden cardiac death. Senator Quinn supported Senator O'Toole's Bill and sought a debate on water quality.

Senator Ó Murchú asked that the Minister for Education and Science come to the House to debate the situation in the Marino Institute of Education. I heard her yesterday too but there is still something very wrong there.

Senator Terry sought a debate on the pensions board report. We will be taking the Social Welfare Bill the week after next but she wants a separate debate on the pensions report, and I agree.

Senator Glynn agreed with Senator O'Toole about the Garda and sought a debate on accident and emergency services. He sought a debate on the additional services which have been introduced under the Tánaiste's, which was a good point, and I agree. The most graphic issue concerns accident and emergency services. We see the people affected and hear the stories by letter and e-mail — I received two this morning. Notwithstanding the nature of accident and emergency services, significant additional services have been provided. The cancer debate is moving forward and other issues are too. We know that and it will be useful. Senator Henry sought a debate on water quality.

Senator Hanafin sought a debate on the Middle East, particularly Iran. He stated there is an inevitable outcome to the Iran debate; with America in the middle of it, I agree that there will be only one outcome.

Senator Cummins sought a debate about accident and emergency services. Senator Browne raised the issue of defibrillators. He raised that matter of the sudden cardiac arrest report last week. Many clubs are seeking to get defibrillators as standard equipment. He also spoke of the whistleblowers' Bill.