Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Scanlon gave a simple lesson on demand outstripping supply. No matter what free market we are in, it does not allow abuse of people. I know the Senator would not indulge in such practice.

I always admire Senator McHugh's passion on health issues. He raised an important cancer treatment issue in the House some time ago which led to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children deciding to work with cancer specialists in Belfast. This morning he pointed out that County Donegal has the highest incidence of multiple sclerosis and that many sufferers must come to Dublin for medical treatment, some with appointments as early as 9 a.m. Senator McHugh asked for liaison and a common sense approach to cancer and MS treatment between Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital and Donegal. It is a frequent and sensible suggestion from the Senator.

Senator Jim Walsh raised the issue of the self-regulation of the legal profession. A forthcoming Bill will provide for an ombudsman. He also spoke about immigration but I always believe the approach should be one of integrating immigrants.

Senator Coghlan asked for tighter consumer measures and suggested he would re-introduce First Stage of the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill. What has happened to the Bill? I said yesterday I would accept it. It is now up to the Senator to produce the Bill.