John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

Senator Brian Hayes welcomed the announcement that was made by the Christian Brothers today in respect of St. Michael's national school in Inchicore. He spoke in general terms about the planning, development and construction of schools. He asked whether legislation is needed to ensure that schools are provided in newly-developed areas. He was joined by Senators Ormonde and Glynn in calling for the Minister for Education and Science to come to the House for a debate on the matter. I agree that such a debate would be welcome, as it would give the Minister for Education and Science, who was in the House recently, an opportunity to outline her policies in this regard. I will endeavour to arrange such a debate.

Senator Brian Hayes discussed a new phase of criminal activity, involving car trafficking, in the Dublin area. Senator Terry also spoke about that issue. Senator Hayes asked me to convey to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposal that vehicle recognition systems, like those in Northern Ireland, be installed in Garda patrol cars. I will be happy to communicate that worthy proposal to the Minister, Deputy McDowell.

Senator O'Toole spoke about the Neary report in the context of Judge Maureen Harding Clark's report on her return visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. While we join Senator O'Toole in congratulating Judge Harding Clark on the report she compiled, which was debated in full in this House, it would be remiss of us not to refer to a similar report in which Mr. Tom Flynn, who is the assistant national director of the Health Service Executive, responded to some of the points made in the Neary report.

I do not want to detract in any way from what Judge Harding Clark has said, or undermine in any way the report she has produced, but it is fair to recognise and acknowledge what Mr. Flynn said this morning. He pointed out that action has been taken by the HSE. The development of a new national epidemiology centre in Cork was announced within three days of the publication of the Neary report. The appointment of an executive management board was approved within two weeks of the publication of the report. Doctors have been informed of the timeframe within which the board will be put in place. They have been put in touch with their counterparts in other hospitals in which similar boards are in place. A national review of maternity services is under way and is due to be completed in June. The HSE's action may not have been taken as quickly as people would have liked, but it is right that it is working to a timeframe in conjunction with the medical practitioners. We have to consider the issue in its entirety.

Senator McCarthy raised the same issue. I think I have dealt with that. He also spoke about the Tánaiste's non-attendance at this week's conference of the Irish Nurses Organisation.