John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I am sorry. It was also raised by Senator Norris. I would hate to leave out the Senator. This matter was dealt with by a group within the HSE which acted independently and reached a decision which, I agree with Senator Maurice Hayes, was objective. Obviously, some will not be pleased with the decision but it has been made. The most important aspect of this matter is that it needs to be dealt with quickly and efficiently. We need the new hospital as soon as possible, wherever it is located.

Senator Browne referred to the HSE. I agree that we should have a general debate on the HSE. However, with regard to the matter of the HSE north-eastern area, if a body overspent by €10 million, I do not understand how it can be represented as a cutback if the body had been asked not to use funding in a certain way. It seems that over the years the health boards which were the most prudent in managing their funds were most heavily penalised while those which acted irresponsibly and overspent got away with it. There is something to be considered in that respect. A matter arises with regard to funding in general, which can be dealt with.

I commend the makers of the television programme screened last night on the murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe and the attempted murder of Garda Ben O'Sullivan because it shone a light where it needed to be shone, and did so in a professional, non-speculative way. It produced facts, unlike some of the comments we have heard today, which were in the realm of speculation. Senators Minihan, Henry, Quinn, John Paul Phelan, Fitzgerald and Cummins are correct on this matter. It is astonishing that the so-called authorised person cannot be identified and it was astonishing to hear Mr. Adams and Deputy Ferris speaking out of both sides of their mouths.

One of the most chilling moments in the programme was when Ann McCabe stood up bravely at the meeting in America, which was attended by the president of Sinn Féin-IRA, and asked him the question about the unauthorised person. She was virtually shouted down. That was a chilling moment in terms of people's attitudes and their belief in the peace process. We must make sure democratic politics reclaims that space and that we, as was famously stated on one occasion, stand by the republic, and that we are republicans.

Senators Henry and Ó Murchú referred to the abuse of alcohol, a matter we have debated in the past and should debate in the future. Senator Henry made hard statements with regard to number of rape cases involving drink. In the context of last week's debate, there is an odd disconnection. It seems to be in order to abuse alcohol while under age but when it comes to sexual activity between young people, the whole country becomes hysterical. I do not understand these two poles within our opinion on the matter. Surely both activities are wrong, and that is the end of it.

I am not sure of the answer to Senator Henry's question on orthopaedic surgeons but it is a matter we can debate. Other Senators also commented on the health service, including Senator Browne, Senator Glynn, who referred to rheumatology, and Senator Ulick Burke, who referred to the issue of anti-psychotic drugs. The statistic Senator Burke quoted is frightening. It seems to be a matter of regulation within the institutions concerned, although there is an inspection service. The best way to deal with these matters is to include them all in one subject grouping in a debate on the health service. The Tánaiste has always been amenable to coming to the House to examine these matters in detail.

I agree with Senator Glynn's comments with regard to the apprehending of those involved in kidnapping people and in credit card scams. However, there is no evidence of any more or less illegal activity in the migrant community in this country than there is in the native population. Both communities have equal numbers of people who are prepared to act illegally.

Senator Quinn spoke about the recent drownings. It was a tragic situation. The words uttered over the weekend about respect for water and water safety are most important. I will make inquiries about the Garda water unit; I am not sure what is the answer to the Senator's question.

Senator Bannon spoke about the essential repairs and disabled people's grants schemes. The local authorities have a role in this area. A hugely increased amount of money was allocated to them recently. They should examine how they disburse those moneys and the speed with which it is done.