Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I call for a debate on rheumatology services. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, of which I am a member, recently received a deputation which outlined the shortcomings in the area of rheumatology. It is clear that the appropriately trained personnel and resources are available and the waiting time for treatment for those suffering from rheumatism and related conditions is totally unacceptable. I would ask that we debate this matter as soon as possible. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, is generous with her time in coming into the House and I am sure that debate will take place within a reasonable period.

I commend the Garda on its success in apprehending the gang of seven eastern Europeans. I know I might offend some people by saying they were not Irish because we have many such gangs of our own. This gang abducted two persons in Mullingar and was successful in extorting a sum of €5,000 for their release. The Garda apprehended that gang. This begs the following questions. Were they legal or illegal immigrants? If they were illegal immigrants, what is the process involved?

I commend the Garda's equal success in Cork in apprehending the gang indulging in a credit card scam. Clearly, all involved were also non-nationals. As I stated already, we have plenty of such gangs of our own. What sort of screening is done?