John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I join with my colleague, Senator Bradford, in asking for a full, open, transparent and independent inquiry into the inaction of the Attorney General's office last week and the preceding week. The Taoiseach will make an announcement, in anticipation of which Senator Jim Walsh expressed his views, but it is vital that such an inquiry would be independent. This side of the House hopes that will be the case.

I did not hear the interview given by Deputy Ferris referred to by Senators Minihan and Quinn in respect of the killing of Detective Garda McCabe. It is shocking and repugnant that a Member of the Lower House would make such a comment. His comments on local radio and how unacceptable and inappropriate they are should be brought home to everyone. This House should call on him and anyone with knowledge of what occurred this day ten years ago to make contact with the Garda Síochána as soon as possible.

Senator Norris raised the important issue of the national children's hospital, as possible political interference has been mentioned in the media. Irrespective of whether there was any, we must be clear about the criteria on which the decision to locate the hospital at the Mater Hospital was based. The site at St. James's Hospital is four or five times larger and better suited to future expansion and improvement than the site at the Mater Hospital. The primary reason the latter was chosen was because the project could be done more quickly. There is some merit in this criterion, but serious questions have been raised. We should debate the reason the site was chosen.

It would be remiss if no Senator from either side of the House took the opportunity to wish the best to those people who are sitting their leaving certificate and junior certificate examinations in 25° heat. I remember where I was this day nine years ago and am glad I do not have to face it again.