Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane also referred to Professor Drumm and orthodontic waiting lists. He spoke about the categories for treatment, A or B. The idea of including orthodontic treatments under the National Treatment Purchase Fund is a good one. Treatment is delayed and when children are examined after waiting two and half or three years, treatment is sometimes found to be unnecessary, although that is not always correct. Orthodontics should be included in the NTPF. I met the Tánaiste yesterday on her way out of this House and raised this matter with her because a case had just been brought to my attention.

Senator Mooney referred to tensions between librarians and researchers. He then spoke about the media and the code of conduct. Yesterday the Senator asked about the privacy Bill and the defamation Bill and I announced that they will be published as Seanad Bills and dealt with in this House. The Senator also referred to children being subjected to television advertising which is making them plump because they are eating the wrong foods. He called for a code of conduct to cover that area.

Senator Norris called for an ongoing, monitoring debate on health. He said he would normally have supported SIPTU but is now horrified by what is happening at the airport today.

Senator Lydon argued that An Taisce has done a lot of valuable work in the past but now has become a busybody and not a reforming body. Senator Coghlan referred to the financial services ombudsman and the fact that 50% of complaints to the bureau were upheld. However, not all financial houses accept the remit of the financial services ombudsman. The Senator called for a debate on this issue.

Senator White called for a debate on ageing. She paid the Cathaoirleach a great compliment and apologised for any naughtiness in which she had engaged.