David Norris (Independent)

I join with Senator Brian Hayes in calling for a debate on the children's hospital. Senator Feeney was inaccurate in what she told the House; I am sure it was unintentional. I raised this issue immediately upon learning of it. I did so in light of the fact that there were calls from a group of senior consultants asking that an international peer review panel be established. It would not have caused a big hold-up, it would only have taken three weeks to review the criteria. This was not done.

Archbishop Neill has commented on the issue. As archbishop, his statements have invariably been moderate, considered and balanced. It is important to listen to him when he speaks on an issue like this. We cannot be coerced into agreement. While I believe in the separation of church and State, we need to listen when someone like Archbishop Neill speaks in such tones.

The children's hospital was closed down and amalgamated with Tallaght Hospital. Undertakings were given at the time but these have now been broken. There is no doubt that this will be a considerable loss to the surrounding area. I live next door to the Mater Hospital and we are living in a traffic jam. Any idiot can see that it is easier to get to Tallaght. If I had any children it would suit me to have the Mater Hospital upgraded and I do not begrudge anything that is brought to the north side of the city.

It is sometimes said that there is no religious boundary in the provision of treatment. This is incorrect and the Mater Hospital is a classic example of this. I raised this when cancer treatment was withdrawn from women on spurious grounds——