Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I congratulate the parties involved at St. Andrew's, especially the Taoiseach for his part in bringing about the agreement. This is not an agreement in the sense we generally understand. It is more a syllabus for examination that the parties are now invited to pass. They should be left to themselves and we should respect people working under great pressure and difficulty. Senator O'Toole made a case for having a debate but the language he used made the case for not having a debate. It is not helpful to refer to antics or refer to people as if they were in a zoo. These people must negotiate with each other and with their own people at the same time. The next few weeks will be crucial and after that, the House can debate the matter.

Regarding the discussion of the National Children's Hospital, I am less concerned about its location than the need for it to be open to all on an ethical basis that everyone can accept. It should not be limited to practices based on a fairly narrow interpretation of Catholic medical ethics. I concur with Senator O'Meara's remarks. As Members are aware, I have an interest in this issue and believe it would be worthwhile setting aside time for a debate on it.

Over the weekend, we learned about the location of speed cameras, which I welcome. Many speed cameras are located along the Border, which brings me back to a point made by Senator McHugh and I in the past. When will an agreement be signed which will allow penalty points to be recognised and applicable on both sides of the Border? People on either side of the Border have a peculiarly cavalier attitude to driving on the other side.