Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ó Murchú referred to the Leas Cross report. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, will be delighted that a number of Sir Galahads in the House came to her defence earlier. The Minister's hands are tied and we are aware that patients feel vulnerable. As soon as she is free to release the report, it will be debated in the House. Senator Henry saw the legal advice relating to this matter and is aware that it cannot be dealt with in the normal manner. People's rights must be vindicated. The reputations of the elderly and those who care for them should not be sullied.

Senator Henry also referred to Ethiopia and a judge's report to the effect that a massacre took place there. She asked me to bring to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs that Ethiopia is one of Ireland's priority countries.

Senator Kitt referred to a bank in Wexford that is targeting children with inducements and thereby hoping to encourage them to become customers. Children are somewhat young to be exposed to such behaviour. The bank in question is closing branches throughout the country and I heard earlier that it is closing half its branches in the UK. Those in charge of the bank want to express their macho tendencies and are doing so by closing branches.

Senator McHugh is seeking an ongoing debate on energy. We discussed that matter recently. The Senator also referred to the interconnector between Wales and Wicklow.

Senator Feeney called for people to be reasonable regarding the Leas Cross report, the legal advice in respect of which she has seen, and the good names of members of staff. She stated that we must be patient until matters become clearer. There are some well-established nursing homes and we cannot equate them all with Leas Cross.

Senator Quinn referred to the competitiveness report and stated that we have become too cocky and confident. The Senator also referred to the plague of graffiti on new buildings and walls and stated that this is unsettling.

Senator Morrissey referred to the regulator and his role in the ongoing dispute with taxi drivers. I was under the impression that the dispute was over.