Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator is not here every day and neither am I, so I cannot fault him in that regard.

Senator Daly stated that there are some excellent nursing homes, particularly in his home county of Clare. The Senator also referred to charitable institutions, which rely on community involvement, and stated that these require proper funding. I agree with him in that regard.

Senator Ormonde agreed with Senator Kitt that a debate on standards in public office would be useful. Senator Dooley requested a debate on the issue of orthodontics. It is easy to know that the Senator is pounding the streets because this matter is continually arising on the doorsteps. Children who enter secondary school become very conscious of their appearance at 13 or 14 years of age but, at that stage, they are informed that they cannot be treated because they have entered second level education. No one has come to grips with the major problems relating to orthodontic treatment.

Senator Glynn supported Senator Kitt's comments on the banks and branch closures. The Senator also stated that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, is a role model. However, he called for the reintroduction of the visiting committees system.

Senator Hanafin raised the competitiveness issue in the context of energy.