David Norris (Independent)

I also support Senator Brian Hayes's comments regarding the Mater Hospital's attack on the former cancer patient. This issue raises a serious problem. A good article by Mary Rafferty in today's edition of The Irish Times points out that previously, the same hospital had problems when its ethical committee, from a narrow sectarian point of view, prevented people from getting cancer treatment drugs. She investigated the members of the board, one of whom is a Sister of Mercy and is the person who was responsible for negotiating the disgraceful deal on compensation.

The Mater Hospital will be the location of the new children's hospital. I raised this issue some time ago and Members must reconsider this matter. It is outrageous that individuals should be subjected to such pressure from a legally bullying and factually inaccurate letter from a firm of Dublin solicitors.

I was amused to hear Senator Brian Hayes again raise the subject of Seanad reform. It would be great if he was serious in this respect.