Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

That is right.

Senator John Paul Phelan mentioned that a consultant psychologist position in Kilkenny is vacant. He asked about the status of the Hanly report. The Senator also asked me to raise with the Minister for Education and Science some concerns which have been highlighted in respect of Down's syndrome. I have not heard about any curtailment of the hours given to the education of people with Down's syndrome. I do not mean to dismiss the Senator's query when I say this specific topic would be suitable for an Adjournment debate.

Senator Feeney spoke about the emotion she felt when watching last night's "Prime Time Investigates". One could not have watched it without feeling intense emotion. When one considers what some parents are going through, it is clear those of us who have reared children who turned out all right are lucky. Senator Feeney also discussed obesity and anorexia. She is a member of the Joint Committee on Child Protection. It looks increasingly likely that there will be a referendum on the position of children in the Constitution. Programmes like the one we saw last night are useful in adding to the debate on such matters. When I watched the documentary last night, I wanted to start collecting money and doing things. I wondered what we all could do about it. I felt fired up about such awfulness.

Senator Paddy Burke referred to the under-funding of local authorities. Senator Lydon highlighted the need for children with mental health problems to benefit from intensive services if they are to turn the corner. I find it repugnant that young people are being placed in adult mental hospitals beside elderly people who have been in such hospitals for many years.

Senator Feighan asked who is regulating the health system. He mentioned a huge meeting in Roscommon last night about water services. Was he at the meeting in question?