Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader invite the Minister of Health and Children into the House for a debate on hepatitis C, as soon as possible in the new year? A group with an interest in combatting this serious condition addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children this morning. Its presentation was very worrying, especially for young people. This condition has serious public health implications and the director of public health in the Health Service Executive should take it on board.

As Senator Jim Walsh and others said this morning, drastic situations demand drastic measures. It is time to take off the gloves in dealing with criminals. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was right when he told the Judiciary that sentencing was something of a joke.