Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Scanlon raised the issue of nursing homes. He stated that if a person is in receipt of a private pension and is living alone, he or she should be just as eligible for the living alone allowance as those on social welfare. I agree.

Senator Ross seconded Senator Norris's proposal. He also called for a debate on broadband. He stated Ireland is becoming a dangerous place for foreign investment. That is not the case. The figures are available but people do not want to believe them.

Senator Browne referred to the filling of vacancies in the health services, particularly with regard to ADHD and the length of the waiting period to be seen by an educational psychologist, who can do a course in the UK in one year that would take three years here. Perhaps the course here is better but it is a very serious matter.

Senator O'Meara called for a debate on the health services. She stated that a hospital in Limerick ran out of trolleys and that the system needs more beds. The Senator also spoke about the future of multinationals in Ireland.

Senator Quinn called for a debate on banking, particularly the cartel which seems to appertain with regard to credit cards. We will endeavour to have that debate.