Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Last weekend the country heard from a Mrs. Lynch, the mother of a murder victim. This followed the controversy concerning the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen. The country owes a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Lynch for speaking so eloquently and articulately on the need to do something for victims who find themselves in this appalling situation.

Does the Leader of the House agree that it may well be a useful exercise for this House to establish a select committee to report to the House on how it may help victims who find themselves in this situation, with specific reference to the point made by Mrs. Lynch, namely, the right in law for victims to have prior notice of the temporary or permanent release of the person who has been convicted of the murder or manslaughter of the victim? The House should consider this matter and Mrs. Lynch has requested legislators on all sides to do so. She has also requested legislators to ensure that other victim supports are put in place. It is horrendous that such a situation can be visited on a family with all the appalling consequences yet no one contacts the family, supports the family or offers counselling. It is not just the case of Mrs. Lynch's family. Countless other cases exist where this set of circumstances has arisen. It would be useful if a select committee of the House could make a report to Government on legislative changes so that a new charter for victims could be put in place. Will the Leader consider this proposal in discussion with other colleagues in the next few days to see if this House can lead the way on this issue?

The news that BUPA Ireland is to be bought is very good news in terms of saving jobs in County Cork and for the continuance of competition in the Irish health care market. The claim by Mr. Quinn that he will be offered or given a three-year exemption on risk equalisation needs to be clarified. This is a matter for the regulator but I ask the Government to make statements on this matter to the House as early as possible to bring clarity to the issues which have been raised in the past 24 hours.