John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

That is undesirable and should not happen. Hopefully the legislation going through at present will deal with such issues. I bow to Senator Feeney's knowledge on these matters because she has a great deal of expertise in the area and I agree with her comments on consultants.

Senator Dooley raised the paucity of occupational therapists but I do not know the answer. Senator Ulick Burke questioned the availability of drugs. My hospital once prescribed a specific drug for me but my general practitioner prescribed a generic, which is much cheaper. That is not to say anybody should be denied a drug that can be sourced more cheaply elsewhere but it merits a debate.

Senator Morrissey asked about Transport 21 and the State Airports Bill, as did Senator Dooley. We will try to find out when the Bill is due before this House.

Senator Cummins asked about the 2% levy on insurance policies. I cannot answer the specific question but will try to ascertain the facts. On the face of it, the levy seems inappropriate. In passing, I compliment Senator O'Toole on the achievement of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, which an independent study found has saved €24 million in legal fees in the past year, which is expected to rise to €48 million this year.

Senator Mooney asked about dormant accounts but I am not aware of the specific details of the situation in Leitrim. We will see if we can arrange a debate on the accounts generally.

Senator Feighan queried the merging of the partnership and Leader programmes, the latter of which has been one of the great successes in rural Ireland. I am aware of the particularly good job Arigna has done in that part of the country. We will try to get specific answers.

Senator Ó Murchú asked about missing persons and referred to the experience in St. Louis. I know of two Irish people who have not been found. The suggestion of a special unit to deal with the matter is a good one.