Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the matter of what he termed the golden circle of top brass within the Health Service Executive being eligible for massive amounts of overtime, and I take on board Senator O'Toole's point about the newspaper reports being correct. Overtime was a term I never heard of in the six Departments in which I worked. Secretaries General in those Departments worked all hours when necessary, with early mornings and late nights, but overtime never arose. There was a performance bonus, but that was a separate matter. I question whether the reportage is correct but if it is, the matter is an outrage.

Senator Brian Hayes joined Senator Norris, who raised the issue yesterday, in asking for a debate on the Abbey Theatre. It would merit a debate and I will endeavour to have the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, attend the House.

Senator O'Toole inserted a caveat on the accuracy of overtime reporting, which must be checked. Senator Ryan also referred to how wrong "overtime" reporting was. He spoke about the Polish woman who was refused an abortion and who received significant compensation after taking the matter to the European Court of Human Rights, which did not acknowledge the protocol to the Maastricht treaty in its decision. The precedent has been set. As the matter has received considerable coverage, should we not debate what the decision will entail? It was quite startling. I presume she took the case because she was refused an abortion in her own country. The Senator stated that it is about time the new rules of the road were issued.

Senator Cox moved an amendment seconded by Senator Bannon asking that the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform attend the House at 9.30 p.m. or when we finish our business to debate the recent judgment in a rape case. I will seek the Tánaiste's attendance, but I have not been able to leave the Chamber to do so, which I am sure Senator Cox understands. I agree with the amendment and I hope our party will vote for it. I thank the Senator for raising the matter, as it is in keeping with her ethos. When I say I will seek the Tánaiste, I cannot say I will get him. I want to be clear in that respect, as I do not want to be accused of misleading the House. I hope the House will accept my comments in good faith.