Mary Henry (Independent)

I too was very glad to see the unit to combat domestic violence established but I also share the concerns expressed by Senator Brian Hayes and Senator Terry about the lack of involvement of so many NGOs. I was at the launch of the organisation and the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Deputy Fahey, stated that the remit was not set in stone. I am sure that if representations are made to him they will be taken into account.

Yesterday was the Malaria in Africa Day, I attended a meeting of some members of the Malaria consortium in London last week. It was incredible to listen to the praise for Ireland's contribution, not just the financial but the moral support for the initiatives and for research both in Europe and Africa. I would be glad if the Leader would pass on this good news to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

During the passage of the legislation on the Medical Council and the Pharmacy Council, I expressed anxiety about having the details of registers put on the Internet, as confidentiality is very hard to maintain. Members may have seen, to the consternation of many people, that the details of medical students and young doctors appeared on the website of the British Department of Health. These young people who had been assured of confidentiality when they applied for jobs had their names, addresses, qualifications, sexual orientation — what has that to do with employment? — religion, e-mails and everything else published on the website yesterday. This was not corrected until yesterday evening. The number of people who could have downloaded the information and used it to blackmail or to threaten the person to provide drugs in the future is unknown.

The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, took on board my concerns on this issue and assured me that only the names of those on the register would be on the Internet. It is a very serious issue when the details of people who have access to drugs are published as it leaves it open to criminals or others to target them or their families. I would be grateful if the Leader should stress to the Department of Health and Children that the councils must ensure that nothing like this could happen in Ireland.