Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

That was my impression and we will see whether it will change in the next couple of months. Talking about Seanad Éireann keeping its eagle eye on foreign policy regarding Burma and the Middle East is almost as useful as keeping an eagle eye on the Russian Tsar in the early 20th century. We must be realistic about what we can achieve in this House. Whereas I do not necessarily agree with Senator Harris's "hang 'em high" theory, there is a need for robust debate on such matters if we are to be relevant. The same applies whether we are talking about education or justice. In the discussion on Garda Sherlock we must talk about what is actually happening in society, where gardaí are being shot by men who do not want to be caught with a stolen car. There has been a complete breakdown in some parts of our society in respect for law and order. We must articulate the views of people who live in affected communities and who already feel they are living in a place like Burma when such an event happens as they go to work in the morning.

Among debates that will crop up in this House in the near future is one on cancer services. The new Tsar to be appointed to cancer services has decided there will be only eight hospitals with cancer services. How will we talk about those issues?