Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is proposed to take statements on Shannon Airport next Wednesday following the Order of Business.

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the family of Tony Ryan and I pass on our condolences. He was one of Ireland's greatest men of all time. He transformed Ireland and gave us the opportunity to create the Celtic tiger. He achieved much in his lifetime and he has given generations an opportunity. He was an innovative person. Everybody who worked with Tony Ryan was motivated and uplifted and he was an inspiration to a country that experienced Third World conditions when he started out in 1975.

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, White, Healy Eames, Ó Murchú and Buttimer called for a debate on education and I will allocate time for this.

With regard to the comments by Members on the HSE, I will have to allocate further time to debate health issues. The Minister for Health and Children was in the House two days last week to bring us up to date on the situation at the time. The challenge she faces is formidable and she needs the backing and support of all colleagues. Up to €15 billion is allocated for health services annually and the way it is being spent is a serious concern to Members, some of whom have vast experience in the health services. Their views must be taken into account because they know what they are talking about. The issue is whether the State is getting value for money for its massive allocation to the HSE, whose running costs increased by 17% in the first eight months of the year. Mullingar Hospital is ranked No. 1 in the State for hygiene standards and No. 2 for value for money. Other hospitals that face difficulties should take a lead from the administrator and staff in Mullingar Hospital, where good people are doing a good job. I have no difficulty allocating time for a further debate on the HSE.

An all-party motion on Burma will be put on the Order Paper and I thank the leaders of the various groups for their co-operation and understanding. I congratulate the Minister for Foreign Affairs on his outstanding contribution at the United Nations last Tuesday in the name of the people of Ireland, of which I was proud. Many Senators will be proud of him because he did not put a tooth in his statement expressing the views and feelings of the people and Members of both Houses.