Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I did not expect to speak so soon after Senator Boyle's speech. I call for a debate in the House on the report of the constituency commission. I understand the Minister has said he will allow debate on the legislative stage in both Houses, but it is time for the House to debate the issue in a measured manner. One must question, for example, the manner in which Limerick county and city have been torn to shreds by the boundary commission. I noted that there were more than 300 submissions on the website yesterday, most of which referred specifically to County Leitrim. Nothing has yet been done to restore Leitrim to its previous glory in electoral terms. The report is important and the constituency commission carries out an important function, but its work should be debated in the House. I accept the argument that we must keep politicians away from such a politically sensitive issue, but we need to examine the role the commission plays in carving up our constituencies. The Leader fell victim to one of the reports of the commission previously, and I know he would agree to a broad debate on the issue.

I read with dismay this morning that due to Health Service Executive, HSE, cutbacks, some people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, MS, are being denied home care packages. This is as a result of budget restrictions. The HSE has refused to accept this is the case, but people in the MS society have told us it is. It is alarming that people with such a debilitating and serious illness are being denied home care packages. Will the Leader arrange for a debate to establish whether this is the case? If it is, will the HSE stop delivering a spin on it?