Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I commend the Irish Examiner on its investigation into child care services. Does the Leader agree it is incredible that a national newspaper should have to wait six months to obtain information, at a cost of thousands of euro in freedom of information requests, on an issue of concern to thousands of parents? Will the Leader allow a debate on the freedom of information legislation and on the provision of information from the Health Service Executive regarding child care facilities? There must be uniformity in terms of reporting and the follow-up of complaints in respect of such facilities. I join Senator Mary White in calling for an urgent debate on the confusion surrounding the community child care subvention scheme.

Will the Leader allow a debate on the provision of paediatric diabetes services, with particular reference to the HSE southern region, including Cork city?

I support the comments made by Senators Fitzgerald and Coghlan on the Government's speedy handbrake turn regarding learner drivers. The silence of Members on the other side of the House indicates they are embarrassed by the Government's handling of this issue. I raised the matter of the inadequate provision of public transport in rural areas on the Order of Business last week. With his senseless policy, the Minister almost removed the only means of transport for thousands of people in rural areas. Will the Leader agree to a debate on the provision of transportation links in rural areas and on the role of the Road Safety Authority? We have missed an opportunity to highlight the importance of road safety.