Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I have been asked about the situation in Lea's Cross in recent weeks. I have been informed today by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that it followed up on the media reports on the Lea's Cross issue. The Garda has kept in contact with the DPP's office on the matter and on 14 June it was agreed that they would await receipt of the O'Donovan report commissioned by the HSE, at which juncture the issue of a full criminal investigation would again be examined.

Many Senators expressed their concerns about the final number involved in the investigation into diagnoses from Portlaoise, an increase from seven women to nine. There are concerns about women's confidence in BreastCheck and the other services being provided. An excellent service has always been provided and this unfortunate incident gives credit to the centres of excellence and to the assurance by the Minister to the House during her three hour contribution on Tuesday that all tests would be double checked from now on.

Senators Fitzgerald and Coghlan asked about the data that were lost in the post in Britain, warning that this could happen in Ireland. It could happen anywhere in the world and we should be alert to it. I will pass on the Senators' views to the relevant Department.

Senators O'Toole, Callely and Leyden expressed concerns about the situation involving the HSE and the pharmacists. I made this point to the Minister, as did Senator Keaveney, on Tuesday; we were the only people to mention it when the Minister was in the House. The Minister stated her position and outlined what could be done. There was to be an adjudication yesterday by an independent assessor that would be binding on both sides. Senator O'Toole's point, however, is important. When a union cannot represent its members because of another regulation, that regulation must be amended. We must discuss that and see what progress can be made.

The Minister and Professor Brendan Drumm are appearing before the Joint Committee on Health and Children at present and some Senators are already present at that meeting. Any Senator who wants an update on the pharmacy issue should go there after the Order of Business. New Members may not realise that they can contribute at a committee with the permission of the Chairman but cannot vote.

Senators Hannigan, Glynn, Boyle, Ó Murchú, Callanan and Ó Domhnaill all called for a debate on planning. I give a commitment to the House that I will arrange such a debate as soon as possible. Senator Boyle also raised the issue of the Environmental Protection Agency, which could be encompassed with the scope of the debate on planning.

Senator Regan asked for information on the death of an infant in 1973. I will ascertain whether I can get an update on this subject for the Senator.

Senators Quinn, O'Donovan, Buttimer, Walsh, Coffey and Daly, all expressed their congratulations regarding the activities of the lifeboat service this morning and the saving of the lives of those who were in danger. I will leave aside time to have a debate on this subject and I congratulate all concerned. In particular I congratulate those who wish to see a debate take place on active citizenship. Senator Buttimer called for an update on the GPA and the GAA from the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Séamus Brennan. I will make inquiries in this regard and will have a reply for the Senator next week in the House. I congratulate Paraic Duffy, the new director general of the Gaelic Athletic Association on his appointment.