David Norris (Independent)

I thank Senator Frances Fitzgerald for her gracious words and confirm this will be a continuing archive. I quoted John Donne to the unfortunate librarian yesterday, "When thou has done, thou has not done for I have more" and there will be more. I will put down the domestic partnership civil registration Bill for Private Members' time early in the new year which I hope will give us an opportunity to discuss this aspect of the work with which we are concerned.

I also support Senator Frances Fitzgerald's words on the mental health services. Although we are enhanced by the presence of Senator Bacik, we are diminished by the absence of Senator Henry who, gently but trenchantly, always mentioned mental health reports, the report of the inspectors of mental hospitals and so on. A young man attempted to get into three outpatient departments and Dr. Siobhán Barry said that because of lack of investment these records are almost invariably handwritten and are not transmitted between hospitals. One hospital, therefore, would not know the man had in desperation tried to get into a couple of others. Investment is essential in order that hospitals can perform their functions. The man concerned felt there was a difficulty, his wife had experienced difficulty and was being protected by the police, yet he was released to wander around. I should not comment too much on the case because I am not even sure that the man has been arrested. I understand the Garda detained him and he is receiving treatment for conditions that are "not physical". It was said on a radio programme that the Government has not lived up to its investment commitments and is at least €25 million behind what was promised in the programme for Government. This must be examined.

In the new session, could we have a discussion on adult literacy? Highly intelligent people are often abashed and ashamed, and must conceal from their children that they have difficulty reading and writing. While I do not wish to violate the rules of the House by seeking a vote of sympathy or whatever for the late Christie Hennessy, it would be remiss of me not to mention that remarkable gifted musician who gave so much pleasure. He was a gentleman, a great entertainer and left school illiterate at 11 years of age yet forged a wonderful career. We could have a debate on the subject of adult illiteracy as a tribute to the late Christie Hennessy early in the new session.