Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I pay tribute to the Irish Examiner on yesterday's wonderful supplement on drugs. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the health promotion unit of the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science because the newspaper's supplement is filling a void created by the absence of Government action.

I join other Senators in noting the withdrawal by RTE of its medium wave radio service. I ask that the relevant Minister attend the House in order that we can debate the role of the national broadcaster. Senator Ó Murchú raised the issue of emigrants abroad but people within the country will not have access to RTE once the medium wave service is lost. I am particularly conscious that many people listen to religious programmes and sports coverage on medium wave. A dual commitment, therefore, is being reneged upon by RTE.

I concur with Senator Donovan on the urgent need for a debate on the provision of a Cork-Swansea ferry service. The tourism industry of the south west needs a ferry service but action on this has been lacking. It would be a shame if another summer passed without such a service.