Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Many events take place during recesses, some joyous and others sad. I often wonder what we may face when we return or what joyous events there may be to celebrate.

Senators O'Toole, Fitzgerald and Alex White have all expressed concerns about particular issues of importance. Senator Fitzgerald correctly pointed to difficulties in the health service and I agree with her on many of these points. The health service now has an annual budget of €15 billion and the Minister for Health and Children has come to the House on several occasions to offer an up-to-date progress report. I will organise a debate on the latest developments in the health service at the earliest opportunity. It was uplifting to hear the Minister say on television in recent days that the talks between the Health Service Executive and the unions representing health service professionals were nearing completion. We all look forward to better health services and with the funding being made available by the Government we expect a major improvement this year and next year.

The Order of Business has been 40 minutes for a considerable time. One Senator cited the example of Senator Jim Dooge with whom I served, along with Senators John Ellis and Shane Ross who are the longest serving Members of the Oireachtas. Senator Jim Dooge was an eminent Leader of the House in his time. The two longest speeches made in either House were made by the legendary Senator Bernard McGlinchey who spoke in this House for eight hours and 20 minutes and, on another occasion, for seven hours and 15 minutes. If Senators wish to be long-winded, I have no difficulty with that. However, I recall that one of those who called for longer speaking times today begged me to conclude the proceedings of the House at 4.20 one morning. I would like consistency in the House.