Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, Coghlan, Glynn, Buttimer, Norris, Boyle, Feeney, O'Toole, Reilly, Callely, MacSharry and Walsh called for various debates on the health service and the HSE. Many serious calls were made to invite the Minister for Health and Children to the House. As I informed the House last week, I made the request that the Minister be present if possible before the end of business on Thursday next. She has made a commitment to the Dáil for the slot I had intended her to take on Thursday. I will update the House tomorrow on the possibility of finding another slot in her diary for the debate.

The HSE receives in excess of €15 billion, which is a long way from the amount paid ten years ago. All fair minded people would agree those in responsibility in the HSE have to get their act in order. Those of us who sat on the health committees, including the Cathaoirleach and Senator Glynn, will recall a Holy Thursday in 1985 when protective notice was served on two thirds of the staff of non-emergency services. We have come a long way in terms of providing for those needing care. The money has been put in place so let us hope the expertise called for in various reports will be made available.

With regard to the pharmacies, the Minister will have to update the House before close of business on Thursday. I will endeavour to ensure that happens.

On Senator Fitzgerald's question regarding special needs, the Minister for Education and Science made a forthright contribution on that issue in the House last week. I will ask her to return after the Easter recess because legislation has priority until the end of this session.

On behalf of the House, I offer my condolences to the family of the young Polish man horrifically murdered in Dublin, as well as to the family of the man who accompanied him and who is now critically ill in hospital. Respect for life and law and order is not felt among certain citizens. This new dimension is regrettable and is at variance with the respect for life and property we were brought up to have. It is the responsibility of the Government and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to put fear back into the law. I will have the Minister attend the House to hear the views of Senators on putting fear into the law through the imposition of sentences for these terrible tragedies that occur on a daily basis. I join with Senators in calling for this debate before the Easter recess.

Senator O'Toole alleged that advertising was withdrawn from a radio station by the HSE. I will share with the Minister our serious concerns and have the matter investigated before reverting to the Seanad on it in the next few days. For generations we have worked towards freedom of speech and thanks be to God we have had such freedom for the past several decades.

The Senator also sought an urgent debate on the recent report by the National Competitiveness Council. This is the greatest challenge facing our country in terms of continuing the progress made over the past ten years. Allowing captains of industry to make profits and compete is of the utmost importance for sustaining employment. I hope to arrange for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to receive the views of Senators within the next two weeks or at the earliest opportunity. The Senator also noted the high costs in this country of water, legal and telephone bills. I will pass these views on to the Minister. As Chairman of the Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in the last Dáil, I played a central role in reducing insurance costs. The cost of insurance for motor, public liability or employer's liability, has been substantially reduced by 30% to 35%.

Senator O'Toole referred to Deputy Costello, who was formerly leader of the Labour Party in the Seanad, and the issue of political accountability. I will pass the Senator's views on that issue to the Minister.

Senator Alex White called for a debate on transport in the context of the consultation document. He correctly pointed out that in some privileged areas of Ireland more than 90% of students are driven to school. We must give our consideration to the various public transport initiatives being undertaken by the Government to ensure that the people of a modern country like Ireland have alternative choices of transportation.

Senator de Búrca called for a debate on health services, and nursing homes in particular. She called for choice for the elderly and welcomed the 90 new appointments that have been made. I have no difficulty in arranging time for a debate on the matter.

Senator Coghlan congratulated his friend and colleague from Killarney, Deputy Healy-Rae, on playing a major role in getting funding for Killarney House.