Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I join other Senators in calling for a debate on the Health Service Executive, especially on its accountability. While it is scandalous that the HSE has withdrawn advertising from a radio station, it is merely a symptom of what is going on, in general terms, throughout the country and the health service as a whole. I do not suggest that all the HSE's efforts are wrong, but some things certainly are wrong. The word "Stalinist" comes to mind when one considers the HSE's actions in the case of the radio station. I read in one of today's newspapers that the Labour Court has ruled the HSE's postponement of recruitment represented a breach of the social partnership agreement. It is not acceptable that the HSE is acting in an independent way, as if it were a private company.

I suggest the Leader should ask the Taoiseach to make himself available to the House for a discussion on the accountability of an organisation that was established by the Oireachtas. We must ensure the HSE remains accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas and, ultimately, to the people on a wide variety of issues, not least cancer care services for the north west, which I have mentioned on many occasions. When one listens to Members, it is clear the health service is the common denominator. It requires attention. We must hold the HSE to account on behalf of the people. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the matter as a matter of urgency.

The second issue I wish to raise is just as important as the first. Perhaps we can have a debate at some stage on the issue of sexual health. Some Senators will have noticed it was announced in recent days that the incidence of HIV-AIDS and certain sexually transmitted diseases has increased substantially over the past two years. I commend the actions of students who highlighted the issue of sexual health awareness during their recent rag week festival. As part of a debate on this issue in the House, we should exchange our views on how to raise the level of awareness of this issue and ultimately protect people's sexual health.