Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I concur with the points made concerning the reports due to be issued today on developments at Tullamore Hospital. During the course of the discussion of the issues that gave rise to the reports, there was a rush to judgment regarding the role of an individual who, it appears, has been found not to have been responsible. This serves as a good lesson about the ease with which a person's reputation can be publicly destroyed. While I speak without having the facts before me, it is a matter of concern that a person who appears to have taken a professional, responsible approach to her work has endured a difficult time during which she became the focus of blame. I will save further comment on the matter until a full debate takes place. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the reports for next week to ensure Senators have an opportunity to say what needs to said on the issue.

Last night's meeting between members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party and the Minister for Education and Science has been widely reported. I hope it went well. Given the smiles on their faces this morning, Fianna Fáil Senators appear to have been reassured, bought in or whatever is the appropriate term. I ask that the House be given a report of the meeting outlining what new plans the Minister has in store.