Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

It may seem funny but it is not a joke. We are talking about civility and respect. I was appalled at this behaviour. It leads me to a point about Irish society. Today we have major investment in the RAPID, CLÁR and Leader programmes, but we need to have a real debate on community life and how we can enhance this in our country.

I join with Senator O'Toole in requesting a debate on the Health Service Executive, not in any specific area but on its generic remit. This morning in our newspapers we see that Professor Drumm is talking about another cutback of €300 million. A €200 million cutback was imposed last September. To whom is the HSE accountable? What is it doing? Who are all these faceless bureaucrats? Let us have a debate on the role of the HSE and, if necessary, let us call for its disbandment and a return to the old health board system.