Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Yes, it would be worthwhile to debate this but as a matter of urgency I suggest to all school principals that this programme should be shown in every school in the country and a discussion had on what happened in that programme and the effect on young people. This would bring it to the attention of the principals and others involved. I call on the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to come to the House to discuss this issue and to determine what action will be taken. There is no point in having protocols or procedures if action is not taken on the ground. Quick decisive action on this must be taken by caring principals, and I again compliment RTE.

I call on the Leader, Senator Cassidy, to ask the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, to have a debate here on ongoing developments in the health service. I particularly refer to the transfer of €4 million funding away from palliative care in Roscommon County Hospital. An eight-bed unit was promised and committed to and plans were under way to provide that service at Roscommon County Hospital. Not only is the HSE proposing to withdraw acute surgery from the hospital, but this has probably resulted now in the proposal to remove the funding of €4 million for palliative care, which has been organised by the Mayo-Roscommon hospice which raises approximately €1 million a year for home help and home care.

As a former member of the Western Health Board, I feel one had more influence as a member of a health board than has any Member of the Oireachtas or, indeed, any member of the Government, as far as I can see, on the HSE. There is definitely a democratic deficit as far as the activities of the Health Service Executive are concerned. I know it constantly comes in for criticism in this House and many of the difficulties are not of its making now, but there is no consultation with anyone in this House.