Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

It is time we had a proper debate on what happening in the HSE because it is costing patient's lives. The Leader should organise this immediately.

I extend my welcome for Ingrid Betancourt's release. We should extend an invitation to her to address this House. Democracy is fragile and she has experience of what can happen when one stands up for democracy and how human rights can be so easily abused. It would be interesting to have not only Ingrid Betancourt addressing the House, but also opposition leaders of other countries such as Zimbabwe and Burma. The Seanad should extend an invitation to them and provide them with an opportunity to speak in a forum such as this about democracy, human rights and how we can make a better life for everybody.