Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Fachtna Murphy, and his Garda team on their response to a botched robbery near my constituency office in Killester last night. A man in his 20s who was involved in a stabbing incident at the scene died later in hospital, sadly. The Garda Síochána has arrested a man in his 30s. I understand good progress is being made with the investigation. It will be intriguing to learn how events unfolded during the incident. I congratulate the Garda team involved.

I pay tribute to the many Irish missionaries, non-governmental organisations and volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver much-needed services in difficult and dangerous conditions. Can the Leader arrange for Senators to be briefed on general security activity along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and what preventative measures can be taken to combat terrorism and militant operations in the area? I express my solidarity with the Irish Presentation Sisters, who were attacked by Taliban-like militants recently. Their educational facility in Sengota, which is in the Swat district of Pakistan, was destroyed in the incident.

The Leader is aware that I have raised certain issues relating to the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive in recent times. In particular, I have monitored the dispute that has resulted from the decision of the HSE to cut payments to pharmacists for certain services. It is expected that later today, Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan will release her decision on costs, and her quantification of the liability of the HSE arising from the Hickey's Pharmacy case. Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan has already ruled in favour of Hickey's Pharmacy. She found the HSE and the Department to be breach of contract on existing arrangements. Will the HSE reverse its decision to cut payments to pharmacists, which has been implemented since 1 March last? Will all moneys owed to pharmacists be repaid? Can the Leader arrange for clarification and a statement on the matter from the Department and the HSE?