Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I, too, extend good wishes to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan. Driving up to Dublin this morning, I thought the grey, dark, terrible weather is probably in keeping with what will take place in the Other House this afternoon. As other speakers noted, people across the spectrum will feel pain as a result of the budget. I hope, however, that the most vulnerable will feel less pain than those at the top end of society.

I support Senator Prendergast's call for a debate on home births and independent domiciliary midwives. I concur with the Senator that such a debate is long overdue. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, before the House on another day to debate the issue of obesity and eating disorders such as anorexia.