Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

Subsequently, in the watch of a Government of which I was a member, there was a sale of the facilities on Whiddy Island. Over the past 30 or 40 years, irrespective of what Government was in power, the needs have remained the same. The island needs a decent pier that is accessible at low tide. The Minister of State has historical connections with Whiddy Island. Some years ago an elderly lady on the island broke her leg and was brought in by boat, but because the tide was out she had to be lifted over different boats to reach the pier and the ambulance. It is only now, when the slipway is almost complete, that an ambulance will be able to pick up patients directly. It is difficult to believe this is only now possible. We cannot forget the Betelgeuse disaster, the Whiddy Island disaster or the possible need for a fire tender to go to the island and the need for proper slipways.

I concede there is some merit in a merger on a strict commercial understanding, but the bigger picture is being missed. We cannot follow the tunnel vision of Departments as that is crazy.