Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I do not want to repeat what colleagues have stated but I add my voice to those urging the unions and workers not to engage in industrial action next Monday. We need to support measures to protect work and not to stop work. I understand the fear and anger but this is not the way forward. It is not in anybody's interest and certainly not in the interests of our country.

Will the Leader make provision for the Minister for Health and Children to address the Chamber with regard to the expenditure of what is now very limited funding in the area of health? I also seek a discussion on the determination of priority areas for this funding. In particular, this would provide an opportunity for the House to hear an update on reports that are circulating regarding voluntary redundancies within the HSE. It would also provide an opportunity to clarify and confirm that bonuses traditionally paid to senior HSE managers in December each year will cease. We do not have the funding for it.

When can we expect the new legislation on mental capacity to come before the House? This is essential legislation on which I have spoken previously. It is required to address deficiencies in basic human rights for people with disabilities.

When the Leader invites the Minister for Health and Children to the House will he seek from her an update on the status of the non-national children who have gone missing from the care of the HSE? We have spoken about this previously. In excess of 350 children have gone missing from the care of the HSE in recent years. It is imperative that we ascertain what measures are being undertaken to seek them and assure ourselves of their safety.