Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

——who became leader of her party and was the first female Tánaiste. She is an exceptional Minister and, in extremely difficult times, she is trying to change the health system. When one considers that 49,000 people are employed in administrative positions in the health service, one realises the challenge she faces in the context of reducing those costs. I do not refer here to nurses, consultants and others who are doing wonderful work. I am always delighted to refer to those who have responded magnificently to the challenge relating to standards in hospitals. I am proud that I come from Mullingar, particularly in light of the great work being done in the hospital there.

Senators Prendergast, Leyden and Glynn called for a debate on Health Service Executive matters including welfare homes in terms of better equipment, staffing levels and so on. The Minister will be in the House at 1.30 p.m. I have no difficulty in requesting the Minister to come back to the House following the Easter recess to have a broad discussion on the HSE.

Senator Leyden called for a debate on local authority housing and the sale of the century, which was so successful in 1989. Such a debate could be timely. Those of us who attended the convention in Castlebar last Sunday saw beautiful three bedroom houses for sale at a price of €99,000. One could not buy a site for that price two years ago. There is great value available in the market and the State should avail of that and make the money available. I have no doubt that the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Finneran, a colleague of Senator Leyden's from the same constituency, will be in the House to hear the views of the Seanad, and particularly the wisdom of Senator Leyden, a former Minister, who can bring to the attention of the Minister of State the very good suggestion he has made.

We join Senator Quinn in sending our best wishes to those who have survived and our condolences to the families of those who have perished in the terrible tragedy that occurred in Italy during Holy Week. Yesterday morning we heard the number of fatalities was 15, which was very bad. It rose to 16 and continued to rise during the day and the night. We heard this morning that 100 lives were saved during the night. Thank God they were saved. This was a frightening experience and anyone who can assist should assist.

Senator Callely raised the issue of the fair deal scheme for the elderly. The Minister will be in the House at 1.30 p.m. and he might inquire about the matter at that time.

Senators Mullen and Donohoe referred to issues being fully debated in the Seanad, as they are always fully debated particularly legislation and equal opportunities issues. I agree with the sentiments expressed by the two Senators.

Senator Donohoe mentioned this historic week, Holy Week, the week the good Lord brought us all back to the possibility of another life. As Jim Reeves said, "This world is not my home; I'm just a-passing through". It is also the week when we commemorate our heroes of 1916. I look forward to attending at the GPO, along with Senator Healy Eames next Sunday morning.