Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I would like to be associated with the good wishes to Mick Phelan on his retirement. He has provided a great service in this House for a long number of years.

I support Senator Twomey's comments on the children's hospital in Crumlin. We should have a debate on what is happening there and in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. One must join a waiting list to get into the NRH.

The waiting lists for the driving test are absolutely scandalous, as is the inability of applicants to get through to a test centre. Will the Leader contact the Minister for Transport to establish what is the problem at test centres? Many applicants would have jobs if they passed their test but they cannot get a job because they cannot get an appointment for a driving test. The impossible task of trying to get through to a test centre is a scandal.