Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

Last week I raised the issue of vulnerable people in society and it is with interest that I note the calls this morning for a debate in this regard. I will welcome a debate, whenever it can be accommodated, on the psychiatric services and vulnerable children and adults. In light of what Senator McFadden stated about Victorian dwellings and mould on walls, I congratulate and pay tribute to the staff who work in the services, who have done trojan work in very challenging and difficult circumstances. I refer in particular to the work of the staff of St. Michael's House in my constituency. They have taken people from inappropriate care settings into beautiful residential community care settings, operating on a family basis with all the supports necessary to integrate patients into the community. Thus, they can use facilities such as the local swimming pool and community centres. In this case it is necessary to balance what has been incorrectly put on record.

I congratulate Senator MacSharry on bringing to our attention a matter that should be clearly put on record, that is, the success of the Minister for Finance and his team in the Department in helping to turn the tide in respect of our financial position. I congratulate one and all in that regard.

Will the Leader put on the agenda for debate the progress we have made in integrating public transport services, providing real-time information and addressing the issue of the subvention of CIE services?