Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate former Senator Alan Kelly on becoming a Member of the European Parliament. Senator O'Toole should note that the Government recently treated the Opposition to Senator Cannon.

I join Senator Fitzgerald in raising the issue of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, which appears to be sending out mixed messages. On the one hand, some people are being told their child cannot have an operation while, on the other, either the hospital or Health Service Executive has stated that operations are not being cancelled on account of cutbacks. We need clarity on this issue. Vulnerable groups in the community, particularly children, must not be used as pawns. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Health and Children to provide information on what is taking place in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children?

This is national cycle to work week. Unfortunately, despite raising the issue of safety for cyclists for years, I have been unable to persuade others to take the issue as seriously as I do. Yesterday, while walking for about one and a half miles after leaving the House, I was passed by at least 18 cyclists who were clearly taking part in the cycle to work initiative. Only three of them were wearing reflective jerseys, two bicycles had back reflector lights and none of the bicycles had a front light. To comply with cycling protocol and the law, one is supposed to display a front white light and a back red light and wear reflective gear, otherwise one can be fined €1,000. I ask the Leader to find a mechanism to advocate safety for cyclists and respect for other road users. Currently, it is not so bad because the days are long, but the same cyclists operate at night when they cannot be seen and they are a danger to themselves and to others.