Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Keaveney, Ormonde, Calley, Bacik and McFadden expressed strong views on Crumlin hospital, which has been an outstanding hospital for decades. We have all played our part in fundraising and supporting the causes of those who have worked hard to fundraise for that hospital. Anything we can do to assist those running that hospital will be done. The people have been very strong in their support of it. I have personal family experience of it as one of my sons was in that hospital for a number of weeks and the care and attention there is outstanding. I will pass on the strong views of Senators to the Minister.

I refer to the request for the Minister to come before the House for an up-to-date response to every issue pertaining to the health portfolio. Senator McFadden referred to an interview on the radio today, which I heard. The situation is unacceptable and unbelievable. Senator MacSharry informed the House of the position of the people of the north west. Members warned about what would happen and their concerns are now being realised. As Senator McFadden correctly stated, we must see what is possible. Some people who require only a ten or 15 minute procedure must travel 200 miles per day to be seen. It seems we should be able to do something about this.

Senator Fitzgerald referred to time breaks between Stages of Bills and the answer is "Yes". I have always been found co-operative in this area. The Senator contacted me last Thursday about extending time for debate by a day, to which I agreed. It is not ideal and I would like to allow as long a time as is requested, but that is not always possible. As I informed the House, a significant amount of legislation will come before the House in the next four weeks. Depending on how long Senators wish to deliberate on Bills, there will be some very late sittings after this week, particularly on Wednesday nights when we will probably sit until midnight, until the summer recess on 10 July.

I refer to the filling of the vacant Senate seats, I understand there is a timeframe of between 35 and 40 days from the time the writ is moved. This will be no different from any other time. In respect of the electorate, I say without fear of contradiction that there will be a 100% turnout in the total valid poll, unlike one of the panels in the House where it is 33% or 34%.