Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I am confused by Senator Callely's contribution as to who was responsible for its creation. The Leader should respond because Senator Callely should have stated that given the rationalisation or, as the HSE put it, the reconfiguration, which really means cutting services, a debate on health is required.

While I respect of the ruling of the Chair and am not being in any way disrespectful, I have attempted unsuccessfully to raise matters on the Adjournment regarding the National Roads Authority, NRA, as did Senator McFadden this morning. Who is responsible for the NRA? As Senator Twomey asked earlier, what recourse do Members have to question the NRA, to examine the roads programme or to consider the cuts it has introduced thereto? Parts of Ireland are grinding to a halt from traffic gridlock because the NRA has either put on hold or abandoned roads building programmes. I refer specifically to the Bandon road and the Sarsfield Road roundabout in Cork city. A debate on this subject at the Leader's earliest convenience would be welcome.

Finally, I seek a debate on social partnership. I am a fan of social partnership which is needed now more than ever, given the recession. The Government should take on board Senator Fitzgerald's views and include both Houses in the new type of social partnership. I appeal to both employers and unions to put aside vested interests and to take on board the views expressed yesterday by Dr. Whitaker, namely, that a job saved is better than a job lost. A debate on social partnership is urgently needed.