Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, McCarthy and Buttimer expressed serious concerns about the HSE and I fully agree with much of what they said. I will have no difficulty in submitting a request to the Minister for Health and Children to update the House on all health services, if possible before the summer recess.

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, MacSharry, Healy Eames, Callely, Twomey and Walsh outlined their opinions on pension funds, social partnership and the economy. I agree with everyone who spoke in favour of social partnership. The social partners, in tandem with the Government and everyone concerned, gave us both phases of the Celtic tiger. They brought about the successful economy and the wonderful country we have today. The global challenges we face have been frequently mentioned. One of these challenges is presented by the fear of the unknown. If things are not happening in America or other western countries, Ireland is at a considerable disadvantage as a country that exports between 85% and 90% of all its produce.