Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I remind the House that on all proposals regarding Seanad reform, emphasis was placed on a greater role for the House regarding European Union affairs. Therefore, the call for a debate on the Lisbon treaty is very appropriate. It is a moot point as to whether we should have the debate now - if we have the time in the schedule before the recess - or very early after we resume in mid-September, but it is important that we have it. I would like to think the House will give a lead in this regard.

I support the call by Senator Leyden for a debate on Gaza. What is happening there is appalling. I commend the Senator on his continuing interest in this area. The issue should be debated.

I bring to the attention of the House yesterday's report by the VHI which indicated the organisation is seeking a reduction in fees of 5% from the medical profession, from both consultants and general practitioners. It indicated that the average pay to a consultant was €127,000 for 2006. Obviously some got more, some less. Medical inflation needs to be tackled and addressed. In the past few months, I noted that consultants within the medical profession were increasing their fees by double-digit percentages at a time when there is deflation of 4% or 5%. That is unacceptable and an abuse of privilege. It will lead to a situation where the cost of health insurance will become prohibitive for an increasing number of the population. In turn, those people will become dependent on the State for their health care. Given the reduction in the revenues that will be available in the next five to ten years at least, fees are going in the wrong direction. I ask for an urgent debate with the Minister so we can consider seriously what can be done to ensure that people who can apply whatever cost increases they wish are not allowed to do so.

In this regard, I remind the House of a motion before it on the legal profession wherein the same abuses apply. Will the Leader allow time for it at the first opportunity?