John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I take on board the Senator's initial point and understand her fears in regard to amalgamation of certain services such as the Rape Crisis Centre and Women's Health Council. I reiterate the point made by the Minister on Second Stage that we are in changed economic circumstances. We must remember that mission statements outside of these groups must remain intact regardless. I will take up with the Minister the Senator's request for the provision of reassurance to this House in regard to the future role and input of the agencies.

It is important to clarify the position in regard to the "privatisation" for want of a better word, of admissions. There are some safeguards in this regard. While I share the Senator's concern in regard to when these safeguards will be given legal status and recognition, it is important to first consider why admissions are being carried out by people not previously associated with the provision of State services. This arose as a result of an increase in the number of involuntary admissions during the past couple of years. It is also important to point out that the privatised service came about not as a result of staff shortages and difficulties not of the making of PNA or SIPTU nurses, but as a result of extra demand from professionals to bring in voluntary staff due to a lack of adequate staffing. I accept that explanation may not be sufficient.

I will move on now to the next part of the Senator's question. This is an "interim" - a word that arose last night and keeps cropping up - arrangement.