Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, Quinn and Bradford called for the Minister for Health and Children to update us on the pharmacy dispute. I am awaiting word from the Minister's office and I feel confident we will have clarification and an update on the position before the recess. I fully agree with the calls from colleagues this morning for clarification on the issue of the cost of drugs and so on. I hope recent developments do not provide the major chains with an opportunity to expand at the expense of family pharmacists who have provided a service for generations and who we all support.

Senator Butler noted that 85% of the bonds we have issued have been sold, a matter on which Senator Donohoe also expressed a view. This is a welcome development as it is one of the highest rates of take-up in Europe. The issue can be brought to the attention of the Minister during statements.

Senators O'Toole, Alex White and Norris expressed concern about the resources available to the Irish Human Rights Commission. A former Leader of the House, Dr. Maurice Manning, is doing good work in this area. The matter should be raised with the Minister who is waiting in the antechamber.

Senators Alex White, Regan, Norris and Quinn alleged that legislation was being rushed. Time limits will not be imposed on statements today and Senators will have an opportunity to speak at length in the debate, as has been the practice in recent weeks. This term, 26 Bills have been published and all except one or two have been processed. I understand this is a record. In addition, a substantial number of the Bills were initiated in this House.