Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I look forward to Sunday because Munster finals are always special. I exhort Senators to contact the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs requesting that he arrange a meeting with CIE representatives next Tuesday.

Senator Corrigan called for a debate on child protection, specifically the second report on the rights of children, when the Seanad returns. I have no difficulty in having such a debate. I understand that sentencing has not yet taken place in the case to which the Senator referred. For this reason, the matter is sub judice and I am not in a position to comment further.

Senators Donohoe and Callely called for a debate on competitiveness. I hope this issue will be highlighted in today's debate at which the Minister will be present throughout. We must get to grips with competitiveness. The recent 5.5% reduction in costs is a move in the right direction which will help return competitiveness and create jobs again.

Senator Callely stated that the VHI no longer covers certain health services. I will make inquiries into the issue and Senators may raise the matter directly with the Minister when she next comes to the House. I hope the other matter the Senator raised can be expedited and discussed, with the Cathaoirleach's approval, on the Adjournment on Tuesday.

I fully concur with Senator McFadden's comments on the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar, one of the best performing hospitals in the country. I look forward to the Minister supporting the hospital's achievements by paying it a visit over the recess. I hope to be able to discuss with the Minister and the consultants, senior management and nursing and other staff of the hospital how it will be encouraged to continue to be a role model for the rest of the country. Managers from other hospitals have visited Mullingar hospital to find out how it has achieved such success.

The Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar is the only major hospital between Dublin and Sligo. As Senator McFadden correctly pointed out, it serves counties Longford and Westmeath, Athlone town and the county town of Mullingar. This is a huge area with upwards of 175,000 people and it will probably grow in future. I will ask the Minister for Health and Children to visit Mullingar, with Oireachtas colleagues of all parties, over the summer recess to acknowledge the achievements that have taken place in Mullingar hospital.