Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

-----that it is never the wrong time to do the right thing, particularly in the case of this family and many others.

The population of the country has increased by 1 million, most of whom are in the high risk age group. I refer, in particular, to those in the 18 to 35 year age group who returned to Ireland and have been in employment for the past ten years or so. These are the people who are abroad at night attending functions, etc. We all have friends who have sons and daughters awaiting admission to the NRB's facility in Dún Laoghaire. I am aware of a young man in Mullingar who was involved in an accident on New Year's Eve, who is in a coma and who has been awaiting admission to that facility for the past seven months. I hope he will be admitted in the last week in November. There are only three beds available in this marvellous facility. The Government could allocate a small amount of funding to correct the situation and provide immediate assistance for families which have been traumatised and subjected to such a level of distress. Members could also become involved in ensuring this matter is addressed.

Senators Buttimer and McCarthy requested a debate on the economy. I have already provided a commitment in this regard. I was also asked to make time available for a debate on the aviation industry. I am endeavouring to arrange such a debate.