Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole and other colleagues spoke about the threats of industrial action. I support their calls. There will be no difficulty in allocating time to discuss the constitutional rights of individuals. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will make himself available for such a debate, as he has already done many times this year, including today.

Senator Prendergast spoke about farm incomes and highlighted the difficulties being experienced by the farming community. We all know the tremendous contribution those in agriculture have made. There is an old saying in rural Ireland: "If the farmers are going bad, the country is going bad." That is true. We have an obligation to farmers; political parties of all persuasions have done everything possible to help the farming community. There is a debate on agriculture from 1.30 p.m. until 3.30 p.m. and I know Senator Prendergast will express her points of view to the Minister when he is present.

I will pass on the serious concerns of Senator Prendergast about the dangers of high blood pressure and her call for a national information campaign. Members of the Oireachtas should have their blood pressure tested nearly every month because of the pressure we all come under in our day-to-day working lives.

Senators McFadden, Buttimer, Coffey and Glynn called on the Minister for Health and Children to take action on various issues. Senator Norris and other Senators, including Senator Daly, also spoke about health issues. Senator Coghlan welcomed the announcement to Deputy Healy-Rae that the building of Kenmare hospital was to go ahead. It is great news for the people of the area and I am sure Senator Daly is proud to be sitting here as the representative of the people of Kenmare.