Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I join others in sending good wishes to all the parties involved in the Northern talks. We have witnessed the resolution of many critical and sensitive issues during the past ten years or so. There are now problems regarding two areas, that of the devolution of police powers and that of the parades commission. I differ somewhat with what has been said by others in that I very much support the input of the most senior politicians and such continued determination. We have brought this process as far as we have now come because of the input of the most senior of politicians and the determination of all involved throughout the years. We need to continue to show such determination. While I do not want to point a finger at any of those involved, there are two political groupings, Sinn Féin and the DUP, where there are difficulties. Each of us who understands the message coming from our constituencies and from our political groupings must send that message to those groupings in the North, namely, that of a determination for a resolution and for them to stay at the table and to keep at it. We have found resolution on other issues that were far more sensitive and critical and we were able to get agreement to move the process forward. That is the message we should clearly send to all those involved.

I wish to refer to an issue I raised in this House some months ago, that of my objection to the proposal to centralise the processing of medical card and GP visit card applications and reviews. We set up the HSE to provide a service and it has now set up this centralised unit. We received a letter from the Minister indicating that a dedicated telephone line has been provided for Oireachtas Members inquiring about these applications and reviews, and we can go back with the list that has been provided to the local general managers. A mistake has been made in this respect.