Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

There is only one place where gratitude can be shown and that is in the ballot box. The Minister has already agreed to come to the House to discuss this issue and I am awaiting a date.

Senator Quinn referred to organ donation. It is hard to believe the donor card is not more commonplace. Perhaps some of our Sunday newspapers might promote this card. Each Sunday we receive promotional literature with our Sunday newspapers. This is a one of the most serious issues and I call on the Sunday newspapers to promote the organ donation card and to try to ensure we have enough organ donors. When one moves on to one's eternal reward, anything which can be done to assist some man or woman in their fight for survival should be done. I fully support Senator Quinn's call. We should also look at the 14-hour training scheme in France for the families and relatives of Alzheimer's sufferers.

Senator Ó Brolcháin called for a debate on housing and the challenges facing first-time buyers, in particular. I have no difficulty arranging for the Minister with responsibility for housing to come to the House. In fact, he already agreed to come back to update us on his work as Minister with responsibility for housing. Senator Ó Brolcháin also called for a debate on special needs, in particular those of children. I could not agree with the Senator more and I have no difficulty arranging a debate.

Senator Callely outlined a serious issue. Most rural Oireachtas Members from all political parties were totally opposed to the closure of medical card centres, which were in the old health board areas. The centre is now in Dublin where one leaves a telephone message. We have had a race to the bottom but for what? Is it for the sake of a few cent? It is not good enough in this day and age and the matter must be revisited. Senator Callely, who was one of the most successful chairmen of a health board, knows what he is talking about.