Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

I support the calls for a debate on local radio. I raised this matter with the Leader two weeks ago and he indicated at that point that he would be willing to allocate time for a debate on it. What is happening has the potential to put one or two local radio stations out of business in the coming months. The Minister should be brought before the House immediately in order that we might engage in a debate on this issue.

Ministers should stop publishing the findings of reviews. If any further reviews are carried out, it will be an indication of the failure of Government policy. I provide health care to some of the most unfortunate people and I am aware that some of the children in respect of which questions have arisen could not have been saved, regardless of any action that might have been taken. In addition, in some cases no attempt was made to save these children. There is no need for another review to be held behind closed doors. There is a need for Members to discuss, openly and frankly, what can be done to protect children who are currently in care.

Many good issues are raised on the Order of Business. Unfortunately, however, it seems that they are given 90 seconds of air time in the Chamber and this is as far as matters go. I ask the Leader to try to schedule some of the very important debates that are requested by Members - whether they relate to children, radio stations or the economy - in a way that would allow everyone to contribute in the interests of bringing about positive outcomes.