Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Last weekend, the HSE published two summaries of a lengthy report on its handling of the tragic deaths of a young boy aged 17 years and a young girl aged 18 years. Will the Leader please allow a debate on the issue of abuse of children in the HSE's care? It has been there for the past few months, but it cannot be allowed to go off the agenda.

A few weeks ago, all Members asked for a debate on standards in the media. It would be apt at this time when all of us in public life are affected by the media and its coverage of political events. I am spurred into making this call by the way in which political journalism has degenerated into personal attacks and avoided any political discussions or issues. This goes across the board to all parties.

In the Sunday Independent, I read an article entitled, "The Great Debate". We saw pictures of the three main leaders. It was nothing short of disgraceful. The three leaders were attacked in a personal and highly unpleasant manner, but none was targeted as crassly as was An Taoiseach. Phrases like "burly butcher" and "face vaguely resembling a bulldog"-----