Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I strongly support Senators Hannigan and Dearey who spoke about the redress scheme for the victims of Dr. Michael Neary. Some years ago, when I was a member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, Patient Focus addressed it on the atrocities which had been committed by this individual. What it had to say would be material for a horror film. It is nonsense that women over 40 years of age are excluded from the scheme. My mother was 43 years old when I was born and I know many others like me. This exclusion is nonsense. Without question, the women concerned should be included. They should never have been excluded from the scheme.

While the Minister is in the House, we might have a short debate on restoring responsibility for the issuing of medical cards to local health centre managers. The current system is not working and people are very frustrated. Public representatives are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve satisfaction for their constituents. What is happening is an absolute scandal. I am sure the Minister will come to the House because she is very generous with her time. When she does come, I ask that both of these matters be debated. They are very serious and I ask the Leader to give them due consideration.