Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, O'Toole and Hannigan called for a debate on crime. This is timely, and I have no difficulty in having this debate at the earliest possible date, and for whatever time is required.

Senators Corrigan, Ó Murchú and Ó Brolcháin indicated their disappointment and shock as regards the poor woman who lost her life in these very difficult times. The Senators expressed the view that hope must be encouraged and said we must all see how we can help and assist anyone facing unprecedented experiences, to say the least.

Senators O'Toole, Corrigan, Norris, Buttimer and Fitzgerald referred to the first anniversary of the Ryan report and the hotline number, 116000, for missing children. There can be no excuse as regards why that is not available and I certainly will look into it after the Order of Business to see what the up to date position is in that regard. It can be of enormous help to parents, in particular, who feel so helpless when they discover one of their loved ones is missing. As was said, more than 400 children under the stewardship of the HSE are missing, and there is no shortage of material for a very serious debate in this regard. I will endeavour to have the Minister present in the House for this at the earliest possible date.

Senator O'Toole, in relation to betting tax, said we must protect small Irish bookmakers, and I shall certainly pass on his strong views to the Minister.

Senator Hannigan, too, referred to the Ryan report and the eight organisations that are meeting in Dublin today to review the up to date position, as Senator Fitzgerald mentioned. I wish them well in their deliberations. If there is anything we can do as regards further debates on this in the House, I will have no difficulty in allowing time.

Senators Hannigan, Dearey, Glynn and Carroll raised the matter of Dr. Michael Neary and the 35 women who were not included. I would like to think this might be addressed as a matter of urgency. As was said, Members of the House are united in our call for the plight of these women to be looked at and for them to be included.