Mark Dearey (Green Party)

I welcome the fact that we are holding a debate tomorrow night on the piracy on the high seas which occurred yesterday. I refer to some time-sensitive items with regard to the Rachel Corrie which continues to make its way toward Gaza with several Irish citizens on board. It is critically important that the Israelis heed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, and others in their call for extreme restraint with regard to that vessel and its Irish and Malaysian passengers. The Amnesty International report, launched last Thursday, described acting with impunity as being the norm for Israeli soldiers, police officers and members of other security forces. Now we know what that means. It is critical that this modus operandi is brought to an end now to ensure the safety of the Irish citizens who continue to make their way towards Gaza. I raise this matter because it is time-sensitive. The vessel is on the high seas and I hope tomorrow evening's debate will not come too late to ensure their safety, although it may be. I am very concerned about them, as I know most of them personally.

I refer to the debate on health which will take place shortly, in particular, on the issue of the shortage of non-consultant hospital doctors. I am informed by the HSE that, owing to the onerous rosters that doctors must work, Ireland may be considered as an unattractive place in which to hire. It is critical that we deal with this issue because it is threatening the survival of small local hospitals. Doctors are being concentrated in larger regional centres. My hospital in Dundalk is under serious threat because of this. This is an issue with which the Minister for Health and Children must deal urgently.