Ivor Callely (Independent)

I support the views expressed by Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White and Hanafin. In particular I ask for a special debate on maternity hospitals and matters relating thereto, as regards scans and DNCs. I emphasise "special debate", in line with what Senator Fitzgerald has asked for, as soon as possible.

Equally, I ask for time for the consideration of the Saville report on Bloody Sunday, when we get it.

I very much support the views expressed in relation to the banking crisis. One or two things caught my attention, including Senator O'Toole's reference to the decision making process under the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924. We recognise that for a host of reasons people have been slow to put pen to paper and sign off on issues, which are now being done in a different manner. I support the need for such matters to be done in a fashion where the decision making process is examinable, as Senator O'Toole put it. When we are discussing the banking crisis the debate should extend more broadly than the two reports. Most importantly, everyone clearly accepts and understands that these reports are dealing with matters that have occurred in the past. We all want to know what is being done for consumers today, for SMEs and what the future holds. Therefore, I ask the Leader that if we are to have a meaningful discussion on this issue, we should be given an appropriate briefing from the financial institutions to allow people such as myself and others to participate in the debate. One banking institution, for example, is asserting that it is approving 100 mortgages a day, which is great news. We are not being told how many are being drawn down, however, and that is the type of information we need.

Before concluding, I ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Health and Children and the HSE on the urgent need to approve the appointment of a paediatric immunologist. A formal application has been made by the consultant for infectious diseases at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, at the request of the HSE. We do not have any paediatric immunologist in Ireland and as the request has been sought by the HSE, I ask the Leader to ensure the formal application is approved.