Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I express my disappointment at the events outlined by Senator Ó Murchú and empathise with him. I am disappointed that he was offended by Members of this House. We should treat each other with dignity and respect, and I would expect that from each and every Member of this House. I am disappointed to hear he was treated in such a way.

I concur with the comments of Senators Coffey and Cummins on county councils taking an active role. I commend Westmeath County Council, the county manager, Mr. Danny McLoughlin, and all councillors for the wonderful tendering job they are doing for a world trade commercial centre for the Athlone area. It is an amazing facility on the outskirts of the town covering hundreds of acres an hour and a half from Dublin and 40 minutes from Galway. There is a rail network and many other facilities. We are actively tendering to China for 10,000 jobs over a period.

I request an urgent debate on carers. Some 161,000 people are caring for their elderly or infirm relatives in their homes at a time when home care packages and the numbers of respite hours are being cut, with too few public health nurses to do the job. We need a serious debate on how to support carers, the unsung heroes here. A commitment was given in this House more than nine weeks ago to have a debate on carers and considering there are so many people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses, with elderly relatives trying to care for such people in their own homes, there is an urgent need for the debate.