Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Daly, Quinn and Ó Brolcháin raised the issues of mobile phone use and best practice. I would like to hear about best practice. When we visited the University of Waterloo campus in Canada a few years ago, significant research was being done by one of the major suppliers on emissions from mobile phone earpieces. I would like to assist the House with regard to a debate on this in the autumn. Senator Daly also raised the issue of car hire insurance, particularly as it relates to airports. He expressed his horror at and his experience of the overcharging that takes place. There is a procedure for reporting overcharging and the company involved. I will pass the Senator's comments on to the Minister with responsibility for tourism.

Senator Quinn suggested we should be like the UK and give doctors rather than administrators responsibility for patient care. I will pass his views on to the Minister. It seems like a common sense and reasonable request. Senator O'Reilly spoke about the difficulties faced by medical card holders in obtaining dental care. I have no difficulty with arranging a debate on that in the future.

Senators Mary White, Ó Brolcháin, Callely and Ormonde spoke about the proposals for dealing with the 32 people affected by thalidomide. I compliment Senator Mary White on the great work she is doing with regard to the advances announced yesterday and the other outstanding issues. The Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, has a caring attitude towards these unfortunate people. I hope the extra step can be taken to bring the situation to a successful conclusion.

Senator Mullen spoke about the Irish Missionary Union at Mosney and I will pass his strong views on to the Minister. Senator Cummins asked for up to date information on the issue of Internet on-line betting. I will get back to the Senator later this afternoon on that matter.