Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Once again it appears Irish passports have been tampered with by agents of another country. That is an infringement of our sovereignty and could impair our relations with other friendly countries and endanger the lives of Irish citizens. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, took minimal action against the Israeli Government early in the year following the abuse of Irish passports. He needs to take strong action against the Russian authorities to immediately restore the integrity of Irish passports. This is a very important issue, one that should not be treated lightly. I hope, therefore, the Minister will act swiftly and decisively.

The plight of cystic fibrosis sufferers has been highlighted in this House by several Members on a number of occasions. Anyone with a heart who listened to people with cystic fibrosis and their families on "Liveline" with Joe Duffy last week speak about the conditions they had to endure in this country could not but have been moved. We should hang our heads in shame, given the fact that hospital facilities and services have not been provided for persons who need single rooms with en-suite facilities. It is ridiculous to place patients with cystic fibrosis in wards and accident and emergency waiting rooms. Something must be done about the matter. I believe tenders will be opened this week. I hope hospital rooms will be provided sooner rather than later and that the promises made will at last be honoured.