Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I support the call by Senator O'Donovan to discuss the reasons so many young nurses must emigrate while at the same time a number of non-EU professionals continue to occupy nursing positions in hospitals. While they are professional people and it was fine for them to do so in good times, I believe as a philosophy of life that we must look after our own first. Perhaps we should have a debate on why so many cannot find jobs in this country. They are fine young women and men who, despite having qualified through the CAO system, gone to college and obtained degrees, must emigrate. There is something not right about this.

I support Senator Ó Murchú on the preservation of the block of old buildings between O'Connell Street and Moore Street. Coupled with this discussion could be a debate on the placement of the Abbey Theatre which has been discussed for a long time. O'Connell Street is the way forward. It needs it now, especially for the republican image that all of us in the House have.