Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Leaders of political parties, faiths and churches should continue to enjoy the freedom of speech they need to lead their flocks.

Senators Buttimer, Cummins, McFadden and Ó Domhnaill called for an urgent debate on the VHI increases. I fully support that. I am giving the House a commitment that I will endeavour to have such a debate take place urgently. I have been a customer of VHI for a long number of years. All I can say to my fellow customers is that they should shop around. I regret to say that long-standing and new customers of VHI have been placed in a position in which they will have to shop around. They no longer have a choice. It is as simple as that.

Senator McFadden asked for a debate on health issues. She referred specifically to local hospitals such as Portiuncula, Mullingar and Tullamore hospitals.