David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

As the Leader is aware, consultation with the social partners is under way. While it is welcome that the Minister is engaging in consultations with the social partners, he should hold discussions with Members also. It is important, therefore, that he come into the Chamber as soon as possible, preferably next week if the Leader can make the necessary arrangements.

Like Terry Senator Leyden, I also call for a debate on the embargo on Garda recruitment. While it is important that the Senator seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment, Ministers should come into the House to have discussions with Members on the impact of the embargo on the ability of the Garda to do its job in defending communities which will suffer because of the cutbacks. It is important that Members are given such an opportunity to discuss the matter.

I draw the attention of the House to an all-party motion passed by Dublin City Council last night on the issue of the Magdalene laundries. It calls on the State to apologise and set up a redress board and establish an independent public inquiry. There is a need for a unanimous motion to be passed at some point by the House calling on the Government to do all these things, which it should do as of right. I call on all groupings to facilitate the passing of such a motion.

There has been discussion in recent days regarding a leaked Health Service Executive report on the potential for cutbacks in services, with the threat that if services in certain hospitals are not reduced, some, such as Monaghan General Hospital, could be closed.