Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

No matter what Senators may say, we face a major challenge in terms of communicating information about the work we do in this House and also the value of such work. In that context, I support the comments made by Senators Gilroy and Mullen that a way must be found to put in place an extended process of consultation. We should approach broadcasters - perhaps, as Senator Gilroy stated, TG4 - which might be willing to devote more time to airing the proceedings of this House. Consideration should also be given to establishing a national forum on the Seanad. This would allow us to engage in a national conversation regarding the value of the work done here. Democracy is an extremely fragile flower and in the run-up to the referendum we should be careful that this House will not be abolished on a whim without the ramifications thereof being fully considered in the first instance. If the Leader could consider both of my proposals in this regard, I would be very grateful.

I support Senator Mac Conghail's call for a debate on the quality of the education imparted to children in classrooms. Such a debate should maintain a clear focus on educational outcomes around literacy and numeracy. As a former educator, I am aware that imparting knowledge to children is not easy.

Considering the many issues with which teachers have to contend, much of the time it is down to the expertise of the teacher in the classroom and how he or she manages all the problems. I believe we need a debate on the matter.

I am very concerned at the decisions being made by the HSE without clear communication with the Minister. This ties in with something Senator O'Brien said. I had first-hand experience of this yesterday when we brought a delegation from UCHG to meet the Minister for Health. That hospital is seeking 24 nurses just to keep theatres open and eliminate the backlog. Four of the hospital's 16 theatres could not be used because of a lack of nurses.