David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I also want to pay tribute to all of those in Waterford who were part of the tall ships event. It was one of the best festivals which took place in the State over many years and has set a benchmark for the future. Hundreds of thousands of people were on the quays in Waterford and a huge effort went into organising and planning the event. I commend all of the volunteers, staff, management and local councillors and all of those who were supportive of the event and who attended it.

Two years ago, the only Irish sail training ship, the Asgard II, sank. As an island nation with maritime history, we have no sail training programme in the State or on the island. It is an issue that could be addressed by the House through all-Ireland North-South co-operation. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister are to come before the House and this is an issue on which we should work on an all-Ireland basis. Many young children who took part in the sail training programmes on the Asgard II experienced a life-changing event. This matter should be re-examined and the programme reinstated.

I restate our intent to have the Minister for Health come before the House to discuss issues which are of concern not only to Members of the House but also to those outside the House. The Minister will be in the House for seven hours this week to discuss legislation. This is fair enough but there is a plethora of health issues including the potential closure of accident and emergency departments in a number of hospitals, a shortage of junior doctors and nurses and a general crisis in health services. We want to have discussions on these with the Minister for Health but we cannot. However, he is coming to the House for seven hours to discuss legislation. The issues to be discussed in the context of the legislation pale into insignificance-----