Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I echo the concerns expressed by colleagues in respect of University College Hospital Galway. I am also concerned with regard to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick where another industrial dispute is due to take place either this week or next as a result of the terrible overcrowding and appalling conditions there. Will the Leader communicate to the Minister for Health the concerns of Members regarding the hospitals to which I refer? People in the Clare constituency in which I live attend at both of these hospitals. Since the 24-hour accident and emergency unit at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Ennis was closed, this matter is critical to them.

I agree with previous speakers who referred to Amnesty International's report, In Plain Sight. As is regularly the case with Amnesty International, the research carried out in respect of this report is extremely welcome and worthwhile. I concur with Senator van Turnhout and others that what happened in the past was appalling. The most constructive memorial we can have to the past is to ensure we put in place a world-class child protection policy. There is no reason this country cannot have the best child protection policy in the world. I suggest to the Leader that it might be worthwhile during a Friday sitting to have a debate on the Amnesty International report. There was a serious amount of resources and time used in commissioning the report which is a very valuable piece of research. There may be merit in dedicating time some Friday morning to a debate on it.