Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)

I join other Senators in calling for a debate on the Smithwick report. If it is such a simple matter, why can we not have a short debate thereon? I am sure it could be facilitated but it is a matter for the Leader.

I would welcome a debate on older people. It is far too long coming. We now have a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs but there would be no harm in having one for older people, whose concerns are equally important. Older people have brought us to where we are; that is the way life works, yet we choose to treat older people in the most appalling manner.

Senator Walsh commented on RTE. I cannot put my point any better than he did, so I will not say anything more on the issue. Suffice it to say politicians must stop running themselves down. What are we at? This is a profession and we need to be professional about how we conduct our business. RTE and other media might try to bash us but we should not buy into that. I would welcome a debate on this point.