Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I support my colleagues who have spoken on the issue of suicide. This matter would be an ideal topic for a public consultation session, similar to what is happening with representatives of older people. It would be an opportunity to bring in the groups and representatives who work with people dealing with the trauma of suicide. It would be a worthwhile exercise and would do great service to this House.

I support Senator Keane in her condemnation of the HSE for its attempts to withhold legitimate travel expenses from front line staff. If the HSE has to withhold the travel expenses from anyone, it should be from the more senior and top-level management and executives throughout the country. If the HSE carries out its proposal, the only people who will suffer are those depending on the call from the public health nurse or a home help. The HSE should be ashamed of itself for contemplating this method of saving money coming to the end of the year.

I have written to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, about the independent inquiry into the "Prime Time Investigates" programme. I want to make certain that the Fr. Reynolds case will be dealt with and that a second case, concerning another family, is also included. The family feels their relative's reputation has been impugned. I ask the Leader to confirm with the Minister that this is the case. If it does not happen, there will be further expense incurred by the State because a second inquiry will be called for.