Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I support Senator Mooney in his request to the Leader to remind the Minister of Health, when he comes before the House next week, that we would like to be able to talk about generic drugs. If he has the report in his possession and is able to answer questions on it, that would be of huge benefit. I am stunned at what Senator Mooney reminded us of, namely the huge difference in cost between patented and generic drugs. If a doctor automatically uses brand names the chemist is obliged to dispense that rather than generic drugs which might cost a fraction of the price. There is no cost to the doctor but there is to the State. We must have a discussion on the issue.

The intention to introduce two changes was announced yesterday. Senator Whelan referred to one, namely investment for immigrants and the removal of some of the tight controls on visas. When I read about it I became worried because almost nine years ago I introduced the passports for sale ban in this House. It was accepted on Second Stage and the then Government moved to deal with what I was worried about. Those who may not have been here at the time will remember the scandals when a Minister or a Taoiseach was free to issue passports and there were no controls, as far as I could see.

We introduced a Bill which became law. I was worried when I read yesterday that people emigrating to Ireland with an investment could get naturalisation papers of some sort. I understand, from what I have read, that is not so. I am concerned that based on what I read in a newspaper, the measure does not require legislation. I would like to make sure that we have a discussion on the issue in the House and it should happen in the very near future while it is on our agenda.

The Leader might accuse me of being biased. It was proposed yesterday that alcohol should no longer be sold in supermarkets and petrol stations. I am speaking with a vested interest. That sort of proposal from the Joint Committee on Health and Children needs discussion and it should take place in the House at some point. Steps can be taken and the committee has proposed some of them. It appears to me that it would be a rather draconian step to take. Prohibition was introduced in the United States in 1919 and abolished in 1932, but at that stage it had created many difficulties. It is a reminder that sometimes we can be more subtle in our solutions than having to use such a big stick.