Mary Moran (Labour)

I echo the sentiments of Senator Darragh O'Brien on the urgent need for something to be done on the care of children in hospitals. Yesterday I had to attend the hospital in Crumlin with one of my children and saw at first hand an overcrowded waiting room, which seems to be the norm. One of the nurses informed me that the hospital now deals with 50 patients in a clinic that five years ago dealt with 30 patients with the same staffing level. I could not fault the level of care, support and concern. The staff still had time to talk to the children and I do not know how they do their job. The room was overcrowded with anxious parents standing and anxious children waiting. The room was unhealthy in a supposedly medical care building.

I also welcome the announcement of the PayPal jobs as I did not have the opportunity to do so yesterday. I am so glad that Dundalk has been chosen for 1,000 jobs. It is strategically located being 50 miles from both cities.

I wish to raise one other very quick point.