Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for always making himself available to this House. Given the busy nature of the Minister's Department, it is welcome that the senior Minister has always done so. Legislation such as this, the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill and others are less of a priority in the public mind and I thank the Minister for attending the Chamber on these matters. While we all support the Bill, I ask the Minister to monitor a number of points. I refer to the out-of-hours coverage that will be available and the viability of practices. There is an expectation that there will be a flood from the Beara Peninsula into Cork city rather than ensuring adequate services are made available. I refer to coverage in less popular locations.

Following the debate on Second Stage, I pointed out the concern about GPs in certain parts of the country where there is a casualty unit nearby and that there is a tendency to refer patients to casualty departments. I mentioned how GPs might like to play golf on a Wednesday afternoon. The Medical Independent, which I must praise for its monitoring of debate in the Seanad, has written an article specifically highlighting the negative points made in the debate about certain GPs not making themselves available to the extent that they might. I have clarified the point on its website and no offence was intended to the hard-working GPs throughout the country. The vast majority make themselves available, however true my point is about some who do not. We should monitor the situation.