Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I support comments already made about the service provided in Cregg House, and the compassion and care provided to the service users there. I have experience of this because I know a service user who benefitted greatly from that care and compassion. I call on the HSE to make a public statement today on its future intentions for Cregg House, because the people and their families who have loved ones in the care of Cregg House deserve clarity at this very difficult time. We also need clarity on what will happen to this €1.3 million deficit.

I support Senator Bradford's call for a debate on Syria. What is going on there is absolutely appalling. I wish to commend Amnesty International's condemnation of the situation and its description of it as a "humanitarian disaster" in its report this morning. I am glad that Amnesty International has finally come out with a report on the situation in Syria. The international community has a responsibility to act now; not next month or in six months. People are losing their lives due to the inaction of the international community. It happened in the past, it is happening now and it cannot happen any longer. I would like the Tánaiste to come into this House next week and outline what the Irish Government is doing on Syria. I know the Leader is doing his best, but this House has a proud record on humanitarian work and we have a role in promoting that.

I note the withdrawal by the ESRI of its report on unemployment.