Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator John Whelan in calling for a full apology. Everybody in the State, including the Taoiseach, is of the opinion that the women in question and their families suffered for a long time. On reflection, an apology will be forthcoming. It has to be made because the period of our history in question must be acknowledged. I credit the Government for producing the report and former Senator Martin McAleese for presenting it yesterday. I fully support the sentiments of all Deputies and Senators on the issue.

I ask that the Minister for Health come to the House to explain the budgetary increases and decreases announced on Monday. Letterkenny General Hospital has been subject to an increase of 7%, owing to efficiencies and the hard work of staff and management. It is a credit to them. I caution the Opposition which was very quick off the mark to criticise the Minister for the announcement concerning Mr. Tony O'Brien from the HSE. I ask the Minister to explain the procedure to the Opposition. Mr. O'Brien, CEO of the HSE, explained it very well on "Six One News" on Monday evening. He stated categorically that no representations had been made to him by any Minister or politician on the budgets. This is the way forward. With respect to Fianna Fáil, it probably would have expected the Minister to have had a serious influence when it was in power, but Mr. O'Brien knocked that thinking on the head. The Minister should explain the procedure to us.