Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators D'Arcy, O'Sullivan and Healy Eames raised the issue of the enslavement of women. Senator D'Arcy mentioned the dreadful situation we witnessed in Cleveland. More than 800 women are enslaved in this State. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking)(Amendment) Bill will come to the House on 23 May. We also debated a Private Members' motion tabled by Senator Zappone on the matter a number of months ago. It will be dealt with and the Minister for Justice and Equality has asked the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality to prepare a report on this issue. I understand the committee will report in the next few weeks.

Senators Reilly, Harte and Noone referred to data roaming charges, which affect communities on both sides of the Border. I will inquire of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources whether anything can be done to address it.

Senators Whelan, Landy and Kelly raised the issue of narcolepsy and the need to assist meaningfully the 54 families affected by this disease. I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Senators, and I will seek clarification from the Minister for Health. These people should be looked after now rather than face further delays. I will find out the position from the Minister.

Senator MacSharry referred to hospital waiting lists. The number of people on the lists has significantly reduced from the number we inherited. When Fine Gael took up office, we set up a special delivery unit in the Department of Health, which has yielded wonderful results in many parts of the country. As Fianna Fáil would say, there is a lot done and a lot more to do. I heard that slogan used by its members on another occasion. Senator Burke pointed out that when we took office, there were 1,700 hospital consultants but that number has increased to 2,500. It is a significant result to have increased that number by 800 and our aim is to increase the number to 3,500. I assure Opposition Members, much to their disappointment, that this will be done during our term in office. Senator Burke also indicated that 48% of the people are on medical cards, an increase of more than 250,000.