Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I did not have the opportunity to do so yesterday but I would like to extend my good wishes to my great colleague and friend, Senator Harte, and to wish him a speedy recovery. Many tributes were paid to him yesterday. He has contributed so much to this House and is such a popular figure. I think we would all agree that we wish him a very speedy recovery.

I also welcome the announcement of the first State visit by an Irish President to the UK in April 2014. I look forward to discussing many aspects of this visit in the House in the coming months.

I second and concur completely with the views expressed by Senator Mulcahy on the need for a debate on section 38 funding.

The Senator and I have worked on this matter during the past two years, and we have been astounded by some of the answers we received when we tried to inquire into funding, accounts and the money's destination. All of our salaries are public knowledge. It is only right and fair that we should debate the issue. We should be entitled to a breakdown of CEOs' salaries, particularly given yesterday's news about the top-ups to the top managers at some hospitals. During the past year, I told the House about my experience with one of my children at Crumlin hospital. The parents' quarters were in an appalling condition. So much could be done.

Like Senator Mulcahy, I am requesting a debate on this issue of value for money. Services such as respite care, catering, physiotherapy and occupational therapy are being cut. Let us examine what we are getting for our money.