Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Several parents of children with narcolepsy have indicated their concern to me as a consequence of the confusion that arose last week when the Health Service Executive indicated it would no longer be providing support to those children. I understand that statement was later withdrawn, but the doubts remain. These children developed narcolepsy, also known as the sleeping sickness, after being administered the Pandemrix flu vaccine some years ago. I spoke only yesterday to a family who are very concerned by the confusing message from the HSE and the implications for their child. This is the type of issue to which the Department of Health should respond immediately in order to provide clarification.

My colleague, Senator Sean D. Barrett pointed out yesterday that the debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill was cut short before we had an opportunity to debate a range of issues that would have been well worth debating. I am not suggesting that we would vote on the amendments we did not reach; I accept that the Bill has gone through and understand the reason for its being guillotined. However, it would be a shame not to debate some of those issues. For example, Senator Barrett tabled a recommendation on the development of electric cars, which we did not reach. These are the types of topics we should be debating in this House and I urge the Leader to facilitate that in the new year.

I welcome the great news that the Chinese Government is investing in the establishment of an international university campus of UCD in the city of Yantai, which is expected to open in two years time. This is a huge step forward but it did not happen by accident, the authorities in UCD having been engaged with their colleagues in northern China for some time. That effort has come to fruition with this announcement, which is a good example of how hard work, persistence and a smart strategy - sending people out and making contacts - can bring great benefits to both parties.