Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Cullinane, Gilroy and others mentioned mental health services and concerns about psychiatric services. I will try to arrange for the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, to come to the House in September, as Senator Gilroy has requested.
Senators Eamonn Coghlan and Noone raised the question of obesity and the amount of time allocated to PE in primary schools, in particular. It has been noted that it has not increased over the past number of years. Again, there is a need for significant progress in that area.
Senator MacSharry mentioned the west north-west hospitals group's report on maternity services. I think it was pointed out by the Minister that it will not feed into the national review of maternity services and the report has been abandoned totally at this stage. I noted the points made by the Senator which have been raised by a number of other Senators regarding the staffing of the health service.
Senator Mullins mentioned an article in The Irish Timeson mother and baby homes, and county homes.
Senator Paul Coghlan mentioned the Killarney National Park and the mountain meitheal. He corrected the record of the House regarding the matter.
Senator Healy Eames mentioned advertisements stating "not for student rental" which have been in many newspapers. She asked whether it was fair to add such a proviso. I honestly do not believe it is fair to state that in an advertisement. Many difficulties have been witnessed by many students and their parents when trying to gain student accommodation for their children in the Dublin area and in the greater Dublin area, in particular. I will raise the matter with the Minister.
Senator Moran mentioned tobacco products. We will have ample opportunity to debate the topic on Committee and Report Stages of the packaging of tobacco Bill which will be taken in the House this afternoon. She will be able to raise the points she mentioned at that time.
Senator Colm Burke raised points about consultants. He also raised the cost of professional indemnity insurance, a matter which he has raised in the House previously. I think he had an Adjournment motion on the same subject. If he did not, I suggest that he table a motion on that particular issue.
In conclusion, Senator Noone urged us all to get more active.