Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Leader has listened very carefully to Members in the past year. Ever since the people of Ireland voted to maintain this House, the Leader has responded in the ideal way. That we are having a debate on the post office network this evening is another example of the Leader's response.

We need to discuss the various topics to do with economics. The issue of quantitative easing, the question of debt and the election in Greece warrants a discussion. Today, Aer Lingus is an issue. I have always argued in general that the State does not do as good a job in running businesses as private business and enterprise, but to say that in this case can be too simple an answer. Let us make sure we have that debate and discuss the question of Aer Lingus early. If the people of Ireland voted to maintain this House, it is precisely to debate topics such as this so that they can get a viewpoint that can be of benefit. I urge the Leader to have that debate sooner rather than later. I think Senator Darragh O'Brien was correct when he said it was not the duty of this House to make those decisions, but we can advise, consult and give an opinion which would be useful for the Government to hear.

Several years ago we passed legislation on organ donation in this House but the Bill was never enacted. The Irish Kidney Association published figures this month which show that the donation of kidneys was the second lowest since it started compiling figures. Clearly something needs to be done in this area. I believe the new system of signalling one's intention about organ donation on the driving licence is a step in the right direction but it is only one of the steps we can take. The Irish Kidney Association is not enthusiastic about the opt-out system but let us debate the issue. The Joint Committee on Health and Children has voted in favour of an opt-out system as long as the family would have the final say. That is a debate we should have shortly.