Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague, Senator Hopkins, in calling for the rehab money to be reallocated. Some €7.85 million was allocated a year ago and must be put into use immediately.

For anyone who is not familiar with what has happened at Roscommon hospital, some €20 million has been spent on it in the past five years, the endoscopy unit is open, there is an air ambulance, rehab services comprise a further project that is being planned and the Mayo Roscommon Hospice is building an eight-bed palliative care unit. One would not believe it, but the only problem at the hospital now is that there are not enough parking spaces for the increased capacity. If ever Senators are driving through Roscommon, I urge them to call in and see a most wonderful facility. After five years of negativity, the hospital is much safer. Speak with the consultants and managers. Sometimes, good news never gets out and we only hear the bad news. Do not ask me, ask the consultants and managers at the hospital.

Was last night not an amazing one? The President showed great enthusiasm and vigour. Seeing him there summed up everything. We are very proud of him. I was on a double-decker bus 28 years ago when the Republic of Ireland played England in Stuttgart. It brought great confidence to our country. I want the British to remain in Europe and I hope that they vote that way, but every morning that I wake up now, I think to myself that it has been 28 years since we beat England and it is a great day.

The French media commenting on Northern Ireland and Republic fans stated that, in terms of football, Ireland was unified. One person mentioned that watching the two sets of supporters was good for the soul. That is good news. Senator Ó Domhnaill will agree that this will translate into future marching seasons. We must build on it and not be afraid. The Seanad should shout this good news loudly because we have come a long way.