Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss the success of JobPath and the activation measures which have enabled people to get jobs. That is a most fundamental point.

The Cathaoirleach has ruled on Senator Norris, therefore I will not address his admonishment of a Member of the Lower House. I will leave it at that.

Senator Colm Burke raised the need for the national development plan to include investment in our hospital system. Like the Cathaoirleach, I come from the city of Cork. I ask that, as part of the national development plan, we have a commitment to the development of a new hospital for Cork. We are well served by our existing hospital, but there is overcrowding in Cork University Hospital and the two voluntary hospitals, the South Infirmary and the Mercy, are in need of refurbishment.

We need to ensure a new centre of excellence is created not just for the Cork region but also beyond. As Senator Burke said, it is about ensuring we have investment and can tackle significant health issues and ensure people access treatment and care. A new hospital for Cork would serve the community in the Munster area well. As Senator Burke said, there has been an increase in its population. That should be developed as part of the hospital infrastructure facility framework. I join with Senator Burke in stating that there is a need and demand for the hospital to be built.

Senator O'Donnell also welcomed the Regeneron jobs for Limerick announced yesterday. I am sure Senator Gavan would join in that welcome.

Senators Marie-Louise O'Donnell, Horkan and Boyhan raised the issue of property tax. I would be happy for a debate in the House on the issue. As Senator Horkan knows quite well, it was part of the deal signed by Fianna Fáil and the troika. We need a debate on taxation because we cannot go back to a model where we expect a few to pay for everything. Whether we change how we impose taxes, let us have that debate. We cannot have an expectation that the Government provides everything and no one pays for anything. I know people are not saying that, but let us have that debate.

Senator McDowell made reference to the need for what I would call a quango for Dublin. I would be somewhat worried about creating a new structure. We already have a city council-----