Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is my point. Clinicians, the HPRA and the Chief Medical Officer, all of whom are more qualified than people like me, are making these pronouncements. If one criticises or questions, one is seen to be a maverick. As Senator Devine stated and as the programme showed, women are suffering. They were healthy, able-bodied and leading full and active lives prior to their procedures.The question is how this has happened and why their lives have deteriorated. I have not got the answer but I want to see solutions found for these women. The stories on "Prime Time" would leave one appalled and questioning how it happened. There is a deficit now for them. I am happy to work with colleagues to ensure the women receive the answer.

Senator McFadden raised the issue of flooding. The OPW and the ESB must take cognisance of this issue. The Senator has been prolific in her own community, working with people on flood defences. I commend her for that. It is very important that we do not allow a situation to continue in which homes and businesses, in the case of Cork city and across the midlands, are flooded because of a lack of proactivity by the OPW, the ESB and the county councils. I will have that debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, in the coming weeks.

Senator Norris raised the issue of the 16 year-old Palestinian girl and the demonstration. The issue of Palestine and the way the people are being treated is one we need to keep at the forefront of our affairs and I wish the Senator well in his discussions with RTÉ. I look forward to having a debate with him and other Members of the House following his meeting with RTÉ.