Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator Feighan on his continued efforts with regard to the North over many years. I have already responded to the important issue he mentioned. It does not serve the overall greater good, and the purpose of the people in the North, to be constantly sectarian and adversarial. If two people who will never agree have a good fight every morning, it does not serve the people and the voices about which Senator Black spoke to any degree.

Senator Gavan raised the same issue and also the stroke issue, about which I have spoken. His points are well made. I think a health debate would be a good thing.

Senator Lombard raised the important issue of mobile phone and broadband coverage. We hear a lot of talk about broadband but, as the Senator has quite rightly said, there is little point in talking about broadband if we do not have mobile phone coverage. The Senator also mentioned the Citizens' Assembly, which I have addressed.

We heard sensible words from Senator Colm Burke this morning about junior doctors. He gave us a bit of a reality check. We cannot have it every way. If people want pay increases, we have to get the money from someplace. It does not fall from the sky.

Senator Burke also spoke about the national development plan and provided some figures in respect of administrative staff. I note and share his concerns. His suggestion that we should have a debate on a mechanism for tracking targets is a very good one and should be followed up, if possible.

I understand why Senator Ó Donnghaile spoke about the McAnespie family. It is an issue that occurred 30 years ago. It is positive that the Minister has agreed to meet the family, as the Senator has acknowledged. Perhaps the conversation could start from there. I cannot comment on the other aspect of the matter. My understanding is that perhaps it is not possible. I do not want to comment any further. It is for the Minister to have a conversation with the family. He has made his opinion on the issue known.