Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, I could make a smart comment but I will not. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross will come to the House on Thursday, 4 April.

Senator Swanick raised the very important issue of the waiting times for health services. As Members know, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris has announced a new plan to reduce the number of people waiting for appointments with a scheduled care access plan in terms of setting targets that will be met on a reduction of the number of patients waiting for appointments and for inpatient services. The point made by Senator Swanick, which is worth reflecting on by all people, is that waiting times cost money and those who do not turn up for appointments are costing money as well.

Tá díomá orm nár léigh Seanadóir Mullen tuarascáil an fhochoiste Seanaid mar gheall ar an amhrán náisiúnta a luaigh an Cathaoirleach. Tá obair déanta ag an Seanadóir Mark Daly agus ag an Leas-Chathaoirleach, Seanadóir Coghlan, mar gheall ar an national anthem.The Cathaoirleach pre-empted my reply. Senator Mullen must not have read the report of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, which had a good outcome relating to the need for and importance of our daltaí scoile ag foghlaim na focail san amhrán náisiúnta, being able to learn the words of the national anthem. I hope that we will see that happen across our schools.

Senator Reilly raised the issue of the Dóchas Centre in the context of the prison visiting committee report. I have not seen the report but any inappropriate behaviour must be condemned out of hand and cannot be condoned. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House about the matter.