Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Feighan spoke about Brexit developments and complimented those involved in bringing us to a point at which another interim solution has been proposed. It is a little like Groundhog Day. For our part, we have done our bit in supporting the UK in getting the best result it can.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of a home in County Roscommon. I am trying to find the name of the property. Having spoken to Senator Hopkins recently, I know for a fact that she has been working very hard on this issue. The Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly; the Minister, Deputy Harris; and the Taoiseach's office have been working on it for the past year and a half. There is a need for constructive and proactive action.We need answers on how we support these residents and deal with the future of this unit. It strikes me as an issue that would be worth raising as a Commencement matter. Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the health service supervisory role and I think the debate he suggested on the supervisory mechanism, particularly in the private sector, is a very good suggestion. As usual, the Senator is very much in tune with the health service.

Senator Horkan raised the issue of cycling and I commend him for doing so. His suggestion that we have a debate on that is a no-brainer. It is disappointing if numbers are reducing. Like the Senator, I feel there are more people on bikes but maybe there are not. The debate could perhaps address activity levels and cycling generally. The point the Senator makes about drivers being frustrated with cyclists and not treating them as well as they might is valid. Not many of them actually think, "thank God he is on a bike because otherwise I would be a longer time waiting at traffic lights." That debate would be very worthwhile.

Senator Byrne referred to the MS society and the need for a specialist nurse in Limerick, and indicated that three or four are necessary although one has been promised. It seems to be a funding issue and, going back to contributions from other Senators, it is something we clearly could raise with the Minister in a debate. There is a need for the Minister for Health to come into the House sooner rather than later. It would also be a good issue to raise on a Commencement debate.

Senator Gallagher raised the cross-border health directive unit, which is a very important issue. It is an excellent initiative. I spoke to somebody recently who had a hip operation and it all went very smoothly. Perhaps that person was not as concerned as others might be about getting the refund quickly. That is a significant issue for people as the amount can be up to €10,000 or €15,000. It needs to be fast-tracked. It strikes me as an issue that would be suitable for a Commencement debate to get a more specific answer from the Minister.

In response to Senator Mullen, I think we were all frustrated by how things developed yesterday at the committee before which the FAI appeared. It is extremely frustrating that witnesses who were there to facilitate the committee in coming to conclusions and getting to the bottom of an issue could just use legal advice and show an unwillingness to answer questions. I agree with the Cathaoirleach's point that reviewing this issue at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges is probably the most appropriate course of action. As the Senator said, there is a necessity to empower committees in that sense.