Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of our Army rangers is an important one. They undergo operations in absolute secrecy and it is important they are allowed to do that. The Tánaiste's statement reinforces that viewpoint.

Senators Richmond, Murnane O'Connor and Byrne paid tribute to the Irish ladies hockey team and we congratulate on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games. We wish them well. We are delighted we have new heroes on the pitch. I would have happy to arrange for a debate on sport and women in sport.

Senators Devine, Byrne and Conway raised the issue of overcrowding in our hospital emergency departments and, in particular, the number of people on trolleys. Whether it be one person or many people being treated on trolleys, it is one person too many. I have stated here previously the management of people on trolleys and our hospitals seems to be a major issue. I think there is a game going on in our health system. Vested interests are taking our patients, who should be at the centre of care in our health system, and are relegating them as part of a game-----