I am flummoxed by the Government's audacity to bring forward Bills that it purports to be in the interests of children when it already has a particular track record. Its legacy will be horrendous for children.

I support the call made by my colleague, Senator Darragh O'Brien, for a debate on and an appropriate commemoration of the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf. It would be a pity if such an historic event, in particular the part played by the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, went unnoticed either by these Houses or the public at large. It is a milestone in the history of the country. Any of us who studied history at school will recall that it was a fundamental event in the history of the island. In some recent articles Brian Boru was compared with other great military leaders from across Europe and his military calibre and skills as a strategist were extolled. I put it to the Leader that the least that we can do in this House is have a proper debate to commemorate the occasion.

I wish to raise an issue related to the construction of pylons. As the Cathaoirleach knows, earlier today thousands of people were on Molesworth Street to protest and express their concerns about the issue. People from my own county have told me - I am sure many other Members have had the same experience - not just about the blight on the landscape but also about their genuine concerns about the health risks posed to their children in living under or adjacent to such power lines. It is time to have a full debate on the issue, particularly on the failure of EirGrid to engage properly and meaningfully on what is a source of real and genuine concern for the many people who live in the areas that will be affected by the project.

I agree with Senators Jim Walsh and Darragh O'Brien on an appropriate commemoration of Brian Boru. I have suggested previously that the Seanad consider meeting in Dromoland Castle, one of the homes of the O'Briens connected with Brian Ború.

I have not yet sent the Senator an invitation.

Transfer altogether.

The O'Briens are also connected with Killaloe. It would be most appropriate if we were to consider meeting at a location outside the city of Dublin to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary. I request that the Leader write to the Taoiseach to see if the Cabinet would be willing to hold one of its meetings in County Clare to coincide with the celebrations which are taking place. I commend all those involved in Clontarf, Cashel and Killaloe who have put such an effort into commemorating this important part of our history.

I wish to raise another issue. I am extremely concerned that there has been an 18% rise in the number of patients on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle. The mayor of County Clare recently found himself on a trolley for over 24 hours. It is totally unacceptable that there has been such a dramatic increase. Nurses in Dooradoyle have advised us that the position in the hospital is chaotic and that they are barely able to do their jobs. This cannot be allowed to continue. At the time of the Hanley report there was a reconfiguration of hospitals, including Ennis and Nenagh, when the 24 hour consultant-led accident and emergency units were closed at night and assurances were given that a first class service would be provided at Dooradoyle. Staff at the hospital are providing a first class service but the problem is now overcrowding.

It is incumbent on the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, to take control of the issue because it has reached crisis point. The direct intervention of the Minister for Health is required to resolve the issue in order to give confidence to the people of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and other counties who rely on this service at a crucial time in their lives.