It needs to go beyond health.

We have started and we are going to see it through. That is why we have the whole issues around disclosure and accountability. It is important, in the long term, that we avoid these cases going to court. There is a programme of reform initiated by the Government and we will see the outcomes. I agree with Senator Conway-Walsh that there must be complete answers. We cannot allow for obfuscation. I want to see the answers and I hope we will ensure this will happen. I hope that Dr. Gabriel Scally's inquiry will be able to get to the bottom of this matter. He said he may not be able to get all the facts. However, he has undertaken his work. He is an experienced medical practitioner and has a distinguished career. I wish him well in his investigation. From talking to the Minister for Health and his officials, I know they want to see this matter resolved on behalf of the women of Ireland and their families.

As I said on a Bill yesterday, the Irish people go berserk when there is no accountability. They are correct. We need to see that happen and I know we will. It is important we have this matter resolved.

Senator Norris raised the issue of his motion before the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP. In a politically charged environment - I am a fairly good man myself to be involved in political charges – this afternoon's attack on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, was unfair. He has never once refused to attend the House. He has always been available to participate in this Chamber on the various debates we have asked him to attend. I think it is unfair the way he was characterised this afternoon.

I join with Senator Byrne in appealing to farmers to apply online for the basic payment scheme with its closing date on 15 May. I congratulate all those involved in the town and village renewal scheme and hope those interested in it will apply this year.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of mental health and that May is mental health awareness month. I wish all those participating in the Pieta House Darkness into Light event next weekend every success. I commend all who work in the area of mental health. The Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, is doing a sterling job with cross-party support in this House. Senator Murnane O'Connor is correct that talking is right. It is important to talk and highlight the issue completely.

Senator Craughwell also raised the issue of Lieutenant Colonel Hamill. I have not got the information he needs but I am happy to talk to the Senator afterwards. Where wrong is done, it should not have to be solved at the 11th hour on the steps of a courthouse. We should seek mediation by both parties much earlier.

That is appreciated.

Senator Hopkins raised the issue of the recent report on Portiuncula Hospital. Like many of us, we would like to offer our sympathies to the families whose lives have been devastated and tragically affected by the failures of the care given to them at the hospital. From looking at the news last Thursday night, what should have been a joyful and happy occasion turned out to be one of grief and sadness. I thank the families for coming forward to share their experiences with the review team. What we need now is absolute action. We have seen changes with the appointments of staff at the hospital. To the untrained eye, however, some of the issues involved, from reading X-rays to different functions, were not rocket science. I was stunned when I read the report and the testimony given. I welcome that we have seen changes. There is lead management in place and a different model for the delivery of care, along with significant investment in the hospital. Senator Hopkins is right that there is a need for the Minister to attend the House. I am happy for him to attend on a debate on the national maternity strategy, an important piece of work being done by the Government and which I hope will deliver for women.

Senator Horkan raised the important issue of climate change. The European Commissioner, Phil Hogan, referred to it in his address to the House several weeks ago. There is an obligation on us to have a conversation around climate change, in particular given the importance of agriculture to the country. The farming community has a critical role to play in the issue of climate change. I am happy for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, to attend the House on this matter. We must prioritise it and keep it to the forefront, in light of the fact that the US President, Donald Trump, has taken the US out of the Paris climate change agreement.

Senator McDowell raised the issue of Dublin City Council's proposals to demolish its apartment buildings. It is a matter for the council. However, he is correct that we need more housing. How we arrive at a model of delivery of housing is one that we can have a debate on and I am glad for the Minister to come to the House in that regard.

Senator Richmond raised the issue of linguistic skills. It is one we need to address given that we will soon be the only English language speaking country in the European Union. It is also important we promote the use of other languages with our schoolgoing population through our curriculum. I will be happy for the Minister to come to the House for a debate on that issue.

Senator Ó Céidigh raised the issue of the location of speed vans. It is important to recognise that one third of the deaths on our roads are caused by speeding. I know from travelling around the country that the speed vans are always in the same place. One could almost set one's clock as to when they will be at a certain location. They are, however, in places where there are many accidents.

Having said that, they should not be used as part of a moneymaking operation either. It is important that we all work to reduce accidents and deaths on the roads. Perhaps that means all of us taking the foot off the pedal a little more and being more conscious of speed. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss speed cameras.

Senator Burke made reference to our health system and the challenges in that regard.

I have dealt with the remarks of Senators Grace O'Sullivan, Lombard, Ned O'Sullivan and Coghlan in my reply.

I will conclude by congratulating Senator McDowell on his election and I wish him well. It is a big committee of 26 people and I hope he can herd the committee to a safe harbour to produce a report in a timely fashion.