Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I do not want to dwell on this point. With due respect, I contend the head cardiologist in Limerick stated in public on the radio that the decision would have an impact on patient care. I do not wish to have a response from Mr. O'Brien but I ask him to have the inspection carried out immediately.

I want to move on to the general items. Without straying into policy, I will keep to the facts and figures. The over-run to the end of September was €372 million. Mr. Woods might outline the overspend per month this year. Given the projections, was there an incremental build-up? What were the figures at the end of January and February? Why has the HSE found itself needing to take drastic action three months before the year end?

How much remains unclaimed in terms of fees from private insurance companies? In this regard, there is a delay in the submission of paperwork by some consultants. It would be like a business not billing its clients. A cut of €8 million to home help hours is being announced today. It will impact on ordinary people. We must ask legitimate questions. The HSE has a job of work to do, but how has this situation evolved during the year and what is the estimate for unclaimed fees? The latter is a work in progress, as consultants have not submitted claims. It beggars belief.