Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Taoiseach agree that this very late decision is worrying and what messages does it send out? Is the Taoiseach aware of the great disaffection and disgruntlement in the IMPACT trade union, which represents some 25,000 health service workers and is advising its members not to participate in briefings organised by the new Health Service Executive? Does he agree this is a worrying indicator of a failure to properly involve, consult and engage with one of the key elements within the overall configuration of workers within the health services? Does he agree that this is a result of the failure to properly explain to and engage with the union and its membership and that people feel they have been left in the dark?

Will the Taoiseach explain to the House why, a short time before the changeover from what remains of the health board structures to the new Health Services Executive, we are looking at absolute chaos? Why has the Government so mis-managed this proposed transition? Is the Taoiseach also aware that people with disabilities have expressed concern? While they have been engaged in a liaison role with the existing health structures, they are in the dark as to how they are to relate to the new health structure when it is established. This is a further example of the same approach with regard to the IMPACT union.

Will the Taoiseach explain why the Minister for Health and Children has deemed it necessary to reappoint the existing chief executive officers of the outgoing health boards for a further six months?

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