Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

In response to Deputy Devins, it was very disappointing that the views of the Opposition were not accommodated in the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, as they have been in many committee reports on issues about which opinion has been diverse. In fairness to the former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, diverse opinions were accommodated under his chairmanship. Another committee of which I was a member, the All-Party Committee on the Constitution, also accommodated highly diverse opinions on the issue of property rights.

I welcome this opportunity to contribute to the Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004, which provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for certain health and social care professionals. In the brief time left to me, I ask the Minister of State to assist me with regard to information I sought from his senior Minister by means of parliamentary questions. The information requested is usually provided within four days of tabling a parliamentary question. On 10 May, I asked the Minister to provide data on the budget for suicide research and prevention in 2005. I have tabled a similar question each year for many years and usually receive a reply within four days.

It is important to have this information as it enables me to participate in debate on suicide prevention and research. On tabling the question on 10 May, the Minister, instead of issuing a response, referred it to the newly established Health Service Executive. Seven weeks later, I still await the information requested. It is frustrating that I was provided the information in previous years within four days, which allowed me to participate in debate on the issue of suicide and exchange views with Ministers on the matter. As the recess approaches, I do not have the facility to elicit the information as the Minister would refer any further parliamentary questions to the Health Service Executive again. Will the Minister of State please——

See this speech in context