Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am sure the House will agree that we should express our condolences and sincere sympathies with the family of the late Pat Joe Walsh who died in Monaghan General Hospital on Friday last. Mr. Walsh's death was the latest in a number of tragic incidents in the north-eastern health area. Difficulties with health and hospital services are not new. The Taoiseach will be aware in recent years of the tragic case of Bronagh Livingstone and Benny McCullagh. It seems clear that the decision to withdraw permission to medical staff in Monaghan General Hospital to carry out surgical procedures after 5 p.m. was a critical feature in this latest tragic case.

One year ago this party tabled a Private Members' motion expressing concern over issues of quality in the health service in this area. Earlier this year I raised this matter with the Taoiseach on leaders' questions. Despite these political warnings nothing has changed. In the last two days both he and the Tánaiste have sought to distance themselves from any political responsibility for this tragedy and are now desperately trying to point a finger at the Health Service Executive. Today, in an article under a headline entitled "You would not let an animal die the way he died", the Tánaiste says that all questions relating to services and facilities available at different hospitals are now a matter for the HSE to determine. On Monday the Taoiseach is quoted as urging the HSE to look at hospital services in the Monaghan region and resolve the issues. He is further quoted as saying he hoped the HSE would resolve this situation.

The people are outraged at this latest tragedy. It is incomprehensible how a man can be allowed to die and his life's blood to flow away when the personnel, skills and theatre facilities were available in Monaghan General Hospital to carry out a life saving procedure. It is utterly astonishing the Government continues to wash its hands of political responsibility for the chaotic state of the health services.

Under section 10 of the Health Act 2004, the Minister for Health and Children can issue a written directive to the HSE. Will she now issue such a directive that in similar circumstances no administrative procedure will prevent surgical teams from carrying out life saving operations on any patient? Will the Taoiseach explain to the House and to the people how the circumstances surrounding the death of this man in Monaghan General Hospital are a matter for the HSE, but if the executive wants to buy a single computer, it is a matter for the Department of Health and Children? Arising out of this latest tragedy will the Taoiseach now see to it that Monaghan General Hospital is put back on call?

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