Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

If the Taoiseach is not prepared to give political direction, that is a clear indication he is on his way out of office. The Taoiseach should note that I did not arrive at any conclusion about Monaghan hospital. I did not ask him to issue an individual direction in respect of any hospital. We are talking about the competence of the health service and the health authority and about 200,000 patients in that region.

Persons of skill and medical experience were unable to operate on Mr. Walsh, who bled to death in Monaghan hospital. They could not operate because of an administrative blockage which can be cleared for this hospital and for every hospital under section 10 of the Health Act. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children is entitled to so do if she wishes.

As this matter is so confused, perhaps the Taoiseach will explain why a surgeon in Monaghan this year, the same person who could have carried out the operation on Mr. Pat Joe Walsh, was criticised by hospital management and the Health Service Executive for carrying out such an operation. If the Tánaiste wishes to give the Taoiseach a briefing, I will wait until she is finished.

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