Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following:

—expresses regret at the tragic and untimely death of Mr. Pat Joe Walsh at Monaghan General Hospital recently;

—welcomes the initiation of an independent report into the circumstances of Mr. Walsh's death;

—looks forward to the Health Service Executive implementing operational policies in the light of this report and others so as to ensure patients in each region receive all necessary treatment to the highest standards of safety and care;

—commends the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and the Government for the substantial reform actions taken in the course of the last year including:

—the establishment of a single, unified Health Service Executive with maximum financial responsibility and accountability to replace the outdated former health board system;

—the comprehensive range of initiatives to deal with all the factors causing difficulties to patients at accident and emergency;

—the first ever independent audit of cleanliness across major hospitals;

—the opening of new acute beds throughout the country to bring the total to 900 more than in 2001;

—the opening of new accident and emergency departments in Cork University Hospital and Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown;

—a 29% increase in medical card income guidelines, the largest increase in 30 years;

—the introduction of doctor visit medical cards to enable families on modest incomes visit their GP free of charge;

—the impetus for the Health Service Executive to seek tenders for a GP out of hours service in north Dublin;

—the resolution of industrial relations disputes and the opening of contract talks with representative bodies of consultants, non-consultant hospital doctors and general practitioners;

—the development of a national radiotherapy network to provide essential cancer services for patients in each region of the country;

—a specific focus on the needs of older people and the development of long-term care policy, including the preparation of clear standards for nursing home care; and

—establishing after 29 years a clear and legally sound basis for contributions by care recipients to the cost of shelter and maintenance in residential care;

—welcomes the efforts which are being made by the Health Service Executive to address the issue of hospital acquired infections, including MRSA; and

—expresses confidence that the continuation by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and the Government of substantial reforms matching increased investment will deliver improved care for patients.

I apologise on behalf of the Tánaiste who cannot be here this evening because she is meeting with the Walsh family. I wish to share time with the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley. I welcome the opportunity to underline the Government's commitment to improving patients' experience of accident and emergency services in hospitals.

I was shocked to learn of the tragic death of Patrick Walsh at Monaghan General Hospital and, like everybody else, I extend my sincerest sympathies to the family. I do not intend to debate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Walsh. The Health Service Executive has commissioned Mr. Declan Carey, a consultant surgeon at Belfast City Hospital and an honorary senior lecturer at Queen's University to carry out an independent and external review of these circumstances. The review is to be completed and a report issued within eight weeks. The full truth will emerge and nothing will be hidden.

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