Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I support the motion. In the brief time available I want to express my sympathy to the Walsh family on the death of Pat Joe Walsh in Monaghan General Hospital. Unfortunately, that death was the result of a pre-Hanly policy, which is now a Hanly policy, and it is a scenario we can foresee happening in many hospitals throughout the country unless the Hanly proposals are set aside. In terms of the policy decisions that were taken, there is no doubt that if the Hanly proposals are implemented, other cases such as that of Pat Joe Walsh will occur throughout the country. I ask the Tánaiste to put on record her position regarding the Hanly proposals. The Taoiseach has already said he will not be proceeding with them. I ask the Tánaiste to tell us whether she agrees with the Taoiseach and to outline her view on the Hanly proposals.

I support fully the call in the motion to open immediately all outstanding hospital wards and facilities. In 1986 and 1987, 50 beds were closed in St. Vincent's Hospital in Tipperary town, in my constituency, and the service in that constituency has been in a serious condition since. A total of €30 million has been spent on facilities in Clonmel and €12 million in Cashel but those facilities remain closed. The facility in Clonmel has been closed for over two years and the one in Cashel for over 12 months. I hope those facilities will be opened immediately.

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