Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

The Taoiseach was asked a number of questions by Deputy Kenny and Deputy Rabbitte on the injustice and shortcomings in the health service, mainly in Munster, as a result of the letter from Dr. Séamus O'Reilly. As the Taoiseach said, he does not know Dr. O'Reilly, but is it his intention to meet Dr. O'Reilly, given that it is something he asked for explicitly in his letter? He was anxious to explain the reality on the ground, which it is important for the Taoiseach to understand. I would like to know if the Taoiseach will meet Dr. O'Reilly.

Will he answer the question asked in regard to the shortcomings in Munster and not simply say there is a general situation throughout the country? Is it right that there is just one oncologist in the Cork region? Is this acceptable and adequate from the Taoiseach's point of view? Is it right that the one oncologist operates in four hospitals, catering for 500,000 people? Is it right that none of the hospitals has a seven-day inpatient ward? Will the Taoiseach acknowledge the many people who are of the view — I cannot understand why Professor Drumm is not of this view — that there are not sufficient beds? Dr. O'Reilly made it clear that people are dying at home, that they are not able to get a bed even when they are dying. Is it clear that there is a problem with bed numbers, to which there must be a response, and when will that response come?

In regard to BreastCheck, we all know one cannot announce the service today and provide it tomorrow. The Taoiseach knows this is not what the Government proposed.

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