Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I am conscious that the time is flying and others wish to contribute. Why was the matter not announced when the information was given by the HSE to the Department last Tuesday week? When exactly did the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children become aware of this matter? As the information was known well in advance of the commencement of yesterday's business, the first day of the Dáil following the recess, why was this matter not put on the Dáil schedule for this week in the normal course? Is it not ironic the that HSE has imposed penalties for alleged inefficiencies on hospital sites, including on Monaghan, Cavan and Navan hospitals in my region to the tune of €1.5 million, and yet has itself overseen such gross inefficiency to the tune of €56.4 million? Surely this will not be sold at local level.

See this speech in context