James Breen (Clare, Independent)

The Tánaiste tabled a motion of confidence in herself, but if the whip was not imposed, my former colleagues on the Fianna Fáil backbenches would table a motion of no confidence in her and her predecessor because of the mess they have made of the health service. Constituents of Fianna Fáil backbenchers are lying on trolleys waiting for beds. Six patients are on trolleys in Ennis General Hospital while 16 patients are waiting for beds in Limerick Regional Hospital. Later, the Fianna Fáil backbenchers will, like sheep going to be slaughtered, vote with the Government, which has let down the State's health service.

The accident and emergency department in Ennis hospital was so crowded a few weeks ago that patients were put in the reception area. I tabled a question to the Minister regarding whether there was a health and safety issue and she replied there was not. What would happen if a chair blocked an exit door to the Chamber and a fire broke out? Would it be a health and safety issue? What would the Minister say? There would be uproar, but poor patients are lying on trolleys blocking entry and exit doors to the hospital and that is not good enough. It is disgraceful that Government backbenchers and a few of my Independent colleagues will vote with the Government on this issue. The Ceann Comhairle is a lucky man he does not have to stand for election.

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