Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I am delighted to contribute on this important topic. When I listened to the "One O'Clock News" with Sean O'Rourke today, the opinion poll under discussion showed a huge turn in favour of the Opposition, which would enable it to form a Government. A major issue in the featured constituency was that of health, in particular equipment purchased with public funds but left lying idle because the HSE and those responsible for putting it in place did not carry out the work. That situation will be replicated in constituencies, towns and cities throughout the country. There is no greater concern in the public mind than health and the situation of friends and family when they get sick.

Members of the public visit many public representatives every week seeking to have hospital beds provided. They know that the huge amount of money spent on the health service by the Government is delivering a poor service. Nobody will condemn it for spending the money but when a poor service is being delivered, somebody must be held accountable. That is the real concern. Some weeks ago the HSE and the Department of Health and Children came before the Joint Committee on Health and Children, where several of the issues raised concerned the waste of money. Following the contributions of the officials of the HSE and the Department on management of the health services, I have major concerns.

My constituency has seen one of the longest and most bitter struggles between two towns on the amalgamation of services and the location of a hospital. The transfer of surgical services from Cashel to Clonmel took place after Christmas but there is serious concern in the constituency about the need for reassurance that standards will remain high. Major resources have been invested and people have had to give up much in the context of the transfer of services. This is the first time the matter has been discussed in the House, despite an agreement over ten years ago to the transfer. I want an assurance that high standards will be maintained for the people of south Tipperary.

St. Patrick's Hospital in Cashel is one of the finest geriatric hospitals in the country. I am very much in favour of the future development of the hospital, which serves the needs of a wide community in south Tipperary. No matter what happens, if funds are not invested in services for older people, we are going nowhere as a country and as a people. I commend the work of the staff and all involved in St. Patrick's Hospital and support the submission the hospital has put before the Department. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, should remind those in power in the HSE that there is a role for St. Patrick's Hospital in Cashel. He should bring this matter to the attention of the Minister.

See this speech in context