Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Cowley is unlikely to become leader of the Fine Gael Party.

We had a relatively mild winter. Thanks be to God we did not have bird flu. There does seem to be a mild outbreak of influenza which is causing this problem. The Taoiseach has not answered my question or accepted my challenge. Last Friday a 90 year old man was admitted to the accident and emergency department at Mayo General Hospital having fallen in his house. At 1.40 a.m. on Saturday his 81 year old wife was contacted by the hospital to state the patient was being sent home. She has difficulty looking after herself, never mind looking after her husband. This is not the world-class service we were promised.

In a case from Galway, an 86 year old woman must wait two years for a seat which will allow her take a bath after she was placed on an emergency list by the Health Service Executive. In a case from County Cork, an appointment was made for a person on 15 July 2008. In heavy black print the letter states that if the person concerned is unable to attend, the outpatients' department should be notified on a number given in order that another patient may benefit. This is what we are at.

I repeat again that I will go to Beaumont Hospital this evening, which is not far from the Taoiseach's constituency. People have been told not to attend the accident and emergency unit because services are completely overstrained. Is the Taoiseach prepared to come with me to see what is happening on the ground there? I will give him backing if he takes appropriate action to sort out these matters.

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