Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The Minister knows my views on cancer services and my response to last week's report, and she knows what I want achieved for Tallaght. I will be very delicate because I do not want to upset any negotiations that might take place but I hope the right job is done.

It is important it is understood that even on the Government benches there are serious concerns about the freezing of appointments. I do not want to appear other than a fan of the HSE. However, Deputy James Reilly and I were colleagues for a long time on the health board at a time when the board answered questions and provided information to public representatives. It was not left to us to get memos from other people or to read in the newspapers what is being done. Many serious issues are being dealt with at present and the HSE should get its act together with regard to keeping public representatives informed.

The Health Service Executive indicated recently that Tallaght hospital would not be rewarded with additional consultants because of the performance of its accident and emergency unit. This policy discriminates against my constituents, the residents of the area. If there is a problem in the hospital, the HSE should take action against those who run the hospital, to whom I do not wish to be unfair. While people in Tallaght are satisfied with the Government's efforts to address health issues and the generous funding made available to the health service, they do not want to languish on trolleys in accident and emergency departments.

The motion refers to dental services. I was a member of a group chaired by Deputy Fiona O'Malley, which made recommendations in respect of orthodontic services. I hope some recognition will be given to the dental service.

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