Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to discuss a matter of urgent national importance, namely, in light of the HSE cutbacks at University College Hospital in Galway, which is leading to the postponement of breast cancer biopsies and a further two week delay in the results of smear tests and furthermore the planned cancellation of 75 orthopaedic operations per month at Merlin Park regional hospital in Galway, that these curtailments of services will lead to severe suffering and anxiety for patients in the west. There is an urgent need for the Minister for Finance to intervene directly in this situation and reinstate these valuable and long-term cost-saving health procedures before lives are put at serious risk.

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