Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

When will the women in Portlaoise who are still awaiting results have those results and thus alleviate their worry?

The Minister did not answer my question on the budget. She has stated what is available for Professor Keane to implement his strategy for this year but not what is available for next year and the year thereafter. It is essential that we know where the money is coming from and that there will be sufficient funds to transport patients when their local centres are closed. We must be absolutely clear that when the Minister is at arm's length from the process, that is, when Professor Keane is reporting to Professor Drumm, Professor Keane will not be scrambling around looking for funds to address this most important issue. What audit has been done of funding and how much will be provided? We cannot buy into the process if we do not know how it will be funded. The Minister has stated existing services will remain in place until the new ones are available. This cannot happen, unless new funds are allocated. How much will they amount to and for what will they be provided?

There are serious geographical concerns over the distances patients must travel in the north west. It takes two hours to travel between Sligo and Galway and even longer for those further afield. I urge the Minister to reconsider her proposals.

See this speech in context