Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

Two of the issues I want to raise have already been touched on but it is important I mention them. While I appreciate the Taoiseach has said the pharmacy (No. 2) Bill is a long way off, in light of the crisis regarding the pharmacies and the HSE could he consider a debate in the House on that issue? The health (long-term residential care) Bill has been discussed in the House since last February and the Taoiseach has still not given a date for its publication. People are being held to ransom in nursing homes and I urge the Taoiseach to resolve the matter. I received a letter today from a prominent consultant in the north-east area who has advised that the health service in that area is unsafe. Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda cannot cope.

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