Dáil debates

Wednesday, 27 February 2008

11:00 am

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

——given the Tánaiste's verdict on other people. The Whips have spoken about the value of debate in the House. Tomorrow it is planned to have statements on the difficulties between the HSE and the pharmacies. The Tánaiste is aware of the concern of elderly and vulnerable people about the availability of prescription medicines. The all-party committee on health and children met for three days on this issue. Two motions were put before the committee and both were voted down by the Government members of the committee. Having statements on the issue again tomorrow is a worthless exercise. The Tánaiste might invite the Whips to discuss putting down a motion on the issue so Members could speak for and against it. The statements planned for tomorrow are effectively useless, and the Tánaiste is aware of that.

Second, when will the Cabinet make a decision in respect of a declaration of support or otherwise for Kosovo, which declared its independence last week? I have seen reports that the Government is about to make a decision in this regard.

Third, the Tánaiste will recall the tragic bus accident in Kentstown, County Meath, three years ago in which five young girls lost their lives. Both Meath County Council and Bus Éireann have admitted liability. The case now rests with the garage where the bus underwent its NCT. This case commenced yesterday but the Courts Service of Ireland has a problem in that there is no courtroom to hear the case, so it has been postponed until January 2009. The parents involved are understandably devastated. In respect of the legal services Bill or the position of the Courts Service, will the Tánaiste undertake to find out if something can be done whereby a courtroom can be made available to hear this case? It is the first time the parents have spoken out about the matter and they are devastated. Deputy McEntee received a dozen telephone calls about it this morning.

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