Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Will the Minister do anything to reform the HSE to ensure there are clear lines of command and that people know who is responsible? That is the basic problem in the HSE. Will she slim down the senior management structures?

Does the Minister have a system of dealing with letters that come from professionals who indicate concerns? She mentioned that it was a nurse who indicated the problems that existed in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. A nurse manager brought attention to the problems in Portlaoise. Dr. Naughton's letter to the Minister and her predecessor did not get any response at all. If people see a serious problem in their place of work in the HSE, will there be an appropriate and specific response? Did Dr. Naughton get a reply to his letter from either the Minister or the then Minister, Deputy Martin?

A number of us referred to the questions raised by Europa Donna. Has the Minister put in place a system of assessing the gaps in the services in those designated centres? In many parts of the country, especially in Waterford, Cork and Limerick, the services are not up to the standard required. Is there a specific plan and timetable to provide the necessary resources so that we can have an even service throughout the country?

The Doherty report to which the Minister referred shows a level of incompetence in the management of services in the midlands. Did these managers get bonuses over the period of time highlighted in these reports? Has anyone been called to account for their various responsibilities? Is nobody responsible?

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