Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I fully support this motion and welcome its identification of the devastating effects of current HSE cutbacks and, in particular, its focus on the massive gaps in the provision of neurology services in this State. The motion speaks at the outset of the impact of cuts and staff shortages on patients in general. Given that the Minister for Health and Children is here, I have to note the outrage that is growing daily throughout the country at the cutbacks being imposed by the HSE and its policy of destroying the services provided in local hospitals.

Yesterday I revealed the internal HSE plan to impose a sentence of death on Monaghan General Hospital and a sentence of hard labour on Cavan General Hospital. Under this Taoiseach and the Minister, the HSE plans to close 50 acute inpatient beds and six critical care beds in Monaghan by the end of November. In one fell stroke Monaghan will be denied the ability to care for 3,000 acute inpatient admissions per annum. Those admissions will have to be dealt with by Cavan, which already has 5,000 inpatient admissions per annum and 160% bed occupancy.

I hope the Minister and the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Devins, are discussing the issues I am addressing.

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