Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Before the Minister, Deputy Devins, repeats his claim, I remind him that fewer neurosurgery operating slots are available now than 25 years ago. He should chew on that for a minute. In 2006, 1,000 non-urgent patients were on a waiting list for a bed at the neurosurgery centre. Cork University Hospital is the only other hospital in the State with a neurosurgery department but it is limited by staffing and medical equipment in what it can do. Professor Bolger has described the national neurosurgery service as a mess. He stated that we have nine neurosurgeon consultants in Ireland, six in Beaumont and three in Cork, but if we were in line with the UK, which has the lowest in Europe, we would have 16 based on our population and by US and continental Europe standards we should have 20 to 30.

Promises to improve neurosurgery services have repeatedly been broken. At Beaumont, priority is given to making space for one of the Government's precious private-for-profit hospitals on a co-located site. The long promised psychiatric unit at Beaumont is again to be deferred because the private hospital that the Minister cherishes is to be located on the site earmarked for this vital facility.

Many issues have arisen in respect of this State's health delivery systems. They are complex and a mighty effort will be required to correct them, yet there is no intent on the part of the Minister and her colleagues to address them in the interests of ordinary people who depend on our public health system. This motion identifies one area of pressing need in health care. There are many others and we are all equally affected. At any given time, the needs of neurosurgeons and all of the other related support staff could be our need also. Let no one in the Chamber forget this. The real pain and hardship caused by the Government's failure in its health delivery responsibilities are again exposed here today.

In conclusion, it is a shame on the Minister and her colleagues. I join in the demand for justice for patients requiring neurological services in this State. As a first reaction, the Minister might consider wrapping up her position as Minister and joining the outgoing Taoiseach as he makes his way out of that role and responsibility in the coming days. It is time to say adieu.

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